Board of Directors
Chairman: Bryan Schnell
Bryan Schnell enlisted in the US Marines at age 17, after graduation from Stevens High School in Rapid City. He attained the rank of Marine Sergeant at age 19. Bryan served multiple deployments in Okinawa, Japan, Korea; also, in Norway and other NATO countries. He served as a weapons platoon commander, a mountain warfare instructor and also a weapons instructor for US Naval Academy cadets. After honorable discharge from the USMC, he graduated from Arizona State University. Bryan has worked as a Special Assistant to the Maricopa County Attorney and as staff for US Congressman & Senator John McCain in Arizona and in Washington DC. Bryan has operated Professional Investigative Resources, Inc., since 1992. Bryan and his wife, Tanya, have three adult sons, all veterans. Bryan’s father, Hank Schnell served in WWII in Italy, participated in D-Day and in the Battle Of The Bulge. Hank also had active service during the Korean War. Hank Schnell’s image is proudly displayed on a Veteran’s Honor Banner.
Sherry Stolpe-Oyler
Vice Chairman
Sherry is the proud daughter of a WWII veteran who along with his four brothers, my uncles, all enlisted to go to war at the same time. This made my grandmother a rare ‘five-star mother’ who hung a flag with five stars, each representing one of her boys, in the window of their home throughout the entirety of WWII. Two boys were injured but thankfully all returned home safely!
Each banner that is a part of this Veteran’s Honor Banner Project has its own unique story to tell. It is very humbling to learn of each vet’s experiences and sacrifices that they made.
We should never forget the price that these and all vets have paid in protecting our country and keeping all of us safe! I’m honored to be a part of this very worthy project. It is a small way to thank my dad, his four brothers and all vets for their service to our country!
Patty Ploof
Treasurer
Patty Ploof serves as the Treasurer for the VHBP. Patty was a teacher for 36 years, most all in the RCAS system. Patty’s love for history compliments the service of several of her family members who served honorably in the military. Patty is very happy to honor veterans by helping with the banner program.
Robin Rohrer Franson
Secretary
Robin has always been a proud and patriotic person. Patriotism runs deep in rural Nebraska where she raised. Robin grew up loving to hear stories her father, Rollin S. Rohwer, occasionally spoke of regarding his years in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Rollin served in the Pacific theater during the height of the island hopping campaign. These stories brought Robin’s high school history/government classes to life for her. Decades later, Robin married a Navy man, Robert L. Franson, who had also served his country during war and peace. Bob was a member of a select group of young sailors assigned to the newest Navy vessel, the PBR (Patrol Boat Fast) to patrol the Vietnamese rivers and delta. Bob spent three tours in Viet Nam on these “Swift Boats” as they came to be known. He was also stationed in many other areas of the world over his 28-year career. Bob’s love for the United States never wavered. He was active in his naval reunions and Robin enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world to visit the locations where he had been stationed. Robin & Bob were both very grateful to escort three different Honor Flights of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. Robin was involved with planning and completing two of these flights for our West
River veterans, a feat she considers a great honor and privilege. Robin
continues to be humbled by the sacrifices our active military men and women make to keep our country free and safe. She is honored to serve on the Veterans Honor Banner Board!
Chairman Emeritus: Bill Casper
As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Bill Casper knows firsthand the sacrifices made by the bold men and women who have served their country. After serving as a radar technician in the Air Force from 1959 to 1963, Casper taught school for 41 years, 38 of which were spent in Rapid City. He hopes to recreate the success of Emporia Kansas’ Veterans Banner Project, which has grown substantially since its inception in 2014.
Don Stover
Vice-Chairman Emeritus
Don was born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. From 1961 to 1965, he served as an electronics tech in the Air Force stationed on the east coast. He then transferred those skills to Xerox Corporation. Following 31 years of service as a technician, professional trainer, technical manager, and an administrative manager, he retired from Xerox. Following his corporate retirement, Don and wife Marlene, entered into a home based business which they successfully operated for 16 years, after which he retired again.
Don currently serves on two additional community service boards and sees membership on this board as a key commitment to the recognition of our vets who have selflessly shared their lives in service for the safety and security of our country.
Michelle Merchen
Director of Organization & Digital Affairs
Michelle became involved in the Veterans Honor Banner Project after wanting to support and honor her Father, Father-In-Law and Brother-In-Law for their service. Michelle is married and is the mother of two boys. She is a very active and involved in the local Rushmore Hockey Association. Her full time job in Marketing at Westhills Village allows her to work with many retired Veterans and their families.
Dennis Wagner
Assistant Secretary
Dennis R Wagner, son of a veteran, grandson to a veteran, godson and nephew to six veterans, uncle to three veterans, cousin to two veterans, is proud to honor the service and sacrifice of all our veterans. Joining the board in 2024, Dennis serves as assistant secretary for VHBP. A third-generation SD native, Dennis is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 41 of Alexandria, SD, his hometown.
Lonnie Strong
Assistant Treasurer
Brent Cogswell
director
kent Hagg
Legal Adviser/Director
Kent Hagg is a local Rapid City attorney, a partner with Hagg & Hagg, LLP. Kent has significant experience in Municipal Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Increment Districts, and also in Planning and Zoning issues. Kent has previously served as an Asst. City Attorney for Rapid City, as Corporate Legal Counsel and is a USD Law School graduate. Kent is also active as President /CEO of Hagg Development, where he uses his Real Estate Broker License to assist him in his management of Hagg Properties, using that expertise to develop large residential, multi-family and commercial development projects since 1999. Kent is proud to further serve his community by volunteering on the VHBP Board of Directors, where he serves as legal advisor for the Project. Kent demonstrates his support of our military and veterans by helping to steer this strong community organization.
Rick Holloway
director
Rick is a dedicated veteran advocate from Rapid City, South Dakota. He brings over 30 years of experience inpublic service, having served as a South Dakota State Parole Officer and United States Probation Officer in Pierre and Rapid City. Throughout his career, Rick contributed to several national boards and commissions for the federal courts, demonstrating his commitment to justice and governance. Additionally, he has been actively involved in local community organizations focused on youth sports, disability services, and Masonic/Shrine groups.
Rick’s deep connection to the military community is personal and profound. He and his wife, Diana, are the parents of two U.S. Marine veterans. Their family has a rich military heritage spanning World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Rick’s father-in-law, Diana’s father, Raymond Purdy, served under General George S. Patton during World War II in North Africa and Italy. This legacy fuels Rick’s passion for supporting veterans and their families.
As a board member of the Veterans Honor Banner Project, Rick continues his lifelong commitment to giving back to the community and honoring those who have served our country.
tyler olson
Director
Tyler grew up in Rapid City and graduated from Stevens High School in 2011. Shortly thereafter he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving a 4 year enlistment with 3 of those years stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan. During his time in the Marine Corps, Tyler discovered a passion for travel, adventure and emergency medicine. Following Tyler’s Honorable Discharge from the Marines in 2015, he returned to South Dakota and pursued a career in EMS. This initial career path has inspired Tyler to continue his service outside of the military while still leading a life of excitement and exploration. Tyler attended Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City, becoming certified as a paramedic in 2017. With his paramedic license in hand, Tyler began working for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Ambulance service in Pine Ridge, SD. In 2021, Tyler founded Minuteman EMS, which contracts with the US Forest Service to provide Emergency Medical Services for firefighting and other personnel attacking wildland fires. Tyler continues to pursue other business opportunities and has a truly entrepreneurial spirit. Tyler became interested in working with the VHBP because of his military connection to the project and his desire to support his beloved RC community.
Jerome Mitchell
Board Member
Jerome graduated from Northern State University in 1961. Following college, he entered the USAF, also in 1961, and served until 1968. Jerome flew in B-52’s as a navigator out of Minot AFB, ND.
After his discharge, Jerome taught math and science at Douglas H.S. for two years. He then entered graduate school at the S.D School of Mines where he majored in meteorology. During the summer months Jerome flew a research plane for the Institute of Atmospheric Science. In the early 70’s, he flew air mail for Snedigar Flying Service. His last occupation before retirement, was sales manager at Rapid Chevrolet for 30 years.