The TEAM

Peter Palivos Chairman of the Board Attorney at Law Veteran Advocate

Veteran Advocate.Peter Palivos is a highly valued asset in bringing Voice of the Veteran to the masses. His honored years of public service have created strong, action oriented business relationships. His commitment to these relationships is instrumental in the growth and sustainability of Voice of the Veteran.

Peter began working in his father’s shoe repair store, it was there that he observed and quickly realized the importance of a strong work ethic. Applying these values to his own life, Peter has excelled. As an advisor to several key officials at the Federal, State and Local level, Peter will keep Voice of the Veteran one step ahead of Veteran and community needs.

Bob Maxwell Voice of the Veteran Founder & Show Host Chief Executive Officer U.S. Air Force Veteran

As a U.S. Air Force Veteran, Bob served during the Vietnam Era. He served in the 305th Transportation Squadron and then with the 434th Tactical Fighter Wing. Bob Maxwell is the founder of Voice of the Veteran.  He has taken his experience and combined it with his passion to help Veterans, which has made “Giving Veterans a Voice” even stronger.

Bob’s dedication to Voice of the Veteran and the Military at large, combined with the passion and relentless drive of the Voice of the Veteran Team, is a winning combination that produces positive results for the Veteran and their Families.

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“Sadie”
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Bob’s Service Dog

Sadie has already been in one lifesaving event with Bob.  Bob fell down a slope, broke 3 ribs, severely bruised his pelvis and was knocked out when his head hit a tree.  Sadie stayed by Bob’s side, barked to get someone’s attention, but no one was in the area.

When Bob came to, he could not move his lower body because of the possible broken pelvis and his cell phone was to far for him to reach.  Sadie retrieved the phone and Bob was able to call 911.  Now that is a Hero Service Dog!

Tami Rouse, RN Veterans Benefits U.S. Army Veteran Combat Medic (Gulf War)

As a U.S. Army Veteran, Tami served as a Combat Medic during the Gulf War. Tami graduated from Galveston Community College as a Registered Nurse. She has worked in that field for over 20 years taking care of patients and their families.

Tami has also been assisting Veterans with their Disability Claims.  She is reviewing documents for them as well as providing a complete medical chart review and summary to be added to the Veterans paperwork.  With her combination of vast medical knowledge and experience as a Veteran, she is a great asset to any Veteran needing assistance with their disability claims.

Tami also has a video blog called Tami Time, where she covers women’s issues concerning Veterans and Active Duty members of the military, right here on Voice of the Veteran. 

John Apgar General Manager U.S. Army Veteran

John is a U.S. Army Veteran and a former News and Public Affairs Director and Host on KBYU-TV and Executive Producer of Documentaries and Public Affairs Specials for KERA-TV. John’s experience includes Public Relations, Account Executive, freelance producer, writer, technical writer, and producer-director of marketing videos, technical training videos, public relations videos, video news releases, TV spots, and television programs.

John is also experienced as a writer and editor with three newspapers and all the major wire services, and as a spokesperson and television host.John has been a senior account executive with one of the largest Public Relations firms in Southern California. His role has included supervising over 50 business accounts.  This work includes developing strategic plans, writing, and supervising a staff of professionals to ensure marketing communications success for companies throughout North America.

Howard Stein Compliance Director U.S. Army Veteran.

While in the Army, Howard served as an aide for the highly decorated and legendary Lieutenant General, John H. (Iron Mike) Michaelis.Howard spent 30 years working for three different billionaires (Steve Wynn, Sheldon Adelson and Kirk Kerkorian) in the Gaming Industry from Atlantic City to Las Vegas.During his gaming career, Howard developed many relationships with celebrities, Hall of Fame Athletes and more, just to mention a few.  Howard uses his many skills and never ending passion for the betterment of the lives of our Veterans and their families.

“Sgt. Carter”
Executive Asst. to the Compliance Director
Howard’s Service Dog

Carter, more affectionately known as “Sgt. Carter” within the ranks of Voice of the Veteran, is a rescue dog and now Howard’s Service Dog.  Carter listens better than most people and is totally loyal.  Combine Carter and Sadie, and we feel that we have two perfect dogs who are family members and are loved more than love itself!  Carter and Sadie are the best of friends and spend everyday together at the office and the dog park.

Marcel Forestieri  1953 – 2021 R.I.P. Voice of the Veteran Co-Founder Long Time Las Vegas Entertainer Forever Remembered. Rest in Peace our Brother.

“All too often, Non-Profit Organizations allow themselves to be Ego seduced into becoming self-serving rather than ultimately serving those in need”.  Marcel Forestieri

Marcel, was a leader and anchor which helped Voice of the Veteran to remain focused and centered in its primary directive of helping veterans and their families during a time of need.

Sadly, Marcel passed away on September 18, 2021. Our loss is the worlds loss.  Not only was he an amazing person and entertainer, Marcel was the man that people listened to and loved.  He helped so many people with various life problems and no matter what the situation was, you truly felt the love and he helped you see the same situation with a clearer mind and and wide open eyes.  One of many “Marcel-isms” he gave us was “It is how you react to a situation that will determine the outcome”.

Marcel had over 50 years’ experience in the entertainment world as an actor, singer, comedian and impersonator, Marcel brought his unique blend of comedy and talent to “The Bob and Marcel Show” as well as all of our live events.

Marcel made us all a little better and wiser and left the world a better place.  Everything we do at Voice of the Veteran will always be with thoughts and love of Marcel.  You will always be missed, but we know that your spirit is always with us.  Rest in Peace our Brother!

Chuck Thomas

Early in life Chuck had the drive & determination to play the sport of Football & has won championships at every level from pop warner, to high school, college & professionally. All through his years, Chuck has been coached by some of the most promenade coaches which include legendary offensive line coach Bobb Mckittick & Head Coach Bill Walsh of the San Francisco 49ers in which Chuck won Back to Back Super Bowl World Championships in 1988- 1989.

After his playing days Chuck then decided to put his team work entrepreneur spirit towards building very large teams in the Direct Sales Industry space which included bringing KANGEN “Ionized“ WATER to the United States back in 2006 to 2012, his organization reached well over 10,000 members strong.  Chuck then decided to build a huge organization in a unique “Shared Crowd Funding“ platform that grew to over 100,000 members in just 2 years.Chuck now has teamed up with

Voice of the Veteran and brings his team building skills to empower Veterans by motivating them to enhance their lives through the world of entrepreneurial ventures. 

Lt. James Abram Voice of the Veteran Ambassador U.S. Marine Veteran U.S. Army Veteran Vietnam Veteran

James Abram was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines, saw action in Vietnam and is one of the biggest Patriots you will ever meet.  James met Voice of the Veteran’s Tami Rouse in 2019 and Tami helped James get his VA Disability Claim that he was trying to get for over 50 years.  Tami helped him get a 100% disability rating when others either failed or gave up.

“My attitude is… give back to those who gave to me, and I donated to their efforts since they depend on donations to survive, and they do not charge for their services. Voice of the Veteran took care of me.”

“I stop every vet and tell them about this organization and urge them to call Voice of the Veteran. Too many of my brothers and sisters don’t know what to do about their claim. I have heard horror stories about going to lawyers and the VA declining them. Whatever Voice of the Veteran says they do, they do. They will take care of you.”

“What surprised me was that they kept me informed and answered my questions, that to me is number one. Do I recommend them.. Hell Yes! If you are having problems with your VA disability claim, call Voice of the Veteran.”

We are totally convinced that James is the gold standard as an Ambassador and we are over the top proud that he is on the team!  He is always on the lookout for Veterans and with his enjoyable and energized personality, people love to be around him.  This Hulk of a man tells Veterans, “don’t make me pull rank on you, get your butt over to Voice of the Veteran and let them help you get what you deserve”.  James talks and people listen.