Leadership

Board of Directors

Forged to Serve is guided by a volunteer board committed to responsible governance, practical service, and meaningful support for veterans and families.

Founder & Executive Leadership

Richard Hacker

Founder, President & Executive Director

Richard Hacker is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Forged to Serve Foundation. He served five years in the U.S. Army Infantry, including multiple deployments, and held leadership positions as a Team Leader and Weapons Squad Leader. His military experience shaped his commitment to leadership, service, and supporting those who have served.

Richard founded Forged to Serve Foundation because he wanted to continue serving veterans and give back to the men and women who served our country. His goal is to help veterans and their families receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need to build stronger futures.

Why I Serve

After serving five years in the infantry and experiencing deployments and the bond that comes from serving alongside others, I believe the responsibility to serve doesn’t end when you take off the uniform. I want to continue serving veterans and their families, give back to those who served, and make sure they know they are never forgotten or alone.

Board Leadership

Vanessa Hacker

Vice President / Treasurer

For Vanessa, Forged to Serve is about standing beside the people who have spent their lives standing for others.

As Richard’s partner in life and in this mission, Vanessa saw firsthand the challenges that inspired him to create Forged to Serve. She knew this vision needed more than an idea—it needed people willing to build it, support it, and bring the community together.

With her background in business, real estate, property management, accounting, and community relationships, Vanessa brings the organization, leadership, and heart needed to help turn their vision into action.

She believes that supporting veterans means looking beyond their service record and recognizing the person and family behind the uniform.

Why I Serve

“Service shouldn’t end when someone takes off the uniform. We believe our responsibility to our veterans continues long after their service does.”

Veteran & Program Leadership

Scott F. Lowry

Secretary / Program Director

Scott F. Lowry is a U.S. Army veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in information technology, operations, leadership, and community service. His work has combined technical expertise with a long-standing commitment to veterans, nonprofit organizations, and community-focused programs.

Scott currently serves as Secretary and Program Director of Forged to Serve Foundation, bringing experience in nonprofit governance, program development, technology, operations, veteran advocacy, community outreach, and partnership building. He also serves in veteran and nonprofit leadership roles, including Commander of VFW Post 9126 in Glenpool, Guitars for Vets programming in Oklahoma, and The Dallas Lowry Foundation.

Why I Serve

Scott joined Forged to Serve to help build practical support systems that turn good intentions into meaningful assistance for veterans and the families of fallen service members. He brings experience in veteran advocacy, nonprofit leadership, program development, technology, operations, and community partnerships to help the foundation build responsibly and serve effectively.

Building the organization responsibly

The Board of Directors is developing the foundation’s bylaws, program criteria, donation procedures, procurement practices, sponsorship opportunities, and operating framework. Additional biographies and photos will be added as they are finalized for publication.

Governance

Accountability from the beginning.

The board is working to clearly define officer responsibilities, establish written program procedures, and build a transparent foundation for future operations.

Questions about Forged to Serve?

Contact the foundation to learn more about our mission, programs, partnerships, or ways to get involved.