Richard (Rick) Hardon, USMC 1969-1971 Disabled Veteran

Rick Haradon is a veteran advocate and community supporter with extensive involvement
in veteran recreational programming, wellness activities, and community engagement
initiatives focused on improving quality of life for veterans and military families.
Throughout his involvement with veteran organizations and community programs, Rick has
participated in organizing and supporting a variety of veteran-focused recreational events
and activities including veteran golf tournaments, wellness programs, outreach initiatives,
and community engagement opportunities.

Rick has also been involved with veteran activities and programs associated with Florida
Atlantic University and Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, supporting efforts designed to
provide therapeutic, recreational, and supportive experiences for veterans and their
families.

His experience with recreational programming, veteran outreach, and event coordination
contributes to the mission of Oasis Veteran Alliance by helping expand opportunities for
adaptive recreation, peer engagement, wellness activities, and community-based veteran
support programs.

As part of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Rick Haradon supports the organization’s efforts to build
meaningful recreational and wellness opportunities that promote veteran connection,
healing, and long-term community engagement.

I mentor veterans and disabled veterans returning from deployment,

My accomplishments are as follows:

• Co founder of Veterans Center,  Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fl
• Co created Horses for Heroes, a veteran therapy program, Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center, Davie, Fl
• Created Swim with the Dolphins Veteran Therapy Program, Island Dolphin Care, Key Largo, Fl and helped with the start of Florida Panthers Warriors, a disabled veteran hockey program
• Organized veteran salt and fresh water fishing trips, swamp, buggy and track trips and python and wild hog hunts in Florida
• Organized veteran interactions with FAU sports teams and encouraged to attend all home games, and strongly encouraged them to volunteer for local fundraiser
•  groups, such as NFL Alumni Association Caring for Kids, Florida Chapter, and Elks Association, Boca Raton Chapter

From my experience as a Vietnam era veteran, I felt I could help all veterans and disabled veterans adapt back into civilian life by mentoring. It is so fulfilling and I made many lifelong friends. 

Danny Trevino, USN Veteran

Danny Trevino is a retired United States Navy Warrant Officer with experience
supporting veterans, military communities, and student veteran programs through
leadership, event coordination, and community engagement activities.

Following his military career, Danny remained actively involved in veteran-related
programs and activities, including support for events within college and university settings
focused on veteran outreach, student engagement, and community support initiatives.
Danny also previously served as a Department of Veterans Affairs work-study participant,
providing direct support within veteran service environments and assisting veterans
navigating educational and support resources. His experience working within veteran
focused programs has contributed to his understanding of the needs and challenges facing
veterans and military families.

As part of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Danny Trevino contributes leadership experience, veteran
mentorship, event support, and operational assistance in support of adaptive recreation,
wellness programming, peer engagement, and community outreach initiatives for veterans
and their families.

His military leadership background and continued commitment to veteran service support
the organization’s mission to expand meaningful recreational, educational, and wellness
opportunities for veterans throughout the community.

Brett Hoskinson, USMC Veteran

Brett Hoskinson is a United States Marine Corps veteran and veteran community advocate
with experience supporting veteran outreach programs, student veteran activities, and
community engagement initiatives within higher education environments.

Brett previously served as a Department of Veterans Affairs work-study participant where
he worked alongside veteran services leadership teams supporting veteran students,
military families, and campus veteran programs. During this time, he assisted with veteran
events, student outreach activities, and veteran support initiatives at Palm Beach State
College under the leadership of Matthew Watkins and Luis Torres.

Brett also served as a Student Veterans of America (SVA) representative at Palm Beach
State College, helping coordinate veteran-related activities, student engagement
opportunities, and campus support initiatives for military-affiliated students.
In addition to his veteran services experience, Brett currently works within the oil industry,
bringing operational experience, leadership skills, teamwork, and community involvement
to the mission of Oasis Veteran Alliance.

As part of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Brett Hoskinson supports veteran outreach, recreational
programming, peer engagement, and community event initiatives designed to improve
veteran wellness and strengthen veteran community connections.

President – Matthew Watkins, USAF Veteran

Matthew D. Watkins is a United States Air Force veteran, veteran services professional,
nonprofit leader, and advocate with more than fifteen years of experience supporting
veterans, military families, and students utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs
educational benefits and support services.

Matthew earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama
and a Bachelor of Science in Communications with minors in English and Leadership
Studies from the University of Mobile. He also completed military technical training in Sun,
UNIX, Linux, and Windows operating systems while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Throughout his career, Matthew has held leadership positions in veteran affairs and higher
education at institutions including Los Angeles Pacific University, Southeastern Louisiana
University, Palm Beach State College, Faulkner State Community College, and the University
of South Alabama. His work has focused on Title 38 compliance, veteran student success, GI
Bill administration, military outreach, veteran enrollment growth, program development,
and veteran wellness initiatives.

Matthew has extensive experience developing veteran-focused programs and managing
veteran service operations, including VA work-study programs, veteran resource centers,
adaptive support initiatives, and community partnerships. During his career, he successfully
led veteran outreach initiatives, organized veteran conferences and wellness events,
increased veteran enrollment, secured grants and donations, and collaborated with state
approving agencies and military organizations.

As founder and leader of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Matthew is focused on expanding veteran
wellness opportunities through adaptive recreation, equine-assisted activities, outdoor
recreation programming, peer engagement, and community reintegration services. His
vision is to establish long-term veteran-centered programs that improve quality of life,
strengthen mental wellness, and create supportive community environments for veterans
and their families.

Matthew’s professional accomplishments and leadership have been recognized by
numerous veteran organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies. He has
received multiple recognitions related to veteran services and military-friendly program
development and was appointed to serve on the Selective Service System Local Board for
the State of Louisiana.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Matthew has received letters of
recognition and appreciation from veteran organizations, educational institutions, state
agencies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for his leadership and service to veterans.

Vice President – Luis Torres, Army Veteran

Luis Torres is a veteran services professional, community advocate, and higher education
leader with extensive experience supporting veterans, military families, and student
veterans through educational programming, community outreach, and veteran-centered
support initiatives.

Throughout his career, Luis Torres has held leadership roles within college and university
veteran affairs programs, including service as Manager of Veteran Programs at Palm Beach
State College and Director of Veterans Affairs at Florida Atlantic University. In these
positions, he worked extensively with veteran students, military dependents, community
organizations, and Department of Veterans Affairs educational programs.

Luis has significant experience coordinating veteran outreach initiatives, managing veteran
resource operations, organizing community veteran events, and developing programs
designed to improve veteran student success, retention, and community engagement. His
leadership has supported the growth of veteran-centered services and partnerships within
both academic and community environments.

In addition to his higher education leadership experience, Luis has participated in
organizing and supporting community veteran programs, outreach activities, resource
events, and collaborative initiatives focused on improving services and opportunities for
veterans and military families.

As part of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Luis Torres brings operational leadership, veteran
program development experience, community partnership expertise, and a strong
commitment to expanding adaptive recreation, wellness programming, and peer support
opportunities for veterans and their families.

COO – Nicholas Harris

Nicholas Harris is an information technology and networking professional with experience
supporting computer systems, networking operations, technology infrastructure, and
program-related IT support services.

Nicholas has over 20 years experience working with information technology systems and computer
networking environments, including troubleshooting, system support, technology
operations, and computer program-related support functions. His background includes
assisting with technology infrastructure, maintaining operational systems, and supporting
organizational technology needs.

As part of Oasis Veteran Alliance, Nicholas Harris supports organizational technology
operations, IT networking, communications systems, and program-related technical
support. His role helps support administrative functions, operational coordination, digital
communication systems, and technology solutions necessary for veteran programming and
organizational development.

Nicholas contributes to the long-term development of Oasis Veteran Alliance by helping
maintain reliable technology support systems that assist with outreach efforts, program
coordination, participant communication, and operational efficiency.