CEO and Founder

Thomas J. Stokes is a decorated war veteran, a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Nurse. Tom began his military career as a PFC in the Signal Corps with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He served in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Social Worker and retired at the rank of Colonel in March 2018. From April 2010 to April 2011, he served a year-long deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan where he was the Officer in Charge at the Combat Stress Clinic at Forward Operating Base Gardez. During this deployment, he was responsible for behavioral healthcare in Paktia Province for thousands of military personnel over the course of his tour.

BOARD SECRETARY

Katie Guardino was born and raised in Pittsburgh (Sharpsburg). She always felt a connection to the military community because she has had family and friends who were part of the military and law enforcement communities. Her father served in the Army during Vietnam and three of her grandparents served. Serving as a working Board Member for Operation Strong Mind, Katie continues to support the overarching community and to give back. She is passionate about helping others through education, support, and empowerment. 

Chad Nikola is a passionate advocate of veterans’ rights and our nation’s armed forces.

Throughout his life, Chad has had the privilege to see, firsthand, the positive impact his friends and family in the military have made while on active duty and, subsequently, in retirement. Some of Chad’s connections to the military include : a distinguished Brigadier General (ret.) who served the US Army, a Major in the Army Military Police, and an Army Ranger currently serving as a Major and Special Forces Battalion Executive Officer.