About WVST

Whitefish Veterans Support Team
 empowers injured veterans, active-duty personnel, their caregivers and families by providing opportunities to build meaningful relationships and engage in physical and emotionally challenging activities.  WVST holds retreats in the summer and winter with positive activities and access to healing resources. The members of WVST volunteer their time and experience to support the retreats. All equipment is provided by fellow WVST members or one of our gracious supporters.

Our History

In 2007, the idea for our organization took shape when Steve Shea, moved by a veterans’ fundraising event, decided to use his second home in Whitefish to help wounded veterans heal. The goal was to create a special space where these brave individuals could find respite and support. Over two years, this vision grew into a partnership with local veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Our first retreat in 2009, which hosted twelve severely injured veterans, marked the beginning of our mission to offer healing and camaraderie to those who had sacrificed so much.

In the News

    Board of Directors

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    Chris  Wilson

    President

    Chris Wilson moved to Montana in 2019 after leaving the Federal Service to explore opportunities in the Technology sector. He joined the Army at a very early age and  served for just over 8 years and then another 17 years as a civilian within Department of Defense. The Flathead Valley was love at first sight! The community, nature, and sense of adventure were just too hard to say no to. After meeting members of the WVST and volunteering at a winter retreat, he knew that he had found a home in the Vally. Chris still support the Fed Gov (working Remote) through his leadership roles at a Data Analytics Software Company based on the east Coast. This enables him to not only Volunteer with WVST and other Non-Profits to support Veteran Families but to also stay actively involved in support those that still wear the uniform today.

     https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-wilson

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    JD

    Vice President

    Career Navy - "He came, he saw, he conquered"

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    Dave Williams

    Member

    Dave Williams is retired and living in Whitefish, Montana, having moved to the Flathead Valley after a high tech career in the Silicon Valley in California. He has been active in the community offering free high-tech business mentoring sessions for new and emerging technology companies. Dave also has immersed himself with Habitat for Humanity Flathead Valley, serving as President of the affiliate and is guiding the organization toward helping to eliminate substandard housing in the Flathead Valley. Dave hails from Pennsylvania, graduated from Annapolis, and served in the Navy.

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    Mark Panicek

    Secretary & Treasurer

    Mark has been a full-time resident of Whitefish since his retirement in 2009. Mark served 25 years on active duty as an aviator in the Army and Coast Guard, flying Blackhawks and C-130s. He enjoys the abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation in NW Montana; and if it's a powder day, you will always find Mark deep in the trees off Flower Point.
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    Frank Kearney

    Member

    Bio
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    Craig

    Member

    After being raised in Libby, MT served 30 years as a naval officer in various operational leadership roles including command of two ships and ashore of a major officer training center.  Following the Navy worked for Lockheed Martin as a Senior Program Manager in cyber security and shipboard combat systems programs. Fully retired in 2016 to Montana where he enjoys multiple outdoor activities.  WVST offers chance to renew relationships and camaraderie enjoyed by veterans when they served.

    Advisory Board

    • Betty Sue Kearney
    • Christine Shea
    • Chris Washer
    • David Trousdale
    • Frank Kearney
    • Jeannine Trousdale
    • Jean Pinski
    • Jim Berry
    • Judy Williams
    • Kathy Panicek
    • Lee Pinski
    • Leslee Washer
    • Marjorie Quant
    • Nancy LaRocque