Jack Downing has been the driving force behind our organization since he joined Soldier On (then known as the United Veterans of America) in 2001. Jack's vision of changing the end of the story for formerly homeless veterans is what inspires the work we do on a daily basis, and our success speaks for itself. To learn more about Jack's vision for our residents, click here.  

Over his years with Soldier On, Jack has expanded our important partnership with the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Massachusetts Department of Veteran's Affairs and the Department of Labor on behalf of formerly homeless veterans. Jack has developed innovative programs in housing and clinical services for veterans including the Berkshire Veterans Residence, which opened in the fall of 2004.

Jack has been a dedicated member of the community for more than 35 years, and his experiences helping the addicted, incarcerated, mentally ill, and homeless individuals have been integral to his vision and our mission at Soldier On. He has served as director of Aftercare/Reintegration for the Berkshire County Office of the Sheriff, founder of the Offender's Advocacy Project, director of the Experimental Project in Counseling, director of Social Services for the Action for Opportunity Program, and an instructor in the Criminal Justice Program at Berkshire Community College.

Jack attended Merrimack College and Cranwell Preparatory School. He holds licenses in social work and batterer's abuse counseling. He has been a member of the board of directors of the American Cross of Berkshire County, the Berkshire County Neighborhood Youth Corp., the Berkshire Athenaeum, the Eastern Regional Advisory Board of the U.S. Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and has served as Deputy Sheriff for Berkshire County.

(413)-584-4040 ext 2277
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Michael has worked in various roles at Soldier On serving as a Recreational Specialist, a Case Manager and now as the Senor Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. In his current role, Michael oversees the day to day operations and improvement of programming at both the Pittsfield Berkshire Veterans Residence and the Leeds community. Prior to working at Soldier On,  Michael worked as a Social Skills Development Tutor and as Head Football coach at Taconic High School. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2290
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Steve works with federal, state and local agencies to develop policies that will directly benefit veterans. Steve’s responsibilities also include development and other administrative duties. Steve brings 24 years of Corrections experience with him and a wealth of experience in facilities development. Steve holds a certificate in fund raising from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2288
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George has developed a three phase Substance Abuse and Life Skills program designed specifically for homeless veterans. George brought with him invaluable professional experience in court referred programs, clinical supervision, counseling, as well as experience as a professional firefighter. George currently holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College. George has also earned his CADACII and LADC I certification. George served in the United States Army Military Police Battalion.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2286
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John is charged with implementing structure and systems into the daily operations of Soldier On. John has worked in the Social Service field for 36 years, from Executive Director of Northern Berkshire Home Health Agency to Reintegration/Substance Abuse counselor for the Berkshire County Sherriff’s Department. John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Olivet College. John served in the United States Army from 1971-1973 as a Social Work Specialist.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2275
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David is the face and voice of Soldier On to veterans who are trying to enter Soldier On’s program. David works with veterans on their primary intake, putting into motion all the forms and requests needed to qualify veterans for a bed at Soldier On. Intake is a critical first step for veterans on the road to recovery. David is a valued member of Soldier On’s Staff and has been employed with Soldier On since 2001.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2287
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Sandi serves as the Human Resource Coordinator as well as maintain databases, internal communication, correspondence, and payroll records. Sandi has worked in the Human Resources for 20 years with knowledge and experience in the field of Accounts, Payable/Receivable and Payroll. Sandi has worked for Maxymillian Construction and House of Llyod enriching her experience in the field. Sandi holds a Human Resource Generalist Certificate from the Employers Association and a certificate in Microsoft Office.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2296
fax: (413)-582-3075
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Pastor Jim’s ministry includes the formerly homeless veterans living at Soldier On in Leeds. Spirituality is a cornerstone to recovery and to Soldier On being a faith based organization. Having been taught and trained for ministry in his home church, Victory Chapel, now in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Pastor Jim was ordained and commissioned into the ministry under the authority of the Christian Fellowship Ministries in 1990. Pastor Jim and wife, Julie, serve as the pastorate of Victory Chapel in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2269
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The Rev. Wil Durant's resume is a litany of public service and altruism fueled by faith. From his early days of public service to children and families, including the birth of Head Start, to his mentoring of young people as a college instructor, to his service as a non-profit executive, Rev. Durant's career is highlighted by a series of outstanding achievements. Rev. Durant lives the words of the Apostle James, "Faith, without good works, is dead." His good works currently include serving as one of Soldier On's chaplains.

(413)-236-5644
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Willie as an Outreach Coordinator visits prisons, jails, shelters, and boarding houses in an effort to bring veterans to a more appropriate place to begin recovery. Willie has worked as a certified nurse's aide and as a certified home health aide. Responding to the agency's needs, Willie has served in a number of capacities at Soldier On, including that of general manager. The consummate team player, Willie is a veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2292
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Tony coordinates transportation for veterans of Soldier On and for veterans throughout Western Massachusetts and Connecticut through Congressmen John Olver's office.  In addition, Tony is in charge of purchasing all products and equipment to maintain the facilities of Soldier On in Leeds and Pittsfield. Tony has been employed at Soldier On since 2001. Tony is a Veteran of the United States Navy.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 5259
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Dennis serves as Director of Information Technology for Soldier On. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Pensacola Christian College. Dennis has also earned his Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ Certificates. Dennis is currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree program in Computer Science at University of West Florida.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 5270
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Sam is the Case Manager for the veterans at the Pittsfield Berkshire Veterans Residence. As a Case Manager,  Sam provides counseling to chemically dependent and dual diagnosed veterans. Sam has served in a number of positions at Soldier On including General Manager in Leeds. Sam has earned a certificate from the Certified Alcohol Drug Abuse Counselor program at Westfield State College. Sam has also earned his LADC II and a CAC. Sam is a veteran of the United States Army.

(413)-236-5644
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Mike serves as a Case Manager at the Pittsfield Veterans Residence. Mike holds an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Berkshire Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and a Masters degree in Educational Administration from North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts). Mike recently retired with the rank of Major after completing twenty-five years of service with the Berkshire County Sherriff's Department. Mike continues to serve as an adjunct professor in Criminal Justice at Berkshire Community College (12 years) and a visiting lecturer in Sociology/ Criminology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Mike is a member of the Carpenters' Union Local 108, a 4th degree black belt in Uechi Ryu karate and a certified instructor at the Okinawan karate school in Pittsfield. Mike served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1974, completing three tours in Vietnam as a infantryman and explosive ordinance disposal specialist.

(413)-236-5644
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Kerry’s primary duties include Case Management for the Jackie K women’s program. Kerry has worked as a counselor, operations coordinator, career specialist and service coordinator in the workforce training field as well as a public school teacher. Kerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts).

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2271
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Dominick serves as a Case Manager to the OIF/OEF veterans and as the liaison with the Resident Building Management Teams. Dominick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Western New England College. After graduating from Western New England College Dominick graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Lieutenant. Dominick is a four year Marine Corp veteran that served as an Infantry Platoon Commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 5265
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John currently serves a Case Manager to the Chronically Mentally Ill and as a Counselor for Soldier On’s Substance Abuse and Life Skills program. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies with a concentration in Nutrition from Springfield College. John is currently enrolled in a dual Master’s Degree program, Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Substance Abuse at Springfield College.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2297
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Cindy currently serves as a case manager for the HUD-VASH program. Prior to working at Soldier On Cindy worked with Adults with Developmental Disabilities for 30 years, from a recreation therapist to Day Service Case Management Supervisor. Cindy holds an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the State University of New York at Farmingdale.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2274
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Dan serves the veterans of Soldier On Leeds through the Substance Abuse and Life Skills program. Dan has used his gift of teaching in the traditional sense and then through treatment programs in correctional facilities throughout Massachusetts. Dan holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Gordon Conwell, a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Cultural Studies and a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling from Westfield State College. Dan has earned his CADAC I certificate. Dan is a veteran of the United States Army.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 2272
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Laurie serves the women veterans with her invaluable experience working with substance abuse, criminal offenders, and homeless populations. Laurie provides leadership, counseling and staff supervision to the Jackie K Women’s Program. Laurie has served the homeless population throughout her career in places such as the Hampden County House of Correction and the Franklin County Overnight Emergency Shelter. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Elms College.

(413)-584-4040
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George serves in a dual capacity at Soldier On, as Building Manager and as the Job Developer for the Berkshire Veterans Residence in Pittsfield, MA. As the Building Manager George supervises the resident staff and oversees the daily operations of the building. In his role as Job Developer, George assists in preparing and finding veterans meaningful employment by maintaining a strong working relationship with local employment agencies and industries. George served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1977-1981.

(413)-236-5644
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Mike currently serves as the Job Developer for Soldier On in Leeds, MA. Previously, Mike was a member of the Resident Staff and a Recreation Specialist.  Mike attended Georgia Southern University, as well as the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Mike recently completed the National Veterans Training Institute’s Phase I and Phase II Case Management training through the University of Colorado, Denver. Mike is a U.S. Army Veteran and served from 1992-1995.

(413)-584-4040 Ext: 5263
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