Dr. Vivianne Cisneros Wersel, Au.D.

Federal Legislative Affairs

Vivianne is the widow of LtCol Richard "Rich" Wersel, Jr. USMC, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II and died on active duty at Camp Lejeune in 2005. She was instrumental in changing the SGLI and Death Gratuity (SA 1376) policy so that all active duty surviving spouses are now eligible for enhanced benefits. She was also involved in repealing the Widows Tax. Vivianne has testified on survivor issues before Congress twenty times. She served on the Gold Star Wives (GSW} Government Relations [more...]

Patrician Ann Vinson

State Legislative Affairs Team

Tricia comes from a four-generation military heritage with family members that graduated from both the US Naval Academy (grandfather) and West Point (father, 3 brothers, niece and nephew). The first female in her family to join the armed services, she served in Army Aviation for 27 years, as both enlisted, warrant and commissioned ranks in all three components (active, guard & reserve). She served in rotary and fixed wing leader & aviator assignments and as the National Guard’s Mobilization Readiness [more...]

Dr. Vivianne Cisneros Wersel, Au.D.

VA Liaison (Alternate)

Vivianne is the widow of LtCol Richard "Rich" Wersel, Jr. USMC, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II and died on active duty at Camp Lejeune in 2005. She was instrumental in changing the SGLI and Death Gratuity (SA 1376) policy so that all active duty surviving spouses are now eligible for enhanced benefits. She was also involved in repealing the Widows Tax. Vivianne has testified on survivor issues before Congress twenty times. She served on the Gold Star Wives (GSW} Government Relations [more...]

John Culp, LTC, USA (Ret)

Spouse: (Donna)

Co-Webmaster

John enlisted in the Army in 1972 and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before returning to NC State University and receiving his commission via ROTC in 1978. He served as an Air Defense, Infantry, and Special Forces officer in the U.S., Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. After retirement, he had a second career with the U.S federal government, serving in the U.S., U.K., Latin America, the Middle East, Central Europe, and multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. John continued [more...]

Rick Devereaux, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)

Spouse: (Elizabeth)

Senior Advisor / Blue Ridge Honor Flight Coordinator

Rick graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1978. His career spanned 34 years in the Air Force, flying C-5s, KC-135s, and several other aircraft. He retired as a major general in 2012 as the Air Force’s director of operational planning, policy, and strategy at the Pentagon. In retirement, Rick works part time as a consultant, is an Air Force Adjunct Contract Professor, and serves on the boards of several civic and veterans organizations. He and his wife live in Asheville.

Sharon Woodcock

Surviving Spouse Liaison

Bio forthcoming

Vacant

VA Liaison

Jeff Snyder, Col, USAF (Ret)

Spouse: (Paula)

JROTC Coordinator

Jeff had 30 years of operational aircraft maintenance experience with extensive expertise in tactical aircraft maintenance. He commanded three maintenance squadrons and a maintenance group. After retirement in 2008, Jeff became a consultant for a large defense contractor, where he provided in-depth assessments of maintenance operations. Jeff and his wife, Paula, live in north Henderson County, NC

Donna Culp, Capt, USAF (Fmr)

Spouse: (John)

Newsletter Editor

Donna graduated from Texas Women’s University in 1980 with a BS in Occupational Therapy (OT). She was a practicing therapist when she received a direct commission into the USAF in 1985, serving in the U.S. and Germany and leaving the service in 1992. She retired from OT after a 23-year career in 2003, worked briefly for the Department of State and had a second career with the CIA 2005-2016, serving in the U.S., the U.K., Jordan, Egypt and Iraq. She now lives with her husband and family dog, Chelsea [more...]

Vacant

Chaplain

If you are interested in serving the Chapter as the Chaplin please contact Steve Watkins at president@wnc-moaa.org

Donna Culp, Capt, USAF (Fmr)

Spouse: (John)

Immediate Past President

Donna graduated from Texas Women’s University in 1980 with a BS in Occupational Therapy (OT). She was a practicing therapist when she received a direct commission into the USAF in 1985, serving in the U.S. and Germany and leaving the service in 1992. She retired from OT after a 23-year career in 2003, worked briefly for Sunrise Senior Living and the Department of State before starting a second career with the U.S. federal government 2005-2016, serving in the U.S., the U.K., Jordan, Egypt and Iraq. [more...]