Honoring our Gary Sinise Foundation Heroes: Part 2

Dear Friends, 

In part one of this series, we introduced you to some of the incredible men and women whose firsthand experience in military and first responder life continues to inspire their work at the Gary Sinise Foundation. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to a few more. Each of them carries their own unique story of service - stories shaped by courage, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to others. 

It is a privilege to have them as part of our mission, turning their personal experiences into meaningful impact for the heroes and families we serve. 

I’m proud of the work they do, and I’m grateful you’re taking the time to get to know them. My hope is that, through their stories, you’ll see what I see every day, dedicated teammates living out the very spirit of service that the Gary Sinise Foundation was built upon. Stay tuned for the third and final installment of this series, coming soon. 

With gratitude, 
Gary 

Donna Mercier, Executive Director at the Gary Sinise Foundation, is driven by a lifelong respect for those who protect and serve - whether on the front lines overseas or in our own communities. Her father, Jonathon Ernsting, served with the Sheriff’s Department and faced danger many times in the line of duty, setting an enduring example of courage. Her stepfather, John Harvel, served in the National Guard, instilling in her the importance of defending our country and way of life. Donna’s connection to service extends beyond U.S. borders - her husband served 28 years in the Canadian Air Force, contributing to numerous NATO missions alongside the United States. “It is so important to uplift and remember our nation’s heroes,” she says. “These brave women and men run into the very danger the rest of us run away from.” Through her work at GSF, Donna is honored to help ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. 

Kent Weimer, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy at the Gary Sinise Foundation, draws inspiration from a deep family legacy of service. His father, Henry Weimer, served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, and his brother followed in those same footsteps. Though Kent did not serve in uniform himself, he feels a strong responsibility to give back to the military community that has profoundly shaped his life. “Both my dad and brother served in the Navy and several friends are vets. I find it important to give back to those who have served,” he shares. At GSF, he channels that gratitude into action, supporting a mission that honors and uplifts our nation’s defenders. 

Kyle Venable, Program & Integration Manager for the Foundation’s Cybersecurity, served as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and though he no longer wears the uniform, his commitment to service remains unwavering. “The call to serve has never left me,” Kyle says. “It’s in my body, my blood, and my purpose.” At the Gary Sinise Foundation, he continues to answer that call by supporting fellow veterans and service members, channeling his experience into a mission that reflects both responsibility and honor. “It’s not just a job; it’s a responsibility and an honor to serve those who served us.” For Kyle, this work isn’t just a profession - it’s a continuation of a life devoted to something greater than himself. 

Kendall Church, Community Events Senior Coordinator at the Gary Sinise Foundation, has always had a heart for service and a passion for giving back. As the stepdaughter of United States Air Force veteran Matthew Laws, she understands the importance of supporting those who have served. Through her work at GSF, Kendall helps ensure our nation’s defenders and their families feel valued, appreciated, and never forgotten. 

Vanessa Venable, Internal Communications Senior Manager at the Gary Sinise Foundation, comes from generations of public servants dedicated to protecting their communities and country. Her great-grandfather joined the U.S. Navy at just 14 years old, hiding his true age so that he could join and was followed by her grandfather, who also served in the Navy before retiring as a police officer. Her father retired from the Nevada Department of Corrections, and her stepmother retired from the Reno Fire Department. Her husband, Kyle, served 17 years and completed three combat tours as a U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant. Even today, her family continues to serve - her brother-in-law is an active police officer. “For generations, my family has run into danger to protect our communities, our country, and our freedoms,” Vanessa says. “My personal mission of honoring and serving those who defend our great country and community aligns with that of GSF, and it is a true privilege to give back to the community that I am part of.” 

 Leslie Ponder, Outreach Education Manager at the Gary Sinise Foundation, brings a deeply personal connection to the mission she now helps carry forward. Her husband, MSG Tre Ponder, served with the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) and was killed in action on June 28, 2005, during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. At the time, their daughters were just six and seven years old. That same year, they attended Snowball Express - an experience that would profoundly shape their healing. “For the first time in six months, my youngest didn’t feel alone,” Leslie recalls. “She stood in a room of other kids who had lost a parent and said, ‘You mean they are just like me?’” For Leslie’s family, Snowball became more than an event; it became a lifeline, a source of connection, and eventually, a second family. Now, through her work at GSF, Leslie gives back to the very community that helped her through her darkest days. In her role, she helps ensure that our communities understand the value of service over self and the importance of community and compassion. “I personally know the good the Gary Sinise Foundation does,” she says. “And I feel so incredibly blessed to work here.” 

Tonya Pinkos, Travel and Logistics Coordinator at the Gary Sinise Foundation, served in both the U.S. Air Force and the Army National Guard, giving her a deep understanding of the sacrifices required of those in uniform. She knows what it’s like to be far from home and family, as well as the profound impact the loss of a loved one in service has on those left behind. That experience fuels her dedication to supporting the Foundation’s mission, ensuring service members and their families feel honored, cared for, and never forgotten.