In honor of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, we're pleased to present ThinkAdvisor's 13th annual Advisors Who Serve(d) compilation, in which we highlight stories of veterans in the advisory world, told in their own words.
Advisors Who Serve(d) highlights financial advisors and other industry professionals who have served or are serving in the military.
This group of eight stories and photos is arranged in alphabetical order so you can keep track of advisors as you scroll through. Maybe you'll even recognize a few faces along the way.
Raymond C. Becker
Title/company: Senior Investment Executive/Caudle Financial Group Branch: U.S. Air Force Rank held at beginning of service and at end: 2nd Lieutenant/Lieutenant Colonel Service dates: 1963-1970 Work you did: Radar Navigator Bombardier on B-52, instructor NAV on KC-97 and C-130 Aircraft Brief story that stands out from your service time: My aircraft commander, Lt. Col. Jim Gates (farmer and pilot), who I flew with in Desert Storm, 51 missions in Iraq/Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. This Soviet-built tank was shot up near one of our landing zones.
Chris Buoncore
Title/company: Senior Wealth Advisor/MAI Capital Management Branch: U.S. Army Rank held at beginning of service and at end: 2nd Lieutenant/Captain Service dates: 2012–2016 Work you did: Infantry Officer assigned to the 3ID, 4IBCT at Fort Stewart: Light Infantry Platoon Leader, Battalion Operations Air Officer and Mortar Platoon Leader. Brief story that stands out from your service time: What stands out most from my time of service is undoubtedly the people I had the distinct honor of working with. From Ranger School to serving in the infantry in various capacities, the people I met and the relationships I developed remain as some of the most impactful in my life. I was truly fortunate to work beside some of the finest our country has to offer.
Douglas Charney
Title/company: President/Charney Investment Group Branch: U.S. Army Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Lieutenant/Colonel Service dates: 1982–2012 Work you did: Logistician, maintenance, supply chain, transportation Brief story that stands out from your service time: Taught to use "Management by walking around." Managers or management were taught to walk around and talk to your soldiers and you will find out what is really going on
Shahriar Chowdhury
Title/company: Financial Advisor/Wells Fargo Advisors Branch: U.S. Army Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Captain Service dates: 2001–2005 Work you did: Field Artillery Officer Brief story that stands out from your service time: My time in the military helps me put things in perspective. When you deal with life-or-death situations in a warzone, the problems we face here in America aren't that serious. My fellow soldiers and I had to depend on each other for our lives — and all these years later, we still have that bond. As for those who stood out during my time in service, without a doubt it would be my battery commander in Iraq. Consummate professional and selfless leader who never raised his voice even in the toughest of situations. I try to emulate him every day.
Markham B. Dossett
Title/company: Founder and President/Talon Asset Management LLC, affiliated with Berthel Fisher Branch: U.S. Navy Reserve Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Ensign/Commander Service dates: 1986–2008 Work you did: Intelligence Officer Brief story that stands out from your service time: Responsible for all tactical recon for OIF and OEF.
Austin Eastwood (no photo)
Title/company: Financial Advisor/Guide Wealth Partners Branch: U.S. Army Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Private/Sergeant Service dates: 2017–2021 Work you did: Medic Brief story that stands out from your service time: I was providing primary care treatment to an orphanage in Africa, and one of the children (around 5 years old) put his hands up like he wanted to box with me. We played for a couple of minutes, and I remember thinking, "This kid has had such a crappy hand dealt in life, but yet he has been happy every time we would come here." It really changed my outlook on life.
Cedric Edwards
Title/company: Financial Advisor/Stifel Independent Advisors Branch: U.S. Air Force Rank held at beginning of service and at end: Airman/Staff Sergeant Service dates: 1985–1993 Work you did: Dental Service Specialist Brief story that stands out from your service time: I truly love amazing, and culturally rewarding, interactions with people from all walks of life. It made me a better person each time I saw the human being that was standing in front of me as a uniquely designed vessel of intrigue. I was always eager to learn their languages, their family structures, their foods and their way of life. I always wanted them to meet and experience the very best person as a representative of my culture as well.
