About Us

The Branson Veterans Task Force was formed in 1997. We are a 501(3)(c) dedicated to empowering the Branson area to create an environment of patriotic pride and dignity to recognize and honor our nation's veterans and their families. Scroll down for more information about some of our main events where we can use your support! Thanks for visiting!

Meet The Team

SGM(R) Bob Smither
President

Bob served in the U.S. Military Academy Band, West Point, NY for over 23 years before retiring and settling in Branson. He joined the Task Force in 2019 where he serves as Treasurer. He currently is the Risk Manager for the City of Branson and still plays and teaches trumpet. Whenever possible he performs TAPS and bugle calls for funerals and other veteran events. Bob coordinates the vendors and does operations duty for Veterans Village during Veterans Week.

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

Becky Jewsbury
Past-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.

Mark Westcott
Volunteer Coordinator

Mark joined the board in 2022 and is a veteran of the Vietnam era serving in the US Army from 1973-1979.

"I'm excited to be a board member of the Branson Veterans Task Force and I look forward to meeting and talking with you!"

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1st SGT(R) Marie Voegel

Marie retired from the Marine Corps in 2019, where she served in various roles as an Aviation Ordnance Technician, Drill Instructor, and First Sergeant. She became a board member in 2022 and also works at Forsyth High School as the Marine Junior ROTC instructor. Marie enjoys working with her students to teach them the importance of honoring and remembering those who served their country.

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.

Tron Slager

George Christofferson

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.