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
Ruth Ann Crust
President
In 2019, a call to the Branson Veteran's Task Force asking how I could get more involved with the program. I was told that I needed to write a letter explaining what the Veteran's mean to me. I met with the board and told them my dad's story, and also said that Veteran's have a story to tell and that we need to keep the younger children involved so they would continue talking about the Veteran's for generations to come. The board accepted me.
One of the biggest events was Veteran's Village, I had only been there to volunteer so I wasn't sure how it worked. I was asked to help in the Mess Hall so that it where my story began. I was cleaning tables, picking up plates when they finished eating and cleaning the Mess Hall after it was over for the day.! noticed a couple that came in and sat at the same table every day by the end of the week they weren't just Veteran's, they became family.
Over the years seeing the same people and getting to know new
ones has been a real honor, and l am very humbled to be apart of the Branson Veterans Task Force.
I have done sales all my life, I came from a family owed chicken hatchery in Clinton, MO. Before Titanic sold I worked for the Joslyn's for 19 years and the management company that took over Titanic is Dolly Parton Stampede in which I have been for the past 2 years.
Charlie Jerman
Vice-President
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.
Ron Crust
​Ron Crust has always had a passion for Veteran's, he goes out of his way to shake hands and say Thank you for your service.
In 2019 Ron got involved with Branson Veteran's Task Force by working in the Mess Hall
serving up meals for the Veteran's and their families. Every year since Ron has been the first
person to volunteer his time all week in the Mess Hall. If he isn't serving the Veteran's and
their families you will find him prepping for the food to arrive, washing dishes,
taking out the trash or sanitizing the tables and chairs for the next day.
Ron has got to know a lot of the Veteran's over the years and enjoys visiting with them.Ron Crust has always had a passion for Veteran's, he goes out of his way to shake hands and say Thank you for your service.
In 2019 Ron got involved with Branson Veteran's Task Force by working in the Mess Hall
serving up meals for the Veteran's and their families. Every year since Ron has been the first
person to volunteer his time all week in the Mess Hall. If he isn't serving the Veteran's and
their families you will find him prepping for the food to arrive, washing dishes,
taking out the trash or sanitizing the tables and chairs for the next day.
Ron has got to know a lot of the Veteran's over the years and enjoys visiting with them.
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.
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.
Nathan McKinley
Nathan was a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Crew Chief stationed at Whiteman AFB for 6 years. Nathan ended his time in service as a Staff Sergeant with 16 decorations, including a few devices. He has extensive experience working with the veteran, active, and reserve communities. He currently owns and operates 2 businesses: 1 is online retail, and the other is manufacturing. Both perform very well, and their target niche is the veteran, active, and reserve communities for my products and services. He wants to be more active in the veteran community and make a positive change in that space. He is a social media influencer with extensive connections in the veteran sphere, and is excited to offer his network