DALLAS - eTradeWire -- Beyond the Uniform Ministries (BTUM), a national faith-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, today announced its official launch, alongside the founding Board of Directors and Advisory Board, who will guide the organization's mission to equip local churches across the country to serve veterans and their families. BTUM operates as a ministry initiative powered by ATLVets.

More than 18 million veterans live in the United States today, many of them navigating isolation, moral injury, family strain, and disconnection from faith communities after leaving military service. Local churches consistently express a desire to help, but often lack the specialized training, structure, and resources to serve this population well. Beyond the Uniform Ministries was created to close that gap.

"The mission didn't end when the uniform came off," is the conviction driving BTUM's work. The organization serves as a national hub that equips churches with a proven ministry framework, training, and ongoing support, allowing congregations to lead locally while drawing on shared tools, national leadership, and trusted oversight.

BTUM's model equips churches to deliver spiritual care and Christ-centered discipleship pathways; community-building through small groups and peer mentorship cohorts; family strengthening programs addressing marriages, parenting, and spousal support; practical assistance with benefits navigation, career coaching, and mentorship; and structured training, volunteer onboarding, and ongoing coaching for church leaders. The organization also tracks impact across participation, wellness, family stability, and employment outcomes. Within five years, BTUM aims to equip more than 300 churches and reach more than 20,000 veterans and their families through a nationwide, church-centered care network.

"A veteran's service may end, but their need for purpose, community, and a meaningful mission doesn't. The church has an important role to play in that next chapter. This board brings together the financial discipline, ministry experience, and national credibility we need to build a lasting, church-centered network of support. No veteran should walk that road alone, and with this team in place, they won't have to." — Blair Thomas, Founder, Chairman & Executive Director, Beyond the Uniform Ministries

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Founding Board of Directors

Blair Thomas  -  Founder, Chairman & Executive Director. A U.S. Army veteran and seasoned financial professional, Thomas also serves as Executive Director of a national 501(c)(3) supporting veterans through church partnerships. He is a certified Mortgage Advisor with extensive experience in housing and financial services, and he founded BTUM to build a nationwide network of local congregations equipped to offer spiritual support alongside practical guidance in housing, financial literacy, and transition

Paul Whitley  -  Financial Strategy · Fractional CFO. A fractional CFO with more than 30 years in executive roles spanning CFO, COO, CAO, and board positions, Whitley has completed 31 M&A transactions totaling over $465 million, raised more than $336 million in capital, and helped scale a business from $6 million to $181 million in revenue. He brings financial discipline and operational systems to support the ministry's growth

Sheila Rondeau  -  Marketing & Brand Strategy. A U.S. Army veteran, Rondeau is a marketing executive who has architected partnerships with brands including Toyota, PepsiCo, Walmart, and State Farm. She is the author of the bestselling book The Art of Experiential Marketing and leads BTUM's brand awareness, partnerships, and growth strategy

Judge John Roach  -  Veterans Court & Legal Affairs. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Judge Roach is the Presiding Judge of the North Texas Veterans Court and of the 296^th Judicial District Court, and adjunct professor at both SMU and the UNT College of Law. He is co-author of Divorce in Peace and currently serves as a sitting judge, bringing legal expertise in veterans court matters to the board

Lt. Col. Allen West  -  Strategic Leadership. A U.S. Army combat veteran and nationally recognized faith-and-values leader, Lt. Col. West provides strategic clarity, public credibility, and a lifetime of principled leadership that anchors the ministry's national voice

Troy Miller  -  President & CEO, National Religious Broadcasters. A U.S. Navy veteran, Miller leads National Religious Broadcasters and brings national Christian-media reach, ministry credibility, and strategic relationship support to the board

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Ron Kelley  -  Executive Director, Prestonwood Foundation. Kelley spent 19 years in a business career, including serving as a Fujitsu Vice President managing $1.2 billion in annual revenue, before answering a call to full-time ministry in 2004. He holds a Master's in Theological Studies, was ordained in 2007, and provides biblical guidance in personal finance, career transition, and marketplace ministry

Ted Lane, CTP  -  Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking, PlainsCapital Bank. With more than 35 years of leadership experience across national and regional financial institutions, Ted has built his career around helping businesses, individuals, and communities succeed. A Certified Treasury Professional, he has completed executive studies through Thunderbird School of Global Management. Ted also has a long history of nonprofit service, including serving as Chairman of Career Path Services, and is honored to support the mission of Beyond the Uniform.

Advisory Board

Brandt Edmonston  -  Chief of Staff, National Religious Broadcasters.  An advocacy nonprofit leader experienced in coalition building, strategic partnerships, and launching veteran ministry initiatives

David Young  -  Director, First Dallas Veterans Ministry, First Baptist Dallas, TX. Retired U.S. Air Force officer with command experience and ministry leadership

Zack Knight  -  Founder & CEO, ATLVets. A Bronze Star recipient and veteran leadership authority focused on helping veterans transition, build organizations, and thrive after service

Dr. Jason Snyder  -  Senior Associate Pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church. Brings pastoral leadership and church partnership expertise to the advisory board

Jim Cote  -  Executive Director, Master Men's Ministry. Contributes ministry leadership experience focused on men's discipleship and community

Ricky Bonczek  -  Veterans Ministry Leader. Provides on-the-ground veterans ministry leadership and program insight

Joel Mabrey  -  Veteran & Former Boys & Girls Club Executive. Brings veteran perspective and youth and community services leadership experience

Beyond the Uniform Ministries is a faith-centered, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mobilizes and equips local churches to build Christ-centered ministries walking alongside veterans and their families. Guided by the love of Jesus, BTUM strengthens marriages, families, and faith while helping veterans thrive in purpose, wellness, and work, offering spiritual care, authentic community, and practical support for life beyond the uniform. Learn more at https://www.btum.org.