Veteran Voices
For Fibromyalgia
Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia Team Leaders
The Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia Team are volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of Veterans living with Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Pain Syndrome. VVFF Volunteers are Veterans diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Syndrome, or individuals diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Syndrome, who have an immediate family member who is a Military Service Member or Veteran.
Founder: Kristal Kent
Kristal is an Army Veteran diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Kristal's background includes 25 years working in Social Services, Patient Advocacy and Volunteering for several Non-Profits. In addition, Kristal has previously served on the WEGO Health Patient Leader Advisory Board and the Cleveland Clinic Patient Panel. She is also a member of the Society for Participatory Medicine and volunteered 3 years as a Board of Trustee for the Fibromyalgia Care Society of America. Kristal is the Founder of Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia along with the Founder of The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles. Kristal uses her background in social services, benefits coordination, and patient advocacy to support those living with Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain Conditions and Chronic Illnesses.
Candace Lerman: Volunteer Legislative Advocacy Mentor
Candace Lerman is a licensed Attorney and Healthcare Advocate living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Sjogren's Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Candace is the founder of "ITP Patient Driven Research Initiative" and the "Rare Candace" blog. Candace is well known for her legislative advocacy work for the "Open Act,"
which has allowed patients access to repurposed medications for rare diseases. Candace has lent her voice and expertise to support the Fibromyalgia Community on advocacy initiatives such as the "Fibromyalgia Virtual Hill Day." As a daughter of a Vietnam U.S. Navy Veteran, Candace is a steadfast supporter of the Veteran community and consistency lends her voice and skill set to support Veteran initiatives.
Anu Datta: Volunteer Veteran Research Specialist
Anu Datta is an Army Veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anu lives with Fibromyalgia and is a strong voice for those living with this condition. Anu has an extensive background in research and systems information along with actively participates in promoting awareness for the Veteran Community, especially for female veterans, and lends her voice and skills to Legislative Advocacy initiatives.
Al Knoblock: Volunteer Content Creator And Video Editor
Al Knoblock is a Combat Air Force Veteran who served during the Gulf War. Al lives with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Gulf War Illness. Al engages in legislative advocacy on behalf of Veterans, develops and creates content for VVFF and is the Video Editor for all of Veteran Voices For Fibromyalgia and The Fibromyalgia Pain Chronicles awareness and educational videos. In addition, Al has actively participated in Legislative Advocacy for Fibromyalgia.
Erich Pfleaidermahnn: Volunteer Veteran Support Specialist
Erich Pfleaidermahnn is an Air Force Gulf War Veteran, with a medical background, and is an American Legion Post Commander. Erich lives with Fibromyalgia and helps connect Veterans living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome to VVFF and needed resources.
Evan Smith: Volunteer Veteran Support Specialist
Evan Smith is an Army National Guard Veteran living with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evan is a proactive advocate for Veterans along with provides "Adven-Therapy" (Adventure Therapy) for Veterans through nature therapy, hunting and fishing. Evan has also engaged in Legislative Advocacy for both Fibromyalgia and Veteran issues.
Kristen Thomasino: Volunteer News Media Mentor
Kristen Thomasino lives with Fibromyalgia and is a daughter of a Military Veteran. Kristen has an extensive background in Media Relations and Business Strategy. Kristen is the Founder of Thomasino Media LLC and The Social Good Magazine. Kristen's Advocacy work focuses on supporting Veterans who are homeless, she is an Ally and Advocate for the LBGTQ+ Community, and an Advocate for the Fibromyalgia Community as well.