ABOUT
MISSION:
To provide veterans with sustainable solutions while promoting a safer, healthier, and prosperous civilian lifestyle.
VETLIFE offers a variety of resources, programs, and events to veterans and their families all at no cost.
VETLIFE is a nonprofit organization formed in 2018 by veteran families for veteran families. The organization was born out of our own struggles after leaving the military. We became painfully aware of so many other veterans who were facing the same struggles. The large number of veterans unaware of benefits and the rising number of veteran suicides really bothered us, so we formed a nonprofit organization with the purpose of promoting a safer, healthier, and prosperous civilian lifestyle. This is how the name "VETLIFE" came to fruition. VETLIFE is about living your best life after the military. We provide veterans with a network of sustainable solutions and resources to improve the quality of civilian life. Our events are completely free to veteran families and promote a sense of camaraderie among other veterans while also providing valuable veteran specific resources. We pride ourselves on being attentive to any and all veteran needs.
OUR Board of Directors
JOSHUA PARISH
Board Member | President
Army Veteran
Joshua Parish is an Iraq War Veteran who’s greatest passion is helping veterans when they transition into civilian life and giving them the best opportunity to be successful. Parish has over 15 years of experience working with local, state, and federal government agencies creating programs that have developed sustainable solutions including: Veterans Treatment Court, Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans, Veterans Transportation Initiative, among others. Parish has been awarded the Community Leader Best of Michigan Award and the 2019 Veteran Hero Award. He holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Western Michigan Thomas Cooley School of Law. Parish is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife and children.
JOSEPH RIKER
Board Member | Vice President
Army and Navy Veteran
Joe Riker served in the Army as an Infantryman from 2005-2007 and in the Navy from 2008-2013 as an Equipment Operator. He deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan, and was also an Instructor at NCTC instructing advanced equipment operations. Riker was awarded the Army Commendation with Valor for his heroic actions during combat. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Social Work minor from Eastern Michigan University. Riker has worked for U.S. Congressmen as a Veteran Case Worker helping local veterans and pushing national legislation to benefit veterans across the nation. He currently serves as the Clerk of Brighton Township. Riker is originally from Coldwater, Michigan where he met and married his high school best friend. He currently resides in Brighton with his wife and three children.
LEAH RIKER
Board Member | Treasurer
Veteran Spouse
Leah Riker is a military spouse of an Army/Navy veteran. Riker has been married since 2005 and resides in Brighton, Michigan with her husband and three children. She was involved with the Family Readiness Group (FRG) volunteering at events while her husband was deployed. Riker has over 13 years experience in the legal field. She received an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Ivy Tech Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University. She brings experience in accounts payable, account receivables, and office management. Riker has volunteered as the Awards Coordinator for the Brighton Cub Scouts Pack 3343. She enjoys outdoor activities, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.
DOUGLAS HOLDSWORTH
Board Member | Secretary
A graduate of Central Michigan University, Douglas Holdsworth brings nearly 20 years of managerial and entrepreneurial experience to VETLIFE. After climbing the management ladder with a large retail chain, Holdsworth went on to become part of two successful startups in the transportation industry over the next 15 years. Now, as a long time supporter of our military and its veterans, Holdsworth is excited to be part of a new team that focuses on making a difference in the lives of our country’s heroes. He currently lives in Milford, Michigan with his wife and two daughters. Holdsworth is an avid outdoorsman, who also enjoys playing hockey and guitar.
CORTNIE PARISH
Board Member | CMO
Veteran Spouse
Cortnie Parish is the wife of an Army veteran. She has spent over a decade in corporate branding and marketing. She has been responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies for a variety of industries from health care to the auto industry. Parish is experienced in cross channel communications planning, brand management, graphic design, and corporate communications. She earned an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Cleary University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from Lake Superior State University. She and her husband live in Howell, Michigan with their three children. Parish enjoys volunteering as a golf instructor for the Michigan Special Olympics, gardening, and walking her Chocolate Labrador Retriever.