OUR TEAM

Dan served over 28 years in the Air Force as an aircraft maintainer, pilot, planner, strategist, instructor, and leader. He traveled the world working with soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines; and gained experience in combat and other stressful situations. After serving his country, he continued to serve as a teacher and school counselor. Like many veterans, he spent years trying to find the right fit where skill and out-of-the-box thinking could best serve others. He is passionate about improving the system where veterans and their families have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Sam served in the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Army Intelligence. Medically discharged due to Multiple Sclerosis, she brings firsthand insight into the challenges faced by disabled veterans. To manage her MS, she began weightlifting—eventually winning first place at the 2025 USA Masters Weightlifting Competition. She continues to compete nationally with the goal of joining the U.S. Olympic Weightlifting Team. Sam has a Masters of Education, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She is the 2025 recipient of the Everett Herald Emerging Leader Award.

Grizz served in the U.S. Navy as an EA-6 Electronic Warfare Specialist, deploying during the Gulf War. He supported combat operations overseas, helping his shipmates earn the Battle “E” Award for operational excellence. Today, he continues to serve as a Boeing union steward, advocating for veterans and workers alike. Grizz also leads veteran outreach across Washington as Commander of both the Camano Island American Legion and Arlington Combat Veterans International. In his free time, he fosters bulldogs and explores backcountry trails with the Camano Island Jeep Club.

JC grew up in Stanwood, and like many of his classmates, volunteered to serve his country and comrades during the Vietnam War. JC proudly served as a United States Marine, rising to the challenge of some of the military’s toughest training. As part of Marine Force Recon, he completed Airborne, Jungle Warfare, and Underwater Demolition courses—earning his place among the most elite warriors of his generation. He also fought alongside South Vietnamese military under intense combat conditions. As he continues to do today, JC served his country with quiet strength, skill, and courage during one of the most challenging eras in American history. He now calls Camano Island his home, where he leads not only in the Camano Island American Legion, but helps lead Vietnam veteran and other groups towards recovery and resilience.

Joanne Johnsen was born in Oklahoma and lived in Alaska, where she learned resilience—both from the land and as a military spouse. Her husband, Denny Johnsen, was a Marine and Vietnam veteran who passed away from Agent Orange exposure. Joanne now uses her experience of service and sacrifice to support other widows and spouses as a peer mentor. She leads the Camano Island American Legion Auxiliary and organizes the weekly bingo night, one of the most beloved community events for Camano and surrounding residents.