Meet Our Team

John S. Lewandowski, President/CEO

John S. Lewandowski has spearheaded everyday efforts to form and incorporate the Disabled Veterans Committee on Housing (DVCH) in June 2008. President Lewandowski has for many years been committed to helping veterans resolve the serious issues they face regardless of type. He is widely acknowledge for providing food gift cards for the holidays, for fighting injustices faced by disabled veterans and for his work to locate jobs for the disabled and their family members, etc. John, who is a 100% disabled veteran himself, is now devoting his efforts to ensuring that disabled veterans are able to purchase the accessible housing that gives them the high quality of life they need and deserve.

The services that my Committee will provide for you and your family will not cost you one red cent, its absolutly FREE. No, I am not a millionaire or did I just win the lottery, no I am a veteran like you and just want to say thank you in the way that I know how, helping you the veteran.

John manages all activities carried out under the “One Stop Shop” new accessible and affordable homes for disabled veterans program. He is leading the 2009 DVCH program of work under which the Committee is committed to assisting 500 veterans purchase the accessible housing that had so far only appeared as a dream.

John can be reached at 540-877-1252 or DVCH123@gmail.com.  To all veterans, John’s message is, “Please get in touch with me or other Board Members if you need new housing”.  I guarantee that the Committee services can help you get into the home that will make you more independent. We will never forget what you have done for this country!”

Chris Brown - Manager of Greater Richmond area operations

In 2008, Christopher L. Brown joined the DVCH as a Full Member and has worked since then as the Manager of Greater Richmond area operations for the Committee.  Chris meets regularly with veterans at McGuire VA Hospital to assist them in their efforts to obtain housing and to respond to other challenges these former service men and women are facing.

Chris was born on November 4, 1969 in Richmond, VA to loving parents father (the late) Clarence L. Brown and his devoted Mother Avonne E. Brown.  He was raised in Petersburg VA, moved to York, PA and returned for the summers in Petersburg, VA which was a thoroughly enjoyed period of his life.  Chris played high school football from 1985-1988.

In 1988, Chris joined the United States Army.  In January of 1989 he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and then AIT school at Fort Lee, VA.  In May 1989 Chris was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA.  In 1990-1991 Chris served in the Gulf War in Desert Shield, Desert Storm.  In 1994 he was released from active duty after having ACL reconstruction surgery on his knee.

Chris accepted a position with DOD (Department of Defense) in 1994.  From November 1995 to 1997 he served in the Army reserves.  While working for DOD he decided to enter firefighter recruit school and graduated in 1999. Chris attended John Tyler in 2000 and received his EMT (Emergency Medical Technician Certification) that year.  He joined the Volunteer Squad in 2000-2004. In order to further his education Chris enrolled in J. Sergeant Reynolds College and earned a Fire Science Degree. In 2004 Chris began working for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

DAPHNE R. Mize, Director, Veterans Outreach Program

Daphne Mize is a dedicated, instinctive and multi-talented Human Resources and Training Executive with an extraordinary record in planning, management and leadership. She has demonstrated abilities as an innovative thinker, outstanding administrator and effective problem-solver. She possesses extensive experience and expertise in career development and education; working with persons with disabilities; socio-economic counseling, treatment plans and casework. Ms. Mize displays knowledge of qualitative life-cycle management, staff supervision, legal assistance, and testing and performance evaluations. An accomplished writer and seasoned speaker, she is an excellent listener and quick learner, applies a professional demeanor to interact with all levels of management and staff. Imposes initiative in maintaining open communications channels and is recognized as an organizational catalyst that is thoroughly familiar with bio-psychosocial assessments and social work counseling. She is committed to personal and professional excellence in a job setting.

FORMAL EDUCATIONAL TRAINING:

University of Colorado, Denver, CO -Veterans Training and Employment Certificates 2008/2009

Strayer University, Annandale, VA – Received Master degree in Business Administration and HR Certificate, 2004

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA – Received Bachelor degree in Social Work, 1999

Formal Training:

 Executive Graduate Certificate/Business Administration; Inventory & EquipmentManagement; Quality Control; Cataloging; Managing and Organizing People;Cognitive/Affective Psychology; Foundations of Psychology; Information System Decision-making; Economics and Accounting; Human Resource Management;Organizational Behavior; Marketing; Business Policy and Strategy Planning;Financial Management; Management Theory; Labor Relations; Veterans Services; Labor and Employment +e; Case Management; Promoting Partnerships; Transition Assistance Program; Advanced Case Manage; Job Coaching for Ex-offender Population

Other Skills:

 Budgets; Audits; Billing; Cost Accounting/Control; Ledgers/Journals; FinancialStatements; Line-item Justification; Benefits Administration; Pensions and Retirement; Business Acumen; Customer Service; Vendor Relations; Analysis/Evaluation; Planning/Presentation; Project Development/Management;

Military Service:

 Served with the United States Army, 1988 to 1995, separated with the rank ofSergeant, a 10-pt Preference and an Honorable Discharge

SKIP ROGERS, DIRECTOR, WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM

DUANE (SKIP) ROGERS Skip has over 32 years of business leadership that includes assisting large and small companies to expand their business base and government contract portfolio. He is an expert in the areas of strategic planning, capture development, creating winning proposals, competitive marketplace training, course design, and public speaking.

Skip proudly served in the U.S. Army, with duty as a Military Police-Canine soldier from 1968-1970.

Skip’s charitable work began in 1970 when he became part of Operation Share, a charitable organization that tutored learning disabled and high risk elementary aged children, that was followed by his work as an assistant house supervisor for a community-based home for the chronic mentally ill.

Skip served in the key leadership positions for over 15 years in the Virginia State Knights of Columbus.  He led the 22,000 member organization for 3 years as its Program Director, and served in each of the 5 elected officer positions, finishing his leadership as the state’s Chief Executive Officer (State Deputy).  He has been recognized for numerous accomplishments over the years, highlighted by his family’s selection as the International Family of the Year, chosen among the organizations 1.6 million families and the highest award within the organization.

Skip is currently involved in a number of organizations and initiatives that focus on assisting the severely handicapped with an emphasis on supporting combat injured veterans and their families.