Our Board

Nick Velez | Founder and President 

Nick is a native Californian. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. In 2006 Corporal Velez deployed with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines as part of the Surge Strategy into the most dangerous cities of Iraq. Nick is the owner of Bastard’s American Canteen – proudly named after his battalion. Through his business and network, Nick discovered that his passion for helping Veteran’s with PTS was his calling. He remains a staunch advocate for the Veteran community he proudly serves through outreach and fundraising efforts to give back to those in need. 

Ernesto Delgado | Vice President

Ernie is a Vietnam Veteran and spent thirteen months in Vietnam serving with 3d Battalion, 26th Marines in some of the toughest fighting during the historic urban battle of Khe Sanh. He was a squad leader and Grunt in an era of war that rivaled by few others. Still missing the chaos of battle, Ernie has nonetheless stayed connected to the brotherhood of Marines and has dedicated himself to helping others, like him, that battle the effects of PTS. 

Scott Huesing | Executive Director  

Scott is a proven combat leader. A retired United States Marine Corps Infantry Major with 24 years of honorable service, both enlisted and as a commissioned officer. During his career spanning 10 deployments he conducted operations in over 60 countries. Throughout his numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa he planned, led, and conducted hundreds of combat missions under some of the most challenging conditions. The bestselling author of Echo in Ramadi, he speaks and volunteers to serve our veteran warriors through outreach and mentorship programs to keep our veteran tribe strong and connected.

Eulalo “Lalo” Lopez | Program Director

Eulalio is an emergency room and mental health nurse with fifteen years of active duty and Naval Reserve service. He served as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman with the United States Marine Corps during combat operations in Iraq. He has operated in the most challenging environments and collaborated with military services around the globe in medical and research programs. His experience helps support the mission of Save the Brave and the Veteran communities they serve. He is an avid outdoorsman, angler, and horseman and shares his passions to help bring veterans together in a safe environment to heal and connect.

Emmanuel “Manny” Maeda | Secretary & Director of STB Jiujitsu Program

Manny is a former Sergeant in the US Marine Corps with 8 years of service — from team leader to platoon sergeant, he led Marines in countless combat operations in the Middle East. Additionally, he instructed at 1st Marine Division Schools preparing small unit leaders for combat deployments. He now serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Bastards American Canteen and Chairman for MPOD Management Group. Manny is an avid outdoorsman and has dedicated countless hours of his time to continue to serve and support Save The Brave outreach programs and our Nation’s veterans.