[Rich]

Hey all! I’m Rich and I’m part of the MVJ team. I manage different programs as well as the website.

I served in the Army and worked as a freelance journalist for a few years. I’ve since moved on to work for the Department of State, but I still occasionally write when the feeling strikes. In my off time, which I rarely have 😂, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

[Sara]

Hey everyone!

I’m Sara, and I’m the programs manager at MVJ. I am mostly helping with programs, planning events and helping in finance and HR department.

I’m from Europe, Slovenia and moved to the States 5 years ago when I met my now husband. Right now our family is stationed in Texas. I love reading books, and my favorite food is candy and chocolate😅

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Sara.

[11111111Zack]

Hey friends, I’m Zack. I am MVJ’s executive director. I’m former Navy. I also have worked in journalism on and off for about 20 years, mostly on conflict and humanitarian issues.

I live in Silver Spring MD after about 7 years in Brooklyn (and the Central African Republic). I like long walks on the beach — seriously I do. And I mostly enjoy obsessing over the news, e.g. Ukraine.

I look forward to engaging with you all on this fancy new app!

[Russell]

Hey Everyone. I’m Russell and I am a Hispanic-American photojournalist from Brooklyn. I like traveling, pool, aviation, local and nonprofit news, Led Zeppelin, the New York Mets, Tang Soo Do, Gallaghers Steakhouse, colonial and Civil War history, Jedi Mind Tricks, chess, sushi, Beyoncé, tater tots and Greek mythology.

[222333]

Hey, MVJ! Brian Perlman here. Former Navy (4.5 years) and current Fulbright scholar based in Berlin as part of the Young Professional Journalist program. Graduated from UC Berkeley’s j-school in 2020. Happy to be here! Thanks for putting this together!

[11111111Zack]

Welcome! Cool shades.

[MVJ Admin]

Hey Brian! Nice to meet you and happy to have you here at MVJ.

[Genaro]

Hello MVJ,

I’m Genaro. I served 8.5 years in the Army as an Engineer and had the opportunity to do some fantastic things worldwide. After leaving active duty, I worked in a local health department and as a facilities director, searching for what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Currently a Journalism student at Sam Houston State University in the multiplatform degree path.

I love to stay active, and between my wife and five kids (oldest is 10), that is generally not a problem. We do everything we can to get out of the house and find new experiences.

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.

[11111111Zack]

Welcome to MyMVJ, Genaro!

[Genaro]

Thank you. It’s been a great experience.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Genaro Prieto.

[1111111]

Hi everyone! Guess I forgot to post something here so I’m playing catch-up with using this app. I’m Babee Garcia. I was named after Jennifer Greg’s character Baby from the movie Dirty Dancing. I was a TV news producer for CBS19 News in Charlottesville, VA. Still live here, but now working part-time for The War Horse as the Audience Engagement Manager. I have some journalism, PR and communications experience. I updated my portfolio link recently if you want to browse through it: https://babeengarcia.myportfolio.com/

Outside of work, I’m on a journey to fitness and improving my physical/mental health. I’m sure we all are or have been there at some point in our lives lol I love scrapbooking, anything with heights, trying new foods, traveling, and animals. If anyone has experience with driving an RV, let me know! My husband and I are considering buying one someday.

Thanks for reading!

[1111]

Hi Everyone,

My name is George and I was in the U.S. Army. Following that I spent most of my adult life working in some extremely hazardous jobs such as a Heavy Equipment mechanic and certified welder in the port of Oakland in California.

I have since moved to Pennsylvania and am currently in my senior year of college at Penn State University pursuing a degree in Communications, but have also been writing a variety of different things to include post apocalyptic fiction and some fact based materials and Blogs in the preparedness space.

I’m also currently looking to expand on what I have learned and get hands on experience in Journalism and other storytelling related fields. I recently connected with another military veteran that highly suggested getting involved with MVJ, so I’m putting myself out there. Haha.

Hope everyone has a great day and look forward to connecting with others.

Sincerely,

George

[Devon]

Hi George, welcome to MVJ! Great to meet you. Is there a specific journalism beat you’re interested in learning and/or writing more about, like business or tech?

[1111]

Hi Devon,

Nice to meet you. I think at this point I’m willing to dive into just about anything. I’m really trying to avoid sports though.

[11111111111]

Hello George, nice to meet you. Welcome to My MVJ. 😀

[1111]

Hi Cassandra,

Nice to meet you as well.

[Ryan]

Hey Everyone,

I’m Ryan, I spent seven years in the Army National Guard and have worked across a few different industries on the civilian side. I’m looking to make the leap into journalism and just discovered MVJ as great resource to help facilitate that career transition.

I currently live in Charleston, SC with my husky, Trooper. Outside of my regular job and trying to write on the side, I also dabble in standup comedy.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

[1111]

Hi Ryan,

It’s a pleasure to meet you.

[11111111Zack]

Hey Ryan! What sort of journalism are you interested in?

Zack

[Ryan]

Hey Zack! I’m mostly interested in writing on foreign policy/international news.

[Liam]

Hey everyone!

My name is Liam, I’m originally from Massachusetts but I’m currently living in Norfolk after serving six years as a Seabee in the Navy. I am a full-time student, and I spend most of my “free time” playing music and teaching in a non-profit that I co-founded here in Norfolk. I’m really looking forward pursuing a career in journalism, a drastic change from my military career.

I’m very excited to explore this platform and take advantage of all of the resources!

[MVJ Admin]

Sorry Liam for the late message! It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to My MVJ. 😀

[Nick]

Hello everyone! I’m Nick, and I am a coming up on my final months in the Navy, (8 Years Active Duty, and 14 years as a Reservist). I am a Cybersecurity Executive by trade, and I produce 2 Cybersecurity podcasts: “MilCyberSync” for the Military Cyber Professional’s Association, and “InfoSecSync” which I started in 2014.

Looking to connect with other vets and learn more about Journalism!

[11111111111]

Nice to meet you Nick! I hope you are able to make more connections here. Welcome to My MVJ!