Board of Advisors
Chuck Stroman
Chuck is a veteran of both the Army and Air Force who believes the real climb begins after the uniform comes off. As a member of the Higher Vets Advisory Board, he brings experience in aviation, leadership, veteran transition, and advocacy. His focus is helping others navigate the terrain of post-service life, where identity, meaning, and aim can feel uncertain.
For Chuck, Climb Higher isn’t just a motto, it’s a mindset. Purpose is what makes us resilient. The mission may change, but the need for meaning remains. Meaning is what carries us. The uniform may come off, but the mission continues, upward, forward, always with purpose. For those who’ve served, the next summit isn’t behind them, it’s ahead, and worth the climb, just as it was in the beginning.
Jennifer Pickerel
As the wife of a 25-year Army veteran and a business aviation HR professional with over 20 years of experience, I’m deeply committed to helping veterans transition into our industry.
Veterans bring unmatched leadership, discipline, and technical skills—qualities that align perfectly with the needs of business aviation. But as an industry, we must be intentional about recognizing these strengths and creating clear pathways for veterans to thrive. That means understanding how military experience translates into civilian roles, offering benefits that truly matter to veterans and their families, and fostering inclusive cultures that value their service and potential. Let’s do more than express our appreciation—let’s actively attract, support, and retain these talented individuals.
Alejandro “Ale” Rodriguez
Ale is a retired USAF officer that believes military transition is a process that begins long before you separate. As founder and CEO of his own leadership development company, he brings extensive experience tailored to Higher Vets’ mission. Supporting veterans as they shed one identity and move into another is a passion. No one left behind.
The military is a team, and no one succeeds alone. Once the uniform comes off, you need a new team to lean on as you transition and search for a new purpose. It is not easy, but you can do it - and Higher Vets is there to help. The next phase can be scary and exciting. You get to choose your new path and Climb Higher.