MEET OUR TEAM!

Ann Johnson - Founder & CEO

When Ann knew that her only son, Paul, was going to be stationed in Iraq, she asked some of her friends if they would help support Paul’s company.  The response was great and grew!  One of her friends, an air traffic controller at Denver International Airport, asked her boss if they could adopt Paul’s group.  They ended up sending almost $3,000 worth of goods.  Then a mistake was made...the soldiers, thinking that they were thanking the DIA group, addressed their letters in care of DIA.  However, all of the supporters didn’t work at DIA, so the letters, after being opened, were sent to Ann to re-address and send out to the appropriate people.  In tears reading them, Steve W., a retired LT COL U.S. Air Force Pilot and friend of Ann’s, called and alerted the media of Ann’s efforts and the Adopt A US Soldier organization was born. Paul has been redeployed since October, 2006 for his second tour of duty in Iraq. 

Steve Weaver - Chief Financial Officer

Rebecca Mitchell - Chief Communications Officer

Rebecca first heard of Ann’s efforts after her Mom directed her to the 850KOA web site to hear Ann’s interview with Roger Hudson. Troubled by the idea that some soldiers don’t receive mail from “home” and many soldiers (in Iraq) feel their efforts are not valued, Rebecca contacted Ann to adopt a soldier.  Owner of Write Now Marketing, Rebecca also offered Ann her freelance writing services to aid in the organization’s promotion. Rebecca and her husband, Kurt, are excited to “connect” with their “adopted” soldier and are very grateful for the sacrifice and bravery of the US soldiers representing America worldwide.

Tracy VanOort - Administrative Volunteer

Sue Totman - Administrative Volunteer

Sue Totman and is from Searsmont, Maine and happily married mother of 4 (3 boys, 1 girl) and a Grammy of one. Sue volunteers with AAUSS,”…because these are our men and women taking care of  us living in a foreign land and risking their lives every single day. I believe it is our obligation to do the best we can by them to help them through the very stressful time away from their families and living in danger. There are a huge percentage of soldiers who do not have family support, so they need someone to give them a hand. Any little bit I can do hopefully will help someone have a better, happier day.  I don't think I've ever met a more selfless group of people than those that are a part of this organization. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Lauren Janning - Administrative
                     Volunteer & Secretary

Lauren is a graduate student and an analyst at US Bank in Cincinnati, OH.   Lauren became involved with Adopt A US Soldier after hearing Ann’s interview on 850KOA radio and adopting several soldiers herself. She contacted Ann to asked "What could I do to help?" Lauren looks forward to her continued involvement in this great organization. As far as Lauren is concerned, there isn’t enough any one of us could do for these brave men and women who unselfishly give of themselves and work to preserve our freedoms and the freedoms of those in foreign countries. "I am honored to be a part of "Adopt A US Soldier."