Board of Directors
Scott Miller
Chief Operating Officer, Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services, Diocese of Sacramento
As the son of a Vietnam era veteran who served in Europe and the nephew of a Vietnam veteran, I am honored to be associated with this effort.It’s been said that a person can die on earth two times; once with their physical death and again when their name is said for the last time. Memorialization and specifically the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall keeps those who made the ultimate sacrifice alive in our hearts and minds.
This project also serves the living and enables so many, who cannot travel to Washington, DC, to experience the emotion and magnitude of loss that occurred, to remember fallen friends and family and to continue saying their names.
The ability to work on this project with so many passionate people is one of the great honors of my life.
Commander Kris Frey
Citrus Heights Police Department
Commander Kris Frey has a solid background in law enforcement with 26 years of service, beginning his career with the Ione Police department as a Police Corporal and Sergeant, then with the Amador County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff, as well as an Internal Affairs and Background Investigator for the California Department of Consumer Affairs. He joined the Citrus Heights Police Department as a Police Officer in September of 2006, was promoted to Sergeant in August of 2015, promoted to Lieutenant in 2018, and achieved the rank of Commander in 2021. He has held numerous assignments, including Field Training Officer, Mentor, SWAT Operator, SWAT Team Leader, Motor Officer, Traffic Sergeant, Peer Support Lieutenant, Investigations Lieutenant, and SWAT Commander. Commander Frey has received many awards and citations throughout his career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, for his role in resolving a high-risk incident with the Department’s SWAT Team. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management, serves as a member of the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, is a member of the Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637, and is currently president of the Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL).Ray Riehle
The opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project is a great honor. To be a part of honoring the veterans who have served our nation is humbling. This memorial will stand
for generations to honor those who have made this nation great.
My father was in the Army and served as an artillery officer in the Korean War. He came home with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He was an FBI agent and when I was 6 years old, we moved to North Highlands and a
couple of years later, to Citrus Heights. My respect and admiration for those who served started very early in my life and continues to this day.
I have a brother, son, nephew, niece and granddaughter who have also
chosen to serve in both the Army and the Air Force.
I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights for more than 20 years. “Service Above Self” is the Rotary Motto and our club has been searching for a project that reflects the many years of service our members have given to the community. As Rotarians, we are pleased to have found a project that we can support now, and in the future.
Jonathan Hitesman
After two tour combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, I was welcomed home very differently than my Vietnam Veteran brothers. My passion for this project is based on my desire to see their service honored in the way it should have been honored when they returned home. Welcome home my friends.
Jonathan W. Hitesman was appointed an Assistant Chief Immigration Judge supervising the Sacramento and Adelanto Immigration Courts in June 2020 after 30 years of active duty service with the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine, he served as an infantry officer and later as a judge advocate.
Jim Monteton
Finance Officer
I was born and raised in California and my family goes back to about 1884 in San Francisco. My family all served in the military from my great grandfather in the Civil War (Union Army), both grand fathers in WW I (Army), my father served in the Navy during WW II and my uncle served in the Army during WW II and received the Bronze Star. In high school I was in the ROTC and upon graduation I enlisted in the Army. After 8 weeks basic at Ft. Ord, I went east for Communications and Intelligence training. Then 18 months in the Far East were I served in Army Intelligence. I served during Vietnam.After Military service, I joined AT&T as a technician. Working for 15 years in that position I move in the training department. Then on to the account management team where I was working on the sales & marketing side. My final position was working as a Marking Manager in the International division which took me to the Latin markets. My position was working in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. During this time, I went back to school and earned my BS and MBA.
When I left AT&T and moved to Citrus Heights, I volunteered for the Planning Commission where I served for 4 years. I also volunteered for the Sacramento Grand Jury where I served 3 years.
One of the most important things that I have done with life is to serve my country in the United States Army. It changed me from a boy to a man and gave me a better understanding of my country and the world around us.
Kermit Schayltz
Stones Gambling Hall
This project is of great importance to me. The healing I personally experienced and watched other Vietnam veterans, and their families experience by visiting the “Wall that Heals” while it was here in Citrus Heights was overwhelming. To be able to visit and reflect in a quiet place that for me is hallowed ground will be of comfort and emotion. For it to be in our city will be of great pride.To be able to touch the engraved names of the 10 men I served with and rest beside them one day…. That alone will make the effort it will take on my part worth everything required to fulfill Paul’s Dream that has become all of ours.
Patricia Lovisone
Having proudly served four years in the Marines long after the Vietnam War, I have since dedicated myself to supporting veterans through various service organizations. It was through this work that I met CEO Paul Reyes. Currently, I serve as Adjutant for the Marine Corps League Detachment 940, a role I’ve held for five years. I also recently concluded three consecutive terms as Commander of the Folsom American Legion Post 362, serving from 2020 to 2023.
Professionally, I have built a 26-year career with the same company, where I work as a Lead Capacity Planning Analyst. In my community involvement, I played a key role in bringing "The Wall That Heals" to Citrus Heights. At Paul’s request, I continue to serve as Secretary for the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project. With over two decades of living and working in this community, I deeply value the way our veterans honor and support one another. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Wall in Citrus Heights and the opportunity it provides for reflection and connection.
Ben Lehr
Ben is the son of a World War Two Veteran Family. Both his Mother and father served & met in the Army, NCO Club, Ft Bliss Texas 1943. Ben Graduated Command Sargent Major’s Academy at same Fort 1994. Ben lost both his brother David (KIA Feb 1968 Army) and close High School Friend Ron Storbo (KIA June 1969 Marine) who are memorialized on this Wall. Ben enlisted in March 1971. He moved to Citrus Heights in 1988 with ADT Security, almost four decades ago.
He served for 25 years between Army Active and Reserve Service. Retiring as a Command Sargent Major in 1996.His overseas duty took him to Germany, with 1st Division (Big Red One).
Returning to civilian life, continued at College of Marin, acquiring a AS Degree in Fire Science, while working as a fireman. He transitioned into Security System Sales & Design with over 30 years, attended Extension Program at UC Davis (2000) in Fire Protection, retiring in 2010.
Since retirement, he has spent years in the public arena volunteering. Five years with Citrus Heights “Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) aiding our homeless population into shelter during the “Winter Shelter Program”. Spent close to a decade, volunteering at both The Sacramento Veteran Stand Down (SVSD) & Placer Veterans Stand Down (PVSD) Annual Programs. Served as Executive Secretary & Vice President on SVSD Board as well as Operations Mgr. & Vice President of the PVSD Board.
Currently a member of American Legion Post 637 in Citrus Heights. Serving as member of Finance Committee & Assistant Veteran Service Officer. Recently starting a tenure as member of the “Military Advisory Board to District Four Sacramento County Supervisor.
“I hold this opportunity to serve both present, past and fallen soldiers, with great pride. To have a sacred space to reflect, honor in silence a family member, friend or combat buddy, can help heal our heart. If in your heart and mind, they never die”