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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 proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years as a Sergeant and Squad Leader during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is the President and CMO of The Birney Directive, a trustee for Orion Township, and a recipient of Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40. He is married with four children.

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!

Don Silvester

Secretary

Matt Pfeiffer

Treasurer

Amy Silvester

Archivist

Jack Lovat

Board Member

Make a Lasting Tribute

Assist us in honoring all who have served.