About Us
The Branson Veterans Task Force has proudly served Veterans and their families since 1997. Through events, volunteer support, and public recognition, we honor service, sacrifice, and patriotism year-round.
Meet The Team
Becky Jewsbury
President
Becky is the Director of Group Leisure Sales for the Westgate Branson Woods Resort in Branson, Mo. She moved to Branson from Oklahoma 18 years ago where she began a career in the Leisure Group Sales industry. Becky enjoys helping people make memories that last and has a heart in helping Military Reunion groups to reconnect. From this passion, Becky started volunteering with the Branson Veterans Task Force, eventually joining the Board and most recently, taking on the role of President. She enjoys helping Branson to grow its influence for Veterans and assisting in organizing events.
Pat Veach
Vice-President
Pat is employed part time with Branson Ticket & Travel as a Group Tour Specialist.
Prior to this Pat was the director of sales & marketing at the Clay Cooper Theatre for 16 years.
She has been a board member for over 8 years and currently serves as Vice President. Her love and passion for honoring and recognizing veterans is paramount as her dad served in the Korean War and her husband served in Vietnam for two tours. We can thank Pat for organizing and leading the Rose Petal Ceremony and the Purple Heart Reunion.
Charlie Jerman
Secretary
Charlie spent 25 years in law enforcement before retiring and beginning his employment journey in Branson. While he has always had great respect for veterans, especially his Marine uncle, it increased each year while he worked in the Branson area. Charlie is also a member of the board of directors for Honor Flight of the Ozarks. "It is a privilege to be a member of the board of directors of each of these organizations." At Veterans Village during Veterans week you can find Charlie running the Mess Hall.
Justin Rhoades
Treasurer
Blake Leitch
Blake Leitch served seven years in the U.S. Army and earned the rank of Sergeant while serving as a Bradley fighting‑vehicle gunner. During his tour he deployed to Iraq and was wounded in action, receiving the Purple Heart. He also earned 5 ARCOMS, a Combat Infantryman Badge while serving with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. After leaving active service Blake dedicated his career to supporting fellow veterans — first as a Veteran Service Officer, then as a field agent with the Department of Veterans Affairs national office. He currently works with advocates for veterans with permanent disabilities, helping individuals secure the benefits and care they’ve earned through their service. A passionate and pragmatic advocate, Blake brings operational leadership, firsthand transition experience, and deep commitment to the veteran community. He lives in Springfield with his wife (Jackie) of over 20 years and their two sons.
Hayley Jewsbury
Hayley was born and raised in Branson, MO. Hayley's parents taught her of the importance and value of giving back to those in her community, especially veterans. She has been performing and singing for veterans since she was 8 years old. Growing up, Hayley always felt called to help people. She took that as a sign from the Lord to work in the medical field. Hayley works as a Registered Nurse Field Case Manager for Optum United Health Care. She manages cases for many residents in the Ozark/Springfield area. She provides clinical care and is a liaison between patients, families, providers and more. She is extremely grateful and proud of her board membership on the task force.
Ron Crust
Ashlie Beede
Ashlie grew up in the Branson area. As the daughter of Becky, she has played a role in veterans events and the task force in the background for some time. She is married to an Air Force Veteran as well, so patriotism and giving back are important values to her. In her full time role, Ashlie is the Director of Marketing for the Branson Chamber & CVB. She assists with marketing efforts for the task force as well and looks forward to helping with events throughout the year.
Lee Steveson
Lee had the privilege of wearing an Air Force uniform for over 20 years before retiring his uniform in July 2000. After a few years working in the corporate world Lee decided to retire in the Branson area in 2017. Lee’s heart is working with and assisting fellow Veterans and their families in the Ozarks. Lee is a member of the Branson Veterans of America 913 where he held numerous leadership roles, a member of the Veterans Military Coalition of the Ozarks Veterans of the Ozarks where he is a certified trainer teaching Suicide prevention classes (QPR) with an emphases on decreasing the high rate of Veteran suicides
Tron Slager
Tron was a combat Veteran in the Vietnam war. During his time in the service, he received two purple hearts and a bronze star with a certificate signed by president Nixon. Tron is a member of the VFW and the DAUSA. He got his bachelor's degree from NIU and worked for a military contractor. He also had a security business in Chicago, IL. This year, Tron and his wife adopted a tiger and named him Mustafa. Tron's plaque can be found in the Veterans Memorial Garden. Tron's motto, which can be found on his plaque, is "I'm a survivor. I'm here because I was tough, lucky, and God was my co-pilot."
Freddie Brock
Freddie Brock, a Son of a US Army Soldier; a Soldier himself and the Father of a US Army Soldier and 2 Army Veterans. Freddie’s wife serves as Mental Health Counselor for new soldiers going through military police training at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. A family committed to service to Soldiers, Veterans and their families. Serving 28 years in the Army before retiring at the rank of Command Sergeant Major. His military career took him all over the world, serving overseas in Korea, Germany, Bosina, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Afghanistan. He finished his career out as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the US Army Provost Marshal General, The Pentagon. Since retiring he has devoted his time to his family and serving the veterans community. In addition to the Branson Veterans Task Force, he serves as the president of the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Chapter; whose mission is to take care of the Soldier, Veterans and their Families.