The NAMVETS Region V Command Council
Bernadette Fobbs
Commander
Philosophy
Integrity is my touchstone. Being trustworthy is the key to building and maintaining a team and mission accomplishment.
Capabilities
I effectively communicate organizational goals and establish credibility with individuals and groups. I possess strong strategic and operational skills. I am trustworthy and value teamwork. I manage complex situations and establish sustainable processes used worldwide. In the recent past, I developed and implemented a process to address a systemic issue across a national organization. I am capable of analyzing and making recommendations on the impact of long-range growth initiatives, planning, and
introduction of new strategies. I also mentor individuals to foster growth and encourage development. I lead by example, respecting regulatory guidance and rules of engagement.
Experience
I served 37 years in the Army on Active Duty. I started my career as an enlisted Soldier and honorably retired as an officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in July 2021. I have held several positions of trust including Department of the Army Inspector General, Pentagon, Washington D.C, Battalion Commander, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Landstuhl Germany, Troop Commander, Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC), Fort Detrick, Maryland and Deputy Chief of Staff, Human Resources, Western Region Command, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington.
I clearly communicate goals, and why they are significant, and provide as well as accept input to reach those goals. My strategic and operational leadership skills were honed while leading Army Active Duty, Army Reserve, and Navy Reserve medical personnel when assigned in Germany and Afghanistan. Being a leader requires that you not only give guidance and direction but also get involved in doing the work. I also closely coordinate and work with the senior leadership team.
I gained a plethora of knowledge, skills, and capabilities while on Active Duty. As a young Soldier, I learned the value of teamwork, dedication, and mission focus. They go hand in hand when working to meet the goals of superiors. I give 100% to accomplish my assignments. Analysis and problem solving were an everyday occurrence during my assignment as Commander and Chief of Staff. Corresponding with Congressional Liaisons and interacting with senior leaders from other agencies were critical tasks during those assignments. I also learned the value of camaraderie and selfless service.
One person can make a difference.
Education
United States Army Inspector General School Fort Belvoir, VA United States
Technical or Occupational Certificate 07/ 2016
Human Resources Management Course Fort Sam Houston, TX United States
Technical or Occupational Certificate 02/ 2005
Chapman University Orange, CA United States
Masters Degree 05/2000
Major: Human Resources
Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth, KS United States
Technical and Occupational Certificate 03/2000
South Carolina State University Orangeburg, SC United States
Bachelors Degree 05/1993
Major: Psychology
VACANT
Vice Commander
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Nanouka Mercado
Treasurer
Nanouka Mercado- Arenas was born in Fort Hood, TX and into a military life since her father was active-duty Army. Nanouka’s childhood was spent moving around and finally settling in Ft. Meade, MD. Nanouka joined the Air Force in 2008 and proudly served as a logistician at Andrews Air force base and at USCYBERCOM as an Intelligence Support Specialist. Since separating from the Air force, she has been working for the federal government as a civilian employee under the Department of Defense.
Nanouka has two children, a daughter in college and a son in elementary school. Nanouka’s son was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. Her son’s diagnosis has sparked her passion to advocate for those that do not know how to advocate for themselves. Nanouka is a firm believer in the African-American proverb "Each one Teach one".
Rodney McCullough
Secretary
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Squad Commanders
VACANT
Community Service
Marcus Anderson
Entrepreneurship Development
Originally From Brunswick, GA, Marcus served in the US Army for 13 yrs active duty services. Fought both of America’s most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Has serve in some on the most challenging environments and has a heart for serving others. Marcus has been awarded multiple awards and given MVP honors. Marcus serves the community through Financial Literacy and has a passion for those under served.
BLONETHEA VANN
Veterans Service Officer
Blonethea Vann is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and has lived in Upper Marlboro, Maryland since 2013. She is a retired Master Sergeant of the Air Force with over 22 years in the Contracting Career Field. Blonethea graduated from Park University in Parkville, Missouri with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management.
Since her retirement in 2003, Blonethea has joined several nonprofit organizations where she provides community service. She’s a strong supporter of Empact Ministries, a community outreach program that support other organizations (i.e. Veteran Administration D.C, Charlotte Hall, Diva Movement, Carpenter Shelter, Robert Fuller Shelter, Department of Social Services in Waldorf, etc.), providing, food, clothing, training and volunteer services to those organizations, the Women Veterans United Committee Incorporated (WVUCI), and the Carolyn Community Group Foundation Housing (CCGFH) which houses Female veterans. Blonethea serves as the Treasurer for the Sisters Embolden for Life by Faith (S.E.L.F.) Image Awards, an organization that supports victims of Domestic Violence, raising funds for scholarships for individuals seeking a career in the Natural Hair Care Industry. She’s an active member of the Military Care Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG), assisting military families of deployed soldiers and informing military veterans of their benefits. Blonethea also a member of the American Legion Post #275.
In February 2018, Blonethea joined the National Organization for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Prince Georges Community College (PGCC) Chapter #0122 where she previously served as the Secretary of PGCC #0122 as well as the NABVETS Region VIII Secretary which include Chapters in Delaware, Virginia, North Caroline, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Through hard work and dedication, Blonethea was awarded her Veteran Service Officer (VSO) accreditation on December 14, 2018. She represents veterans in filing disability claims, as well as provide information on veteran benefits (i.e. education, housing, employment, discharge upgrades, etc.).
In September 2019, Blonethea, along with seven other honorees was awarded the Ms. UnStoppable Awards for her work as a Domestic Violence and Veteran Advocate. In December 2021, Blonethea joined the National Association for Minority Veterans (NAMVETS) and is currently working on a committee to establish accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) within the organization.
Blonethea’s goal is to provide education and awareness to all veterans, with special emphasis on female veterans.
ANNETTE MANN
Veterans Service Officer
Annette is the Vice Commander of the Baltimore Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans. She is a Veterans Service Officer for the I’m Still Standing Community Corporation. She holds an MBA in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections.