Honoring Advisors Who Serve(d): Fourth of July, 2020

Service Dates:  January 1984 – May 2006

Work you did: F-4E/F-15E IP and Evaluator Pilot

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  2nd mission in Desert Storm we bombed a power plant in Basra Iraq and turned out the lights in the whole country of Kuwait, then we were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for that mission.

20. Name: Hal McNaughton

Title/Company: CFP / Sagepoint

Branch: US Army National Guard

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  SP-5

Service Dates:  February 1970 – February 1976

Work you did: Worked in Battalion HQ

Brief story that stands out from your service time: I did basic training at Ft. Ord in Monterey, CA. Our rifle range was on the beach.

21. Name: Scott Mewborne

Title/Company: First Command

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  PFC and LTC

Service Dates:  September 1987 – July 2018

Work you did: Signal Corps Soldier and Adjutant General Corps Officer

Brief story that stands out from your service time: The Army provided me a wonderful way of life but it was never my life. I saw so many lose their family due to prioritizing the Army over them. They, and their families, were miserable. One officer broke the mold. After a two-star general changed command, she walked with only her husband by her side to their car. Each carried a cardboard box filled with mementos of a 30-year career. He was beaming with pride and she was smiling and content. I thank God I never lost perspective for what is genuinely important. God, family, then the rest is just the rest.

22. Name: Joshua Parke

Title/Company: Senior Financial Consultant / SagePoint Financial

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E5

Service Dates:  1993 – 1996

Work you did: 11C

Brief story that stands out from your service time: I entered military service immediately upon graduation from high school. I believe it was thought I needed some discipline. Interestingly enough that is precisely what happened. At 18 years of age on January 3, 1993, I became an infantry soldier in the United States Army. While it did take me some time to acclimate to my new reality, I quickly understood my advancement, and ultimately my success in the military was entirely within my control. I then set out to differentiate myself from the 1000′s of other privates around me.

My first step was to increase my physical abilities beyond my counterparts, which required a substantial increase in my own personal physical regimen. This ultimately allowed me to max out my physical training tests and receive the presidential seal for physical fitness. This achieved the desired result and brought me to the attention of my chain of command, which not only provided me with an immediate promotion, but requested that I attend the Soldier of the Quarter boards.

This was a process by which a formal board of non-commissioned and commissioned officers would test individual applicants' knowledge in areas such as the uniform code of military justice, ethics, military code of conduct, military bearing, speaking ability, leadership, and military history. I went on to win Soldier of the Quarter for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarter of 1994. I did not attend the 3rd quarter board as I was deployed at the time. In the end, I went on to attend the Soldier of the Year board for the entire 1st Infantry Division and ended as the runner up. Even with my loss at the Divisional level, my chain of command was impressed enough that they secured a seat for me at West Point.

In all sincerity, this last item has been one of my life's greatest disappointments. At the time, I was married, and my oldest son had just been born. Unfortunately, you cannot be married for your first two years while attending the academy, so my chain of command instructed me to divorce my wife and simply remarry her after the fact if I so chose. While I did broach the topic with my wife at the time, it did not go over well and I subsequently declined to attend West Point. I have regretted that decision ever since.

On a positive note, my oldest daughter is in her senior year at West Point currently. She will graduate with honors this next week, so in the end I did at least vicariously attend through my daughter. While my choice to decline a seat at West Point moderately cooled my chain of commands view of me, I continued to strive for excellence the remainder of my enlistment. I was subsequently promoted to corporal and, ultimately sergeant prior to the end of my first tour. My military service has remained one of the most impactful and influential experiences of my life. Through it I learned personal discipline, determination, honor, courage, and self-sacrifice. Prior to my time in the military these were all just vague ideals my father had always spoken of. Since then they have been at the core of my persona and helped guide my life.

23. Name: Sean Michael Pearson

Title/Company: Financial Advisor/Associate Vice President / Ameriprise Financial

Branch: US Air Force/Air National Guard

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  A1C – Captain

Service Dates:  June 1997 – Present

Work you did: Aircraft armament systems, Public Affairs

Brief story that stands out from your service time: The Core Values of the US Air Force are Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All That We Do. I personally try to use these aspirational goals as a destination for the other areas of my life outside of the military—father, husband, financial advisor, youth sports coach. I have a lot of pride in the work that I do with the families and individuals, helping to achieve their dreams and financial goals.

With that said, few activities are more humbling than representing the military at a Memorial Day event. I was amazed the first time I had the opportunity to speak at a memorial held at a local cemetery. If my remarks were 10 minutes, there was a line of people for 20 minutes who stayed to thank me for my service, share stories about the veterans in their families and those they had lost. Service members don't join the military because we are looking for recognition, but I'll never forget the feeling of honor to be there representing the generations of men and women who wore the uniform before me.

24. Name: Dryden Pence

Title/Company: Chief Investment Officer / Pence Wealth Management

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  2nd Lieutenant – Colonel

Service Dates:  1982 – 2015

Work you did: Intelligence officer specializing in psychological warfare

Brief story that stands out from your service time: I commanded a psychological warfare unit during the first Gulf War. We were attached to 1st Armored Division where we engaged in direct combat with the enemy. While my Arabic translator and I were finalizing the surrender of an Iraqi BN, the Commander of the Unit recognized my Harvard Class ring and asked in perfect English, "What year did you graduate from Harvard?" "1982" I replied. "Tufts, 1980, no need for translations, just help me save my men." I agreed. His next comment was "We are a long way from 33 Dunster Street," which was a popular bar and restaurant in Harvard Square that we had both frequented during college. We completed the process, he and his men were safe and taken into custody. I moved on to the next battle.

25. Name: J.P. Perry

Title/Company: Financial Advisor / Edward Jones

Branch: US Marines

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E2 PFC – E5 Sergeant

Service Dates:  May 1999- June 2003

Work you did: I was a professional musician, playing trumpet at the Parris Island Marine base. I had the opportunity to travel the country playing at graduation ceremonies and other military events.

Brief story that stands out from your service time: I joined the Marines after graduating from high school at the urging of my best friend, Travis Henry. We served together for a number of our enlisted years at Parris Island Marine base in South Carolina. Travis has a knack for recruiting, because after the Marines, he recruited me to join Edward Jones as a financial advisor. Today we serve together as regional leaders for the firm in Florida.

After four years of active duty I felt well prepared to become a financial advisor because my eyes were opened to multiple types of people from various backgrounds, I'm able to have very meaningful conversations and serve all types of people. My clientele come from all different walks of life and that is beautiful to me.

26. Name: Brandon Renfro

Title/Company: Financial Planner / Brandon Renfro LLC

Branch: US Army National Guard

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E4 – CPT

Service Dates:  2009 – Present

Work you did: Infantry

Brief story that stands out from your service time: I got to pet a wild camel. That's not a euphemism for illicit drug use. I legit pet a wild camel. Look at the picture. I don't know, maybe it wasn't wild. It was just out there in the desert though. If I had a camel I'd put a collar on it. Or sell it. I don't have room for a camel at my house.

27. Name: Jeffrey Rettaliata

Title/Company:  Senior Financial Advisor / Wells Fargo Advisors

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Began as 2^nd Lieutenant – ended as Captain

Service Dates:  October 1967 – November 1969

Work you did: Company Commander of a combat land clearing Co in Bien Hoa RVN.

Brief story that stands out from your service time: My best friend in Vietnam was Dave Shaver. Commander of Dump Truck Co. He was 6'5" 320 lbs. His face looked like the Grill of a mac Truck. So we called him "Davey Dump Truck." I would never want to get on the wrong side of Dave. We are still friends today, although living thousands of miles apart.

28. Name: Oscar J. Romero

Title/Company: Financial Advisor / First Command Financial Planning

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Private / First Sergeant

Service Dates:  July 1999 – July 2019

Work you did: Construction Equipment Repairer, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, AIT Platoon Sergeant, Motor Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant Major

Brief story that stands out from your service time: As I reflect on my career and look back at the points of impact that guided me through hardship, I recall many leaders. One that stands out the most is Sergeant First Class Retired Martinez. He evolved from a mentor to a great friend. Until the date we stay in touch and are anchors in our journey in life. The connections you make in hardship and service to our country are amazing. We don't just serve a profession, we serve our fellow Soldiers.

29. Name: Jon M Rogers

Title/Company: CEO / Rogers Financial Group, LLC

Branch: US Army QMC 25th Infantry Division

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  2nd LT /64 – Captain 7 /75

Service Dates:  June 1964 – July 1975

Work you did: 25th Logistics Command

Brief story that stands out from your service time: Flying Ice cream to forward troops during Operation Junction City in the Vietnam War! Received the air medal for 100+ logistics mission's in 1967! Received Bronze Star for service in a combat zone!

Most remembered person, Col J, @ Ft Benning, Ga. I could always beat him in golf! He later became Commander @ Ft. Lee, VA!

30. Name: Terr Sherman

Title/Company: Financial Advisor / RBC Wealth

Branch: US Air Force

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E4

Service Dates:  1976

Work you did: Personnel Specialist- Paper Pusher

Brief story that stands out from your service time: Joined to tour the World!!!…ended up Permanent Party right back at Lackland AFB in San Antonio until discharge — did tour the world after meeting my Air Force wife and she got orders overseas!

31. Name: Fred Shirley

Title/Company: District Advisor and Principal / First Command Financial

Branch: US Air Force

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E-1 – E-7

Service Dates:  January 1979 – May 2001

Work you did: Crew Chief / First Sergeant

Brief story that stands out from your service time: As a young Crew Chief on a B-52G flying over our nation from the east coast to the west coast, on the 4th of July … I witnessed firework show after firework show from 30,000 feet. What an awesome experience.

32. Name: William R. Slepcevich

Title/Company: Wealth Manager / Slepcevich Financial Group LLC

Branch: US Marine Corps

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Private – 1st Lt.

Service Dates: 1968 – 1972

Work you did: Infantry Officer

Brief story that stands out from your service time: Having my best friend from high school, Cpl. K. Sendre, pin my bars on at OCS.

33. Name: Deaton Smith

Title/Company: President / Thayer Financial, L.L.C.

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Commissioned as a 2LT and left the service as a Captain

Service Dates: 2006 – 2011

Work you did: Logistics Officer

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  I attended Airborne School during the summer before my junior year at West Point. I've never been a big fan of heights, so jumping out a plane was challenging enough for me. Fast forward three years later, I attended the officer version of the parachute rigger school. To pass the class you had to jump with one of the parachutes you packed yourself. We packed our parachute on a Tuesday and weren't jumping until Thursday. Since we did not have any more classroom instruction until the jump, they had us spend the entire Wednesday before our jump sitting through the parachute malfunctions board (this is a quarterly week long meeting that the Army puts on to discuss every parachute that did not open properly and the reasons why). At this point I had not jumped in 3 years, I was nervous as all get out, and I had just sat through 8 hours of discussion on why certain parachutes didn't deploy. I was pretty sure at that point I didn't pack my parachute correctly and I was going to die during my jump.

It's now Thursday morning, it's below freezing temperatures and I'm about to jump out of a Ch-47 Chinook. I have basically accepted my own premature death, because that seemed less horrible than chickening out and not jumping. So when I finally jumped, miraculously my parachute opened and I had an instant feeling of relief… I was still alive! As I floated down and I started getting closer to the ground I realized that the wind was blowing me toward the tarmac (runway) and unfortunately with the T-10d parachute there is not much in the way of steering it, so I was at the mercy of the wind that was pushing me towards the tarmac.

All the movies about parachutists seem to have it completely wrong. Every movie I have ever seen shows the soldiers landed very softly … when in all reality it's more like jumping off an 8 foot high wall. You hit the ground hard and I did hit hard that day, right on the tarmac.

Luckily I walked away that day with only a concussion, so I count that as a win… it was better than dying! As someone that hates heights, that was the last time I had to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft.

34. Name: Mark A. Stolz

Title/Company: Manager / CFG

Branch: US Army and US Navy

Rank held at beginning of service and at end: E1- E7 

Service Dates: 1969-1971 and 1974-1992

Work you did: Infantry & Welder, Recruiter

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  How I met a famous lady in Hong Kong, called Mary Sue, and didn't know how famous she really was till 20 yrs after I retired.

35. Name: Anthony Stoll

Title/Company: Non Registered Financial Operations Associate / Independent Investment Services

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Captain

Service Dates: February 2014 – November 2019

Work you did: Field Artillery

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  During my brief time with the service, I was fortunate enough to visit and train with the armies of 7 different countries. There were times that I thought our service could use some improvements in training, equipment or resources, but after those experiences, I have a new found appreciation for our nation's Army and services. There are so many countries that model themselves after us and it can be seen first-hand!

36. Name: Michael J Theres

Title/Company: SVP, Advisor Services / First Command Financial

Branch: US Navy

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Ensign / Lieutenant

Service Dates:  1987 – 1999

Work you did: SWO / Pilot

Brief story that stands out from your service time: N/A

37. Name: Daniel Tripp

Title/Company: Financial Planner / Thirty Mile Financial

Branch: US Air Force

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Airman First Class – Captain

Service Dates:  June 2005 – December 2018

Work you did: Intelligence Officer

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  When I served in Afghanistan in 2012, I was stationed at a large and well-protected airbase. My life was as normal, as normal could be in a war zone. I went to work, ate, worked out, slept, talked with my family back home, and got on with my life. On occasion, I would have the opportunity to see young soldiers coming in from the United States. Their uniforms were crisp and green, and their bodies seemed light and full of energy. They seemed excited about the adventure that awaited them in the dust and dirt of southern Afghanistan.

On other occasions, I would see soldiers coming in from the field after long months in the countryside. Their uniforms were dirty, tattered, and their faces looked tired and drawn. They wore the stress and anxiety of their experiences in the way they walked and talked. I can remember juxtaposing the images of new soldiers and the old in my mind. I can remember thinking to myself that war takes more than soldiers' lives, limbs, and friends. It also takes the innocence of youth. The Memorial Day holiday is a day to remember all of the fallen members of all our military. It's also a day to remember the unseen scars and wounds that the living carry with them back from war. If the military taught me nothing, it taught me to respect every military member, but most especially those who have served in combat zones. These military members have given and continue to give everything they have, so we, here in the United States, can live in a peaceful, prosperous, and free society.

38. Name: Debborah Wallace

Title/Company: Financial Advisor  / Sage Point Advisor

Branch: US Army

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E-3 – E-5

Service Dates:  July 1974 – July 1977

Work you did: Behavioral Psychologist

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  So many–I had to decide as servicemen were coming back from Vietnam, if they were staying in or were a 635-1 discharge. One soldier jumped from a balcony to get out, another over dosed on Ex-Lax–I told him he will wish he were dead, but would survive.

39. Name: Paul A Wieda

Title/Company: Financial Advisor / Royal Alliance/ Boston Partners

Branch: US Navy

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  E3-E5 ADJ2 2nd Class Petty Officer

Service Dates:  1967 – 1971

Work you did: Jet Mechanic /Flight Crew

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  I volunteered. You joined an immediate brotherhood. Work ethic was as common as our Patriotism. I am Proud to have served my Country. God Bless America!

40. Name: Chris Wilkens

Title/Company: Financial Advisor – VP / RBC Wealth Management

Branch: US Marine Corps

Rank held at beginning of service and at end:  Beginning – 2nd Lt; End – Captain

Service Dates:  May 2002 – August 2009

Work you did: Infantry Officer

Brief story that stands out from your service time:  Having dinner with Iraqis in their home. The conversation was at a slow pace because everything went through the translator but you very quickly realize that a lot more unites people around the world than divides them.

— Check out our Advisors Who Serve(d) page to read stories by advisors from previous years.