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Board of Directors

The volunteers and veterans who lead the Orion Veterans Memorial.

With the help of the Orion Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Orion, and many patriotic citizens, the Orion Veterans Memorial was built and stands as a beautiful tribute to the military of our community and our country.

Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo

Chairman Emeritus

Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo was raised in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Shortly after serving in the Dental Corps of the United States Army he began his dental practice in Lake Orion. With the help of the Orion Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Orion, and many patriotic citizens, the Orion Veterans Memorial was built and stands as a beautiful jewel and tribute to the military of our community and our country.

Robert Smith

Chairman

An Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, Robert also served in the Army Reserve as Military Police and in the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Orion Township Fire Department after 31 years — the last seven as Fire Chief — and is currently employed part time as an Oakland County Sheriff Deputy.

Lee Smith

Vice Chairman

Lee served in the United States Navy for 20 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief. He came to Lake Orion after leaving the Navy in 2011 and has been a proud member of the OVM Board of Directors since 2020. He is a learning and development specialist focused on high-voltage battery applications and autonomous vehicle development, an avid photographer, and a proud husband and father.

Chris Barnett

Board Member

Chris was elected Orion Township Supervisor in 2012 and is currently in his second term. He is most proud of his efforts collaborating with surrounding communities on cost-saving initiatives, most notably the formation of the North Oakland County Water Authority.

James Hubbard

Board Member

James was raised in Andersonville, MI. He married his wife Kathy in 1969 and has three sons. He served our country in Vietnam from 1966–67. A resident of Lake Orion for over 50 years, he has served as VFW Commander of Post #334 since 2011 and has been a member of the Orion Veterans Memorial board since 2012.

JoAnn Van Tassel

Board Member

A long-time resident of Orion Township, JoAnn has served as Orion Township Supervisor for 13+ years and Lake Orion Village Manager for 8 years. She has been active with Orion Veterans Memorial since its inception. JoAnn also volunteers with the Lake Orion Lions Club and her church.

Brian Birney

Board Member

Brian Birney proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant and Squad Leader during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is the President and Owner of The Birney Directive, Our American Summer, and Deals By Me. Brian previously served as an Orion Township Trustee and as President of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves as a board member for the Orion Veterans Memorial and the Oxford Chamber of Commerce. He is a recipient of the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 award, the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce’s Businessperson of the Year and Economic Impact Award, and Patriot Week’s Patriot of the Year.

Brian is a proud father of four.

Bob Watros

Park Manager

Bob was raised in Central Lake, MI, returning to Pontiac at 16. He joined the Navy at 17 and served four years. He worked in floor covering and the construction trades for 40 years. Bob has been a volunteer at the Orion Veterans Memorial since 2002. Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Matt Pfeiffer

Treasurer

Matt Pfeiffer serves as Treasurer of the Orion Veterans Memorial Board of Directors and is the elected Treasurer of Orion Township, having previously served as a Township Trustee. Born and raised in the Lake Orion community, Matt is also the longtime owner of Northern Wholesale Flooring and is actively involved in several local and regional organizations.

Matt’s appreciation for military service is personal. His late brother, Gavin, proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Midway while stationed in Japan. Matt is honored to help preserve the legacy of veterans and recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

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Don Silvester

Secretary

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Amy Silvester

Archivist

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Jack Lovat

Board Member

Make a Lasting Tribute

Assist us in honoring all who have served.