On behalf of the firm, we would like to pay tribute on this Veterans Day to the V&E lawyers and administrative team members who have served our country. We are very grateful for the sacrifices they have made, and we thank them for protecting our freedom. And for those among us who come from a family of service—your unique challenges, resilience and dedication deserve our gratitude and recognition as well. V&E owes much to the leadership skills, teamwork, and work ethic our veterans and their families have brought to the firm. Today and every day, we salute you!

— Mark Kelly, Chairman and Scott Wulfe, Managing Partner

V&E associate Glen Taylor, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2017. Glen completed five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately retiring as a Major.

Michael Lamkin, an Information Security Compliance and Audit Manager in V&E’s Houston office, proudly served with the Texas Army National Guard for 23 years and 7 months, retiring in July 2020. Mike served with Special Forces in the 19th SF Group, and in Special Operations with the 197th STSC (SO) (A). While with the 197th, he served for several months on the U.S.-Mexico border, and was deployed three times – to Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, respectively.

Marion Killough, a Professional Assistant in V&E’s Houston office, is the proud mother of two current service members: her son Ace Killough (L), a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan; and her son Austin Killough (R), a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the United States Navy, currently stationed on board the USS Colorado.

Adam Torres, a help desk coordinator at V&E, served in the Navy from 1980 to 1986. He earned the rank of machinist mate first class (SS) (E-6).

Alva Duncan, a V&E collections analyst, served four years in the Army, where he earned the rank of specialist.

V&E senior associate Brian L. Howard II served ten years in the Air Force, including four tours of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant.

V&E professional assistant Cynthia Pahel served for nine years in the Navy, attaining the rank of yeoman second class.

Donald Smith, an information security engineer at V&E, served from 1981 to 1989 in the Navy, where he was an Interior Communications Electrician First Class (E-6).

V&E GDOCS coordinator Jimmie D. Lopez served six years in the Air Force as administrative assistant to the Chief of Administration at Bergstrom Air Force Base outside of Austin.

Jordan Stapley, the husband of V&E senior associate Crystal Y’Barbo Stapley, is a Major in the Army. From 2010 to 2015, Crystal practiced in V&E’s office in Washington, D.C., where Jordan was also based. In 2015, when the Army transferred Jordan, Crystal and V&E worked out a telecommuting arrangement so she could follow her husband to his new base while continuing to practice with the firm.

Jose Del Valle, a business systems analyst at V&E, served four years in the Army, where he earned the rank of specialist (E-4).

Retired V&E partner Louis E. McCarter served from 1965 to 1968, including a year in Vietnam, in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, attaining the rank of Captain.

V&E information technology trainer Louvenia Nicholas served two decades in the Air Force, attaining the rank of technical sergeant.

Paul Deemer, retired partner in residence at V&E, served in the Navy from 1969 to 1972, finishing his active duty with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG). He was later promoted to Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve.

V&E professional assistant Tabitha Reyna served in the Army from 1996 to 1999, attaining the rank of Specialist (E4).

Elizabeth Hoberg, a V&E professional assistant, comes from a family of dedicated service: her grandfather, General Raymond F. Crist, Jr. (pictured), was commander of the USMC 12th regiment at Iwo Jima in WWII and also later served in Korea; her uncle, USMC General James Devereux (the “Hero of Wake Island”), served in WWI and WWII, including time as a prisoner of war in Japan during WWII; her father, Maj. Raymond F. Crist III (also pictured), served as a USMC fighter pilot in Vietnam; and her brothers John F. Crist (enlisting with special permission on his 17th birthday followed by the Mayaguez Incident three months later) and Raymond F. Crist, IV served with the USMC.

Lloyd Edward Loftis, father of V&E partner Jim Loftis, served from 1952-1982 with the U.S. Army. A recipient of the Legion of Merit (pictured receiving here, with Jim in the khaki uniform reading the citation at the ceremony), Col. Loftis’s final posting was Commanding Officer of the 309th Ordinance Brigade.

Jessica BuFord-Fieth, a V&E conflicts analyst, served with the U.S. Army as a Specialist from 1994-1998. She comes from a family of service members as well: her grandfather, Melvin Whitmire, served with the U.S. Navy from 1945-1947; her father, Michael BuFord, served with the U.S. Marines as a Corporal from 1968-1973; her brother, Jason BuFord, served with the U.S. Marines as a Corporal from 1994-1998; and her son, Garrett Fieth, leaves for bootcamp with the U.S. Navy this month.

V&E counsel Scot Dixon’s father, Howard R. Dixon, Jr., served as Corporal with the U.S. Army in the WWII European Theater from 1945-1946. His father-in-law, Juanito B. Caudilla, served as Senior Chief Petty Office with the U.S. Navy from 1959-1981.

Stella Guillen-Lazo, an office clerk in V&E’s Houston office, comes from a large military family: her father, William Guillen Sr., served with the U.S. Air Force in WWII from 1940-1943; her father-in-law, Bernard Q. Lazo, served with the U.S. Army in WWII from 1941-1944; her brother, Robert Guillen Sr., served with the USMC in the Vietnam War from 1970-1973; and her stepson, Mark Jimenez, served with the Navy in the Gulf War from 1990-1991.

Brian Sokolik, retired partner (resident partner at various times in our Houston, Austin, Warsaw and Moscow offices), served as a naval aviator in the Navy from 1968 to 1972. He completed active duty as a Lieutenant and later served as commanding officer of a naval reserve unit until 1974.

Terrence Ogren served as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2018. Terrence completed a deployment to Afghanistan in 2016.

Marion Killough’s son, Ace Killough. Ace Killough is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Marion Killough’s son, Austin Killough. Austin Killough is a Navy Veteran after serving six years. He served on the USS Colorado Submarine. He is currently attending LSU.

LCDR Jen De Loach assisted over 70 spouses of Heads of Navies from across the globe at the biennial International Seapower Symposium held in Newport September 15-17, 2021. This symposium brings together over 104 countries to discuss important maritime issues such as climate change, shipping, piracy, and emerging technology. The spouses attended historic cultural tours, wine tasting, and lunches to learn about Newport and its importance to the U.S. Navy. Jen has served for 11 years in the Navy, 7 of which were active duty and 4 have been with the Navy Reserves. She has done one overseas deployment to the Arabian Gulf in 2012-2013.

Don Smith is standing next to a memorial on Corregidor Island, Philippines for Japanese war dead. Corregidor Island was the last bastione for US forces in 1942 before surrendering to the Japanese forces in May 1942. US forces retook the island in 1945.

Matt Green is currently serving in the United States Army Reserve as a First Lieutenant.

*In addition to service members of our U.S. military branches, we are pleased to include veterans of the British Armed Forces, who celebrate Armed Forces Day annually in June.