1st HOOAH Minnesota

Board

Chapter President

Rocky Otte Bio | Email

Rocky Otte

Rocky Otte is the plant manager of a precision metal fabrication facility in the Minneapolis Metro area.

He served in the United States Army with the 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Infantry. After leaving the army he entered a technical college to become a foundry pattern maker and went to work for a leading pattern shop in Blaine, MN.

His love for the army motivated him to enlist in the Army Reserves and continue his service to country.

He continued to further his education and completed many vocational industrial trade schools. His vocational background in the industrial trades eventually earned him a top management position in his company. In this position he helped spearhead the planning and operational set-up of rapid prototyping an manufacturing facility’s in Detroit MI, London England and Cologne Germany.

Rocky enjoys giving of his free time to charitable organizations, he volunteered many years to assist a nonprofit called “Bikers for Make – A – Wish” and helped them raise over 1 Million dollars for very ill children. In the spring 2010, Rocky and two Army Ranger buddies co-founded a 501c3 nonprofit called H.O.O.A.H. Inc. (Helping Out Our American Hero’s) in Minneapolis, MN.

H.O.O.A.H. Inc. Is an all volunteer nonprofit whose standing orders are 100% of all proceeds raised goes back to our service men and women, our veterans and their families.

Rocky has helped grow H.O.O.A.H. Inc. to a National organization with chapters in Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Hawaii and Michigan.

Rocky’s mantra and the value he holds dear is: May we continue to pay forward in kind all that has been given up for us in the name of freedom; it is never free…

Rocky currently resides in the Minneapolis MN vicinity with his loving family and wife of 38 years.

RLTW – SUA SPONTE!!!

Vice President

Jamie Laszczak Bio | Email

Jamie Laszczak

3rd Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment.

Dir. of Strategic Initiatives

Douglas Kotulski Bio | Email

Douglas Kotulski

My name is Douglas Kotulski. I was born in Chicago and grew up in Wisconsin. In 2012 I moved to Australia for a year where I met my wife and daughter. We moved to Minnesota in 2013 and have been here since.

For the past 20 years I’ve worked in IT. I am employed with Best Vendors \ Compass Group USA working from their Minneapolis office. A few of us in the office realized there were many musicians at Best Vendors. We had this hair-brained idea to have all of these musicians\bands get together for a concert and turn it into a fundraiser to benefit Veterans. Bands for the Brave was born. Bands for the Brave was my introduction to the HOOAH team. I was impressed from the very beginning working with these folks and when given the chance to be on their leadership team, I jumped at the chance. Doing good on others because it is the right thing to do.

In my free time, I like to ride my motorcycle. As a child of the 80’s, I enjoy listening to the “big hair” bands. I sing in a cover band that focuses on that material. I consider myself very fortunate in my life so I like to give back when I can. I have worked closely with a number of charities over the years. Working with HOOAH is the best experience I have had so far. I am a civilian that has a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for those who currently serve, or have previously served our country. I am proud to be a part of the HOOAH organization!

HOOAH!!

Treasurer

Diane Otte Email

Diane Otte

Secretary

Cheryl Zimm Bio | Email

Cheryl Zimm

Cheryl Zimm is an Air Force veteran having served from 88-92 stationed with SAC Headquarters at Offutt AFB.

Her passion is helping Veterans of all era’s and all branches as well as their families. Additionally, she has a deep desire and concern to help homeless Veterans as well due to a personal connection.

Being involved with organizations whose main goal is to help Veterans is important to give back; “to pay it forward”. Cheryl’s goal is to educate those who are unaware of the adversities veterans face daily and make sure that we help them succeed in healing and living the fullest life that they deserve.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, friends and motorcycle riding as much as possible. She is also involved with the Patriot Guard Riders as well as other charitable organizations whose focus is on veterans.

Cheryl resides in the area with her husband of 24 years who is still serving (29 years) with the 934th Airlift Wing as a C130 aircraft electrician.

Committee Leaders

Co-Founder,
Executive Vice Chair

Brett Beaudette

Ben Kopp Memorial Ride Committee Director

Jill Stephenson Bio

Jill Stephenson

Jill Stephenson is the Gold Star Mother of U.S. Army Ranger, CPL Benjamin Kopp who was KIA on 7.18.09. Ben was an elite member of Company C of the 3/75 Ranger Regiment. In addition to saving six of his fellow Rangers on the battlefield, upon his death, Ben donated his organs to further save or enhance the lives of 60 people. His heart still beats today.

Since Bens death, Jill has been committed to honoring the legacy her son left by speaking around the country to inspire, motivate and mentor others in our military and hospital communities.

To honor Ben and all others who have sacrificed for our freedoms, Jill has successfully planned and facilitated multiple charitable events to raise funds for our veterans, their families and for local high school students.

Jill also holds position as one of three Regimental Gold Star Family Advocates for the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Vice Chair,
Ben Kopp Memorial

Alyssa Swanson Bio

Alyssa Swanson

Alyssa Swanson is a recent college graduate of the University of St. Thomas. She has a passion for our veterans and the challenges they face.

Alyssa is no stranger to the military community and deeply admires her family’s three generations of service during World War II, the Korean Conflict and today’s War on Terror.

Alyssa’s expertise in fundraising and procurement have contributed to the success of many philanthropic events within the Twin Cities, including the Ben Kopp Memorial Ride, Minnesota Children’s Museum Annual Gala Play for All Ball, and Hope for Tomorrow’s Rally for Hope.

Her enthusiasm and commitment to honor our armed forces brings a level of energy to HOOAH that is sure to keep the BKMR’s success at the tip of the spear.

Vice Chair,
Victory for 22 Golf Tournament

Joe Smith and Robert Dew

Vice Chair,
HOOAH River Rats

Ron & Jennifer Lattery

Get In Touch

Email
HOOAHMN@HOOAHinc.org

Stay Connected

About

1st H.O.O.A.H Minnesota is a chapter of H.O.O.A.H Inc. that was founded in 2011 to extend the mission and services of H.O.O.A.H Inc. to the state of Minnesota.

We do good things for great people; further, we want to give soldiers who are keeping us safe and defending the freedoms that most Americans take for granted a little bit of home.

Upcoming Events

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Programs

Victory For 22

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. We hear a lot about it, but what is it and what can we do about it? By definition: A mental health condition triggered by or experiencing or seeing a terrifying event.

Learn More