The Champions

Like in the military, Building Bridges depends upon leadership. In each location, we benefit from our amazing “Champions”—those who assume overarching responsibility for their sites. From securing a chef, to supervising volunteers, to fundraising and “getting the word out,” our Champions infuse Building Bridges with the energy it requires. Indeed, speaking with them, their response is invariably one of gratitude for the opportunity to authentically thank our veterans for their service. 

While some Champions are veterans, others are not. What binds them together is their shared commitment to serving those who selflessly served us. 

Below are just a few of our Champions at some of the Building Bridges sites. Whether you’re a veteran interested in attending a gathering, or are considering volunteering, or launching a lunch in your town, our Champions are at-the-ready to answer any questions you might have, and to extend the unqualified welcome, which is the stuff of Building Bridges:

Meet the Champions

Bob Tortolani

Bob Tortolani

BRATTLEBORO, VT

Dr. Bob Tortolani was a family physician for 44 years in and around Brattleboro.  He is a veteran and served in Vietnam.

“It is a pleasure to be a part of Building Bridges’ wonderful mission of bringing members of our veteran community together to share bread and good conversation at our monthly, delicious meals in Brattleboro. We are grateful to Building Bridges to make these monthly gatherings possible.”

Nora Meyer

Nora Meyer

HADLEY, MA

“It is my honor and privilege to be hosting our veterans at the Hadley Senior Center.   Recently, I had the privilege of sharing the July luncheon with my son from Texas.

Ronald is a 28-year veteran who was deployed to  Iraq and Afghanistan during this time.

He has since retired as CW 4 Federal Agent Ronald G. Meyer.”

David Stinson

David Stinson

KEENE, NH

Rear Admiral Stinson served for 31 years in the Navy as a chaplain in reserve status. His last assignment was as Deputy Chief of Chaplains.

In his time he served units of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

Dallas Stuck

Dallas Stuck

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

“Just a fellow Vet who loves to cook and serve or Brothers and Sisters!

Mom started teaching me to cook at age 10. Worked in restaurants as a child and actually owned one for a time! It’s in my blood and love doing this Mission!”

Dallas Stuck, E5, 4.2 Mortar Squad Leader

Dianna Beaulieu Schnopp

Dianna B. Schnopp

PITTSFIELD, MA

“I am a 4 time past Exalted Ruler. I am chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee which is something I firmly believe in.”

Bill Burch

Bill Burch

ATHOL, MA

“After retiring from the business world in 2020, I looked for opportunities to be more involved in community programs.

The best thing about  BB Veteran Lunches is being part of a team whose sole motivation is to say thank you to our local veterans who have given so much for their country.”

Dave McCarthy & Judy Fardig

SWANSEA, MA

The husband-and-wife team of Dave McCarthy and Judy Fardig coordinate the Building Bridges meal site at Christ Church in Swansea, Mass. Both have been long active in veterans’ activities and advocacy. They live in Warren, RI.

Dave served in a combat role with the Marine Corps in Vietnam. After his war-time stint, he served for two years as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot/San Diego.

Judy has served for many years on the Rhode Island Commission on Historic Cemeteries, where she has advocated for the protection and preservation of veterans’ gravesites. She is the long-time president of Warren Unit #11 of the American Legion Auxiliary. 

ECVW Champions

Ken Blanchard,
Lin Chambliss, Sr
& Heather Rudolph

EASTHAMPTON, MA

The Champions for our Easthampton luncheon is a shared responsibility of leaders of The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness, a collaboration of local veterans, city employees and the local VA medical center, with the goal of bringing veterans together to celebrate their service and foster community.

Ken Blanchard is an Air Force veteran who served stateside in Austin Texas, and who was looking for volunteer opportunities to help his fellow veterans.

Lin Chambliss, Sr. is an Army veteran who honorably served over 10 years stateside and overseas, to include two tours of combat with deployments to Central America in Honduras and Southwest Asia, also known as Desert Storm.

Heather Rudolph is a pediatric occupational therapist, mental health advocate, and former Army sergeant who served in Iraq.

Rusty Bridle

Rusty Bridle

HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Rusty Bridle champions Building Bridges, Hampton, New Hampshire with his wife, Louise.

Having dedicated 30 years to being a firefighter, and with many family members who have served in all branches of the military, Rusty personally vouches for the vital importance of fostering connections between civilians and our military heroes.

He believes that everyone involved in this initiative deserves recognition as champions.

“It’s not just about Louise and myself,” he says, “we are fortunate to have an exceptional team driving this effort!”

Tina Brohman

Tina Brohman

PALMER, MA

Tina Brohman is an Air Force veteran who has been married 34 years to a Marine. Tina has two children and two grandchildren, loves working with the veteran community, and being in the kitchen. Tina is a Veteran Service Office in the town of Palmer.
Ludlow Champion, Eric Segundo

Eric Segundo

LUDLOW, MA

After leaving the military, Eric Segundo continued his mission of service to our military members, veterans and their families, joining the VFW in 2009. In 2013, Eric was hired to the position of Director of Veterans Services for the Town of Ludlow and continues in that position today. As Director, Eric is the chief advocate for Ludlow Veterans and their families.