MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A dedicated professional with a diverse background, I graduated from Alma College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. My early career included serving as a Telecommunications Specialist and Intelligence Petty Officer in the United States Coast Guard, where I earned multiple commendation ribbons and a letter of recognition from the Commandant for saving lives.

In 1997, I received a second Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and went on to teach elementary school, fostering young minds. For over 20 years, I was a nationally recognized Realtor with Coldwell Banker, before founding Big Dog Properties, where I focused on rehabilitating homes to address the critical housing shortage.

I am also the co-founder and president of the Military Discount Society, dedicated to building stronger, more unified communities. Above all, I am a proud father to Luke Buffington, a high school student with aspirations of becoming an occupational therapist.

Veronica Barba was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She entered the Navy at 18 after graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. Inspired by her English teacher, Mr. Steve Willke, Veronica learned the importance of being a person of both character and passion. Mr. Willke taught and showed Veronica how dedicated effort shapes both opportunity and success, lessons that guided her throughout her life.

Following her military service, Veronica moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she completed her bachelor's degree at the University of New Mexico. With a passion for education, she spent several years as a classroom teacher, working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including gifted learners and those with low-incidence disabilities.

Veronica cherished the opportunity to work in the same school setting as her son, Shannon, while he was growing up. Together, they volunteered in various community organizations, strengthening their shared commitment to service and learning. When Shannon Barba began his college education at age 12, Veronica returned to school to earn a master’s degree in educational administration and later served as a special education director in Albuquerque.

In 2019, Veronica and her family relocated to Marshall, Michigan. She worked for the Calhoun Intermediate School District for several years before becoming an administrator at the Doris Klaussen Developmental Center in Battle Creek. After a dedicated career serving many disadvantaged individuals and families, Veronica retired in January 2024.

Following retirement, Veronica and her husband Michael, both veterans, found an opportunity to give back in a new way to a group they hold close to their hearts: the often underappreciated heroes of the military community. Together, they founded a nonprofit organization, Military Discount Society, to continue their joint mission of service to others.

Eric Roeder has over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate appraisal. His career began in Albuquerque, NM, followed by roles as a commercial fee appraiser in Cincinnati, OH, and Minneapolis, MN. He has worked for AEGON/Transamerica as a review appraiser and spent six years as a regional appraisal manager at SunTrust Bank. Most recently, Eric managed a team of review appraisers and evaluators at Lender Consulting Services (LCS) in Buffalo, NY, where he consulted with community banks on valuation policies and educated credit professionals on real estate lending.

Eric holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Appraisal from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Macalester College. He is a designated member of the Appraisal Institute.

Since 2011, Eric has lived in North Carolina, where he plans to remain. He enjoys golf, travel, and spending time with his two sons, ages 16 and 20, and with friends.

Bill Craft served 4 years of active duty and 3 years in the active reserve with the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed on the Coast Guard Cutters Storis, Polar Sea, and Polar Star, among others.  He met Mike Buffington, founder of the Military Discount Society, while they served together aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Storis in Kodiak, AK, leading to a lifelong friendship.  After leaving active duty, Bill pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian, using his GI Bill and graduating with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 2004. Following a six year career in general practice and emergency medicine, Bill moved on to the University of Florida, completing a three year residency at the University of Florida, followed by board certification as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathology. After completing his residency, Bill stayed at the University of Florida as a faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine until resigning in 2024 to start two businesses, Access Veterinary Care, a small animal veterinary clinic in Ocala, FL, and Clinicians Veterinary Pathology, a veterinary diagnostic pathology laboratory also based out of Ocala. Bill enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine and particularly enjoys dermatology, soft tissue surgery, and complicated medicine cases. He loves helping his patients, their families, and the community.  Bill has a specialty in dermatopathology and serves on the board of the International Society of Veterinary Pathology. Bill has helped teach veterinary students for 14 years, has lectured at national and international conferences, and has co-authored or authored over 30 publications. Bill enjoys spending time with his wife Serena (also a veterinarian and boarded pathologist) and his sons, Warren and Henry. In his free time, Bill enjoys fishing, boating, hiking, outdoor activities, and training his Bearded Collies. Committed to community service, Bill is eager to help the Military Discount Society grow and help as many veterans as possible.