Meet the Team

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 My name is David Willis, I knew at a very early age that I was going into the military but didn’t know what branch. As I got older and started  learning about each branch and quickly figured out that the Marines was the best. I served in the Marine Corps from 97-04. My MOS was  0311(infantry). I went to Paris Island for boot camp after boot camp I was stationed with 2nd blt 8th Marines Golf company. While with 2/8 I  went on several deployments to port a prince Haiti, Okinawa, South Korea, Greece, also did two trips to Bridgeport California for cold  weather training, I wasn’t going to make a Mediterranean float so I extended and joined 1st blt 8th Marines Bravo company. During my time  there we deployed to the Mediterranean and had stops in Spain, Italy, Malta, Africa, and other ports. I got out of the Marines in August of  01, but 9/11 happened and was recalled to go back in where I was stationed with a mobilization support battalion and deployed.  After getting out of the Marines in 04, I met my now wife and we started a family. I have two beautiful daughters. I also started working in  the pest control industry, that didn’t suit me, so I went to work in the telecommunications industry and have been since 2006. I worked for  Insight communications for eight years and worked myself up to supervisor and held that title for two and half years. Currently I work for  AT&T as a buried services machine operator, was a Wire Technician for my first 9 years.  My passion is helping veterans, I started the Communications Workers of America Local 3310 veterans committee, where we worked with  other local unions and businesses from Louisville to rebuild homes for homeless veterans called Operation Victory. Currently still co chair  on this committee, but I am also the president for the state of Kentucky for AT&T Veterans, which is a chapter of the national 501c3. While  being president myself and another veteran Gene Spear came up with the ideal of a tiny home community for homeless veterans. We were  gaining traction when I was asked to serve on the board for Veteran’s Club Inc as sergeant of arms, where I helped build the organization  into a nationally recognized 501c3. During this time I brought the tiny home community over to Veteran’s Club. I left Veteran’s Club for  personal reasons and the project was canceled. My daughters and myself still volunteer with any veteran event we are able to.  I currently host a podcast called HomeFront Sitrep, we bring in 501c3’s and veteran owned businesses from around the country to tell their  stories and what lead them to give back to their communities and veterans. As for The Oath that I took, I would absolutely do it again, in a  heartbeat!  Semper Fi 

 Samuel “Gunny” Deeds is originally from Howland, Maine.  He enlisted into the Marine Corps June 4, 1997 where he spent 14+ years before getting medically retired due to wounds received in Iraq.   Since retiring Sam has worked with a number of non profits that focus on PTS, TBI, veteran suicide, and advocacy for wounded veterans, injured in the line of duty first responders and Gold Star Families.  Sam has also been inducted into 2 different veteran Hall of Fames.  Sam currently lives in Independence KY with his wife of 20+ years and their 2 boys.   Sam is also a member of “America’s Skydiving Team” Team Fastrax.   

Candice "Candi" Snellen – Veteran Advocate, Podcast Host & Nonprofit Founder

Candice “Candi” Snellen is more than just a passionate supporter of our nation’s heroes—she's a dedicated Veteran Advocate, nonprofit founder, and co-host of the Homefront Sitrep Podcast. With a lifelong commitment to serving those who serve, Candi has turned her passion into action, making a significant impact in the veteran and first responder communities.

A Life Rooted in Service & Advocacy

Inspired by her biggest hero—her father, an Army Veteran—Candi’s mission began early. Watching his struggles despite his service fueled her dedication to helping veterans and first responders. Over the past 15+ years, she has served as VFW Auxiliary and District Auxiliary President, Community Ambassador for Mission BBQ, and organizer of large-scale veteran support events. Her expertise in fundraising and supply drives has directly improved the lives of countless heroes.

Up To Snuff – A Nonprofit Making a Difference

In 2018, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, Candi refused to let her health challenges slow her down. She founded Up To Snuff, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization provides:

Clothing Closet & Food Pantry for struggling heroes

Service Dog Matching for veterans in need

Homeless Assistance & Financial Support

To further fund her mission, she launched Sugars Bakery in 2022, where all profits go toward veteran and first responder support initiatives.

Podcast Host & Community Leader

Candi joined Homefront Sitrep as a co-host in late 2023, using the platform to amplify veteran voices, raise awareness, and connect heroes with the resources they need. Her deep-rooted experience in veteran affairs makes her a trusted and impactful voice in the community.

A Personal Life Fueled by Passion & Purpose

Beyond her advocacy work, Candi is a proud mom to a 25-year-old daughter pursuing her RN program. She recently married “My Marine” in October 2023, making sure to always have an ample supply of “crayons” (snacks) on hand!

With a servant’s heart and an unstoppable drive, Candice “Candi” Snellen continues to be a force for good, ensuring that no hero is left behind.

Follow her journey