Dogs2DogTags Staff
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Torre Willadsen - Founder & President
Torre has over 20 years of civilian and military dog training experience. He has used various training disciplines including on and off-leash training and explosive and narcotic detection training and he has the following certifications among many others: Certified National Narcotics Detector Dog Handler, Certified in Canine Emergency Procedures, and Certified Field Canine Operations.
Torre was deployed as a civilian contractor in 2012 working and bonding with the 7th Marines. This experience developed Torre’s unique ability to connect with our animals and our Veterans while also enabling and energizing the volunteers at Dogs2DogTags.
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Tammy Graf - Executive Director
With more than 15 years of experience in administration, philanthropy, public relations, and community leadership, Tammy brings both expertise and heart to our organization.
Her connection to dog training began in childhood, watching her father—a former Army Medical Specialist—train German Shorthaired Pointers. Those early experiences shaped her appreciation for the bond between humans and dogs, guiding her leadership and focus on the organization’s mission.
Tammy is deeply committed to reducing Veteran suicide. Having witnessed the effects of depression, suicide, and addiction, she leads with empathy and dedication, ensuring Veterans facing post-traumatic stress and other challenges receive the support they need.
Volunteers
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Jon Arndt - Dog Trainer
Jon began volunteering as a part-time dog trainer in early 2025. He brings a positive attitude and some serious expertise.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1995, where he completed boot camp, combat training, and the military police academy. In 2000 he transitioned to the Air Force where he gained further FBI certifications and K-9 handler qualifications.
Throughout his career, Jon worked with multiple military dogs across various bases and deployments. He advanced to trainer and Kennel Master roles, completing additional training in animal psychology, veterinary sciences, and combat life-saving.
Dogs2DogTags is lucky to have Jon as part of our small - but mighty - family.
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Jamie Melis
Jamie joined the D2DT family as a dog foster in 2021. She and her husband, Jim, have since fostered three dogs for our veterans - but she was just getting started.
Jamie has been the kind of volunteer who quietly steps in wherever she’s needed—serving as our board secretary, taking on key administrative tasks, helping at events, and even pitching in around the facility when an extra hand is needed.
Jamie is a unicorn - steady, reliable, and deeply dedicated to our mission. We’re grateful to have her on our team and truly appreciate everything she brings to D2DT. We don’t know what we would do without her!
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Krystal Kath
Krystal joined the D2DT team after a year of volunteering with the Salvation Army. While working with the homeless, she found herself especially drawn to veterans, inspired by her grandfather’s service as a Marine.
Early on, she jumped at the chance to create the organization’s newsletter, and when a major event required specialized volunteers, Krystal stepped up and secured every one of them.
Since its inception, she has been the lead organizer of our successful Vines2Vets 5K Fun Run/Walk. She also serves as assistant treasurer, supporting general bookkeeping, and creates social media content for the organization. There’s truly nothing she can’t — or won’t — tackle when it comes to supporting the D2DT mission.
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Ron Boeldt
Ron, a U.S. Navy veteran, volunteers with us several times a week, keeping our grounds in great shape and our training center floors clean—no small feat with constant paw prints and dog hair.
His consistency, care, and behind-the-scene dedication make a real difference day after day. We’re truly grateful for everything Ron contributes to D2DT.
Board of Directors
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Torre Willadsen
Founder & President
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Brek Rammer
Vice President
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Tom Quasius
Board Member
Senior Business Advisor
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Chris Gromowski
Board Member
USMC Veteran
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Stuart Brotz
Board Member
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Jamie Melis
Secretary
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Michelle Molkenthine
Treasurer
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Krystal Kath
Assistant Treasurer
Advisory Board
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Craig Stewart, Petty Officer 3rd Class, USCG
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Craig served in the United States Coast Guard. He understands how difficult it can be for veterans to find what resources are available for them because when he left service, no one told him anything about veteran benefits or resources. He realized something needed to change. He took that passion and turned it into his full-time job.
Now, Craig is a full-time veteran advocate and accredited Veterans Service Officer. He helps veterans access resources every day and ensures they are all receiving the benefits they deserve. Craig also serves as the Court Coordinator for the Sheboygan Area Veterans Treatment Court, a program offered by the Military and Youth Foundation. This program helps veterans who have been diagnosed with a treatable behavioral issue. Connecting these veterans with access to benefits, treatment, and support in an effort to reduce the criminal recidivism chances for these participants.
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Chandler R. Miller
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Chandler Miller's professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to serving veterans and individuals in need, underscored by her roles in the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs' Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program. As Program Supervisor, she spearheaded program development and engagement efforts while providing crucial guidance and advocacy for veterans navigating residential treatment and behavioral health services. Her tenure as Region Two Outreach and Recovery Regional Coordinator showcased her adept case management skills, ensuring veterans received comprehensive support for substance abuse and mental health challenges.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and person-centered modalities, Chandler facilitated partnerships with community and governmental organizations, fostering a collaborative approach to veteran care. Additionally, her background as Lead Case Manager at The Salvation Army and experience in crisis intervention further underscore her dedication to serving vulnerable populations.
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Timothy La Sage, First Sergeant USMC Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
First Sergeant Timothy La Sage served in the Marine Corps for over 22 active-duty years. Tim has earned two Purple Heart medals, two medals for valor in combat, and two additional medals for life-saving actions.
Tim has served in many units including an Anti-Terrorism unit, and a Special Operations Capable small boat unit which deployed alongside SEAL Team 5 on September 11th, 2001, and also a Joint Task Force deployed as contingency support during Operation Geronimo in 2011. He has been featured in several books such as “Triggermen” and “The Greatest Sniper Stories Ever Told” as well as the History Channel’s “Sniper: Bulletproof.”
Since retirement, La Sage has been called upon by the White House and Secret Service to drive presidential motorcade details for both the President and Vice President of the United States. Tim currently works for WPS Health Solutions as the Military Affairs Manager and serves several veteran organizations on their Board of Directors.
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Shea Weston, Chief Petty Officer USCG Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Shea Roberts enlisted in the US Coast Guard (USCG) from May 2000 to September 2021. She initially joined to obtain law enforcement experience, but later discovered that it provided her with valuable on-the-job training, opportunities to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, develop her leadership skills, enjoy an office with an amazing view, and most importantly, be a part of a team.
Throughout her USCG career, Shea was stationed in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. She served as a member of two deployable anti-terrorism Maritime Safety and Security Teams as a Tactical Coxswain and a Maritime Law Enforcement Officer. While assigned to a Cutter, Shea held roles such as Deck Watch Officer, Boarding Officer, and Weapons Petty Officer. Driven by her curiosity about the world, she transitioned rates and became an Intelligence Specialist (IS), fulfilling roles as an Instructor, Intelligence Watch Officer, Recruiter in Charge, and a deployable IS Chief specializing in Signals Intelligence.
Currently, Shea is employed by the state of Wisconsin as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist.
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David M Tellefsen, First Sergeant USMG, Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
David M. Tellefsen brings over two decades of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps to his current role as the Fond Du Lac County Veteran Services Officer. Throughout his military career spanning 22 years, he served in various capacities, including as an Infantryman, Career Counselor, Recruiter, and Company First Sergeant, with deployments to multiple countries and two combat tours in Iraq. His leadership and dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Navy/Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals.
Post-retirement, David briefly worked in human resources before transitioning to a role as a stay-at-home father and part-time physical education teacher. However, his desire to continue serving veterans and the community led him to his current position, where he directly supports veterans and their families throughout Fond du Lac County.
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Shelly Gutierrez
Canine Advisory Board
Senior Master Trainer & CEO Command & Control K9, LLC
With a comprehensive background spanning over 40 years in law enforcement and military service, Shelly Gutierrez brings unparalleled expertise to her role as an independent CEO and K9 Instructor/Trainer/Consultant at Command&ControlK9, LLC. As a Senior Master Trainer with the North American Police Work Dog Association for 26 years, she has honed her skills in utility/patrol, narcotics, explosives, and wildlife training. Her extensive experience includes serving as Kennel Master/Trainer in Iraq, K9 Master Trainer for various law enforcement agencies, and Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Davidson County Sheriff's Office for 24 years.
Shelly's dedication to canine training and law enforcement is further evidenced by her roles as a K9 Master Trainer for the Lexington Police Department and her service as an Airborne/Paratrooper in the United States Army.
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Mark Provencher, Jr, Staff Sergeant USMC, Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Mark Provencher, Jr. brings over two decades of dedicated service and extensive military experience to his role at the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Enlisting shortly after high school, Mark served honorably in the United States Marine Corps across various units and deployments, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his military career, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and received numerous commendations. After retiring from the Marines, Mark transitioned to a role at Kohler Company before feeling called to continue serving his country. Joining the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, he now serves as an Outreach and Recovery Regional Coordinator, providing vital assistance to homeless, at-risk, and struggling veterans in Wisconsin.
Mark's dedication to mental health, alcohol, and drug recovery programs, coupled with his strong advocacy and case management skills, reflects his unwavering commitment to supporting his fellow veterans and their families.
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Todd Richter, Sergeant First Class Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Todd Served in the United Army and the United States Navy and retired from service in July 2016. After leaving the service he found out how hard it is to navigate and secure veterans’ benefits. One thing was clear: there is very little education for veterans on how to successfully apply for their benefits. This process was so difficult and cumbersome that Todd decided he was not going to let another veteran struggle to get the benefits they earned.
In 2019, Todd was hired as the Director of the Sheboygan County Veterans Service Office. He works with his team to ensure that veterans and their families get connected with the service and benefits they are entitled to. Todd also serves on the Sheboygan Area Veterans Treatment Court, a program offered by the Military and Youth Foundation. Todd is passionate about getting veterans and their families connected with the benefits and community resources for a better and fuller life.
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Richard L. Ashabranner
Canine Advisory Board
Napwda Master Trainer K2 Solutions KM/K9 Trainer Support
Richard brings over four decades of extensive experience in law enforcement, canine operations, and training, highlighted by his roles as a K9 Handler/Trainer, Chief of Police, and Kennel Master. With over 22 years dedicated to handling and training multi-purpose canines, including deployments to Afghanistan, Richard has honed his expertise in explosives, narcotics, patrol, and wildlife.
His leadership as a K9 Mentor for the country of Jordan and Senior Instructor at AMK9 Academy underscores his commitment to advancing canine programs globally. Richard's proficiency as a NAPWDA Master Trainer, certified instructor, and consultant further solidifies his reputation as a subject matter expert in the field.
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Benjamin A. Fender, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC Retired
Veteran Relations Advisory Board
Benjamin Fender served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps for over two decades. Beginning as an Ammunition Technician, he rose through the ranks, fulfilling diverse roles and deployments, including service in Guantanamo Bay and multiple tours in Iraq. Notable assignments include leadership roles as a Platoon Sergeant and Operations Chief. Decorated with multiple awards, including Purple Hearts and Meritorious Service Medals, Benjamin's commitment to service extends post-retirement through volunteer work supporting veterans and their families.