Meet Technical Sergeant (Retired) Heather Robles. She served honorably in the United States Air Force from 2001 to 2020 as an Air Traffic Control Specialist (1C171) and an Emergency Management Technician (3E971). She began her Air Force career at the 45th Operations Support Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, and retired from the 153d Command and Control Squadron, FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. Now, she’s serving as the Site Manager in Cheyenne, Wyoming for Safeguard Veterans.
Her professionalism, technical proficiency, and leadership earned her multiple recognitions, including Air Traffic Services NCO of the Year (2005), SHARP NCO Award (2006), and Air Traffic Trainer of the Month (2005). Her decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Iraqi Campaign Medal. TSgt Robles holds an Associate’s Degree in Airway Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. TSgt Robles joined the military because she was not sure what she wanted to do after high school. She thought traveling the world, gaining skills for a career, and earning free college, while serving her country, sounded like something she would enjoy.
After being medically retired, due to autoimmune issues, she became passionate about helping fellow service members who may need a support system through tough times. She joined Air Force Wounded Warriors (AFW2) and connected with hundreds of wounded Veterans, even competing in the DoD Warriors Games (2022). After connecting with an old teammate from the AFW2, she was offered an opportunity to be involved deeper with supporting suicide prevention for Veterans through Safeguard Veterans. She felt this was something she truly had a passion for and jumped at the chance to be a part of this amazing project.
Meet Pepper, our Fayetteville Site Manager. Pepper is an Air Force veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the mother of a veteran, and a proud active-duty spouse. Service isn’t just something she supports — it’s the thread that has woven through her entire life. She has lived and been stationed across the United States, building community wherever the military has taken her family.
She spent more than two decades at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, working in the clinical laboratory with a specialization in microbiology. During that time, she cared for veterans not just as patients, but as people whose experiences she deeply understood.
When the COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified the challenges facing veterans and their families, Pepper felt called to do more. She earned her Master of Public Health to better address the systemic barriers affecting the communities she knows so well. Today, her work focuses on advancing government health initiatives, including programs like Safeguard Veterans, helping bridge research, policy, and lived experience.
Pepper believes deeply in connection — in the strength of military communities, in shared purpose, and in showing up for those who serve. Whether supporting veterans through her professional work or standing beside her husband throughout his military career, service remains both her commitment and her calling.
Meet Carly Simpson! A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Carly serves as the Site Manager for the Hampton/Newport News, VA location of Safeguard Veterans. A mission-driven professional with experience supporting highly regulated, service-oriented environments, she has been motivated by work that goes beyond metrics—work that has real, human impact. Carly was born and raised within the Virginia Beach area that consists of a very military, Veteran-focused community. She’s passionate about supporting Veteran suicide prevention based on firsthand exposure within the community and her work within Veteran support systems. She is deeply committed to contributing to the national efforts that protect Veteran well-being and help save lives.
Meet Bridget “BK” Kirkpatrick, our Las Vegas Site Manager for Safeguard Veterans leading community partnerships that support Veteran wellness and suicide prevention. As a military spouse and Air Force Wounded Warrior Caregiver, BK has a deep, personal understanding of the unique challenges military families face and is passionate about building meaningful, accessible support systems.
A Las Vegas resident for over 16 years, BK is deeply rooted in the local community and actively involved in Veteran, wellness, and small business networks. Her professional background includes leadership and community-focused roles with YogaSix and lululemon, where she specialized in relationship-building, client experience, and creating inclusive, supportive environments centered on well-being.
BK is known for her people-first leadership style and collaborative approach. In her role with Safeguard, she is committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding access to resources, and ensuring Veterans feel supported, connected, and empowered throughout the Las Vegas community.
Meet Mike Brandow, Manager in Saginaw, Michigan. Mike is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran who later transitioned into juvenile justice and veteran advocacy, carrying forward a deep commitment to service beyond the uniform. His time in the Marine Corps shaped his steady leadership style and reinforced his dedication to supporting those who have carried the weight of service.
Mike is currently an LLMSW-Intern completing his Master of Social Work as he works toward becoming a clinical therapist. He is developing a specialized therapy model designed specifically for veterans, first responders, and their families—communities whose experiences he understands both professionally and personally. In addition to serving as a crisis counselor for veterans, Mike collaborates with state policymakers to strengthen mental health systems and expand access to meaningful care.
Meet Daniel Witt, San Antonio’s Site Manager for Safeguard Veterans. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class with more than 20 years of service, Daniel has led and served across multiple levels within diverse healthcare settings, building a career grounded in both clinical excellence and compassionate leadership.
A combat Veteran, Daniel deployed for 27 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as a combat medic. His service has been recognized with the Army Commendation Medal with Valor, the Combat Medical Badge, and the YMCA Angels of the Battlefield Award.
Today, Daniel brings his frontline experience and steady leadership to Safeguard Veterans, where he is dedicated to helping Veterans access the care, resources, and support they deserve.