The strength of Mishawaka troop town comes from the people behind it.
Our team is made up of individuals who are deeply committed to serving veterans with integrity, compassion, care, and consistency. Each person plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and structured environment where real change can happen.
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Jim MetherdFounder & PresidentJim Metherd grew up in Urbana, Ohio, and proudly served in the United States Army from 1981 to 1992. As a Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran, he understands firsthand the sacrifices made by those who serve and the challenges many veterans face after returning home.
Professionally, Jim brings extensive experience in business management and fundraising, skills he has dedicated to advancing the mission of Mishawaka Troop Town. His passion for helping fellow veterans has been a driving force behind the organization’s growth and impact. Jim is the proud father of his daughter, Samantha, who is 26 years old. His commitment to service extends beyond his military career and into every aspect of his work with veterans in the local community. |
Why am I passionate about MTT?
Since the opening of our local Homeless Veteran Center in 2012, I always had a passion to provide more to those guests—not only a room, but an entire roof over their head. In 2020, I quit working to solely dedicate my time to forming Mishawaka Troop Town. We can turn compassion into action. Maybe our vets have fallen into a tough patch of life; our role is to provide tools so they never fall again. My dream for MTT is that it would be a stepping stone to others that feel the need to fight homelessness, veteran or otherwise.
Jim Metherd, President
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Dan GannFounder & Vice PresidentDan Gann grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, and proudly served in the United States Army. His years of military service instilled in him a deep commitment to leadership, service, and supporting those around him. Following his military career, Dan retired with the rank of First Sergeant, bringing decades of leadership experience and a passion for helping others succeed.
Dan is married to his wife, Halle, and together they have three children and four grandchildren. Family, service, and community remain central to his life and continue to inspire his work with Mishawaka Troop Town. As Vice President and Co-Founder of Mishawaka Troop Town, Dan is dedicated to helping veterans find stability, purpose, and a path forward. His firsthand understanding of military life and leadership allows him to connect with veterans and encourage them as they rebuild their lives. |
Why am I passionate about MTT?
Mishawaka Troop Town provides an opportunity to influence veterans’ lives and offer a second chance to a fellow veteran who needs a hand up. My dream for MTT is for it to continue growing and helping facilitate meaningful change in the lives of veterans so they can become successful, productive members of their communities. Life is only as good as what we make for ourselves, and we can help influence others to make positive changes that lead to a better future.
Dan Gann, Vice President
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Warren SeegersFounder |
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Terry FinniganSecretary |
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Stan MilesTreasurerStan Miles grew up in New Buffalo, Michigan, and proudly served in the United States Army. Throughout his military and civilian careers, Stan has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and supporting both veterans and the broader community.
Professionally, Stan retired from the Army with the rank of First Sergeant and has continued serving in numerous leadership positions. His experience includes serving as Quartermaster for VFW Post 360, Quartermaster for the VFW 3rd District, Commander of VFW Post 360 from 2018–2019 and again from 2026 to the present, and President of IBEW Local 153. His extensive background in financial stewardship, organizational leadership, and veteran advocacy makes him a valuable member of the Mishawaka Troop Town leadership team. Stan is married to his wife, Linda, and together they have four children, thirteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He is also a proud cat owner and enjoys spending time with his family. As Treasurer of Mishawaka Troop Town, Stan is passionate about ensuring the organization remains strong and sustainable so it can continue serving veterans for years to come. |
Why am I passionate about MTT?
Mishawaka Troop Town gives me an opportunity to give back to the veteran community. It provides a chance to offer a hand up to veterans who need support as they work to rebuild their lives. My dream for MTT is to see veterans leave here and become productive members of society. I want them to return and share their success stories with current guests, encouraging them along their own journeys and becoming mentors for the next generation of veterans who come through our program.
Stan Miles, Treasurer
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Dennis KovatchPublic Relations OfficerDennis Kovatch grew up in Osceola, Indiana, and proudly served in the United States Army. His military experience shaped his commitment to service, leadership, and supporting fellow veterans, values that continue to guide his work today.
Professionally, Dennis served as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and has more than ten years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. His background in community engagement and nonprofit service provides valuable insight as he helps advance the mission and visibility of Mishawaka Troop Town. Dennis is married and has three children and one grandson. He is also a proud cat owner and enjoys spending time with his family. As Public Relations Officer, Dennis is passionate about connecting the community to the mission of Mishawaka Troop Town and helping others understand the importance of supporting veterans as they rebuild their lives. |
Why am I passionate about MTT?
Mishawaka Troop Town gives me an opportunity to help veterans whose shoes I could have easily ended up wearing myself. It also provides a chance to strengthen and elevate our entire community by investing in those who have served our country. My dream for MTT is for it to become a model program that others can follow—one that demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together to support veterans and create lasting change.
Dennis Kovatch, Public Relations Officer
Why this team matters
This work is not just about programs or services. It is about people showing up every day with a commitment to serve others well. Our team understands the responsibility that comes with the mission. They lead with consistency, care, and a deep respect for the veterans who trust us to be part of their journey.
