Collaborating for a Cause

Julie’s professional career was comprised of real estate brokering between some of the biggest purchasers in the United States. Personal experiences with wounded veterans inspired her to create a place of love, healing, and support for servicemen and women and their families, and building that became her personal mission and life passion. For the last several years, Julie has turned her boundless energy and relentless efforts towards aiding returning and retired veterans. She conceived Veterans Lodge as an environment where veterans can safely begin transitioning back to civilian life.

Sam Brasfield is a retired U.S. Navy Captain whose 36½-year career spanned from enlisted Aviation Electrician’s Mate to senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer and Commanding Officer of multiple high-impact units, including the Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center and NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group One. He led sailors and joint forces across combat zones, diving and salvage operations, mine countermeasures missions, and strategic international partnerships around the globe. After retiring, Sam completed a five-month Appalachian Trail thru-hike, using the journey to pray, reflect, and seek clarity for his next chapter of service. Today, he is the Partners Relationship Coordinator for Veterans Lodge. He also leads Brasfield & Associates LLC, consulting in leadership, EOD, diving, and complex maritime operations. Sam remains driven by a lifelong commitment to serve others, build strong teams, and leave a legacy of mentorship, purpose, and integrity.

Marius established his career as an officer in the South African army before serving as a defense attache for his home country in Washington D.C. Relocating to the United States from South Africa in 1994, Marius successfully entered into the business arena; first in cross-cultural commodity companies and later transitioning into defense contracting through his self-built enterprise Reed International Inc. Marius’s company grew from six contractors to over 2000 employees and have won multiple contracts worth hundreds of millions with the US government, UN, and several middle eastern

countries.

Pittman began his professional career by enlisting in the US Navy after graduating from UNC. After his service, Pittman formed the defense corporation, Ballistic Solutions Technologies, and has since grown the company to meet the needs of American servicemen worldwide. Pittman helps to supply the wounded vet organizations surrounding Ft. Bragg with necessary equipment to deliver their services. In 1996, he formed the Old South Marlin Club which hosts events for wounded veterans as well as sponsoring fishing trips for servicemen including participation in the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament. Additional sponsorships include those for servicemen into Hope for Warriors trips and the Ken Onion Bear Hunt for wounded vets. Throughout his career, he has prided himself on creating lasting relationships with soldiers currently serving and veterans. Lupton has always had compassion for our servicemen and veterans, which led him to take his current role at the Lodge in hopes to heal our wounded and save the lives of those who need it the most. He sees the need for Veterans Lodge today, more than ever.

Operation Restored Warrior



Operation Restored Warrior is a transformational ministry that has been changing lives for 11 years. They will be Veterans Lodge’s partner tasked with spiritually rescuing, rebuilding, and restoring our nation’s military warriors.

Killian Construction Co.

Killian Construction Co. is a nationally recognized leader providing excellent construction services in our target markets.

EDSA

EDSA Inc. is a planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm founded in 1960. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with offices in Orlando, Florida; Baltimore, Maryland, and Shanghai, China.

BOTI Architecture

BOTI is a design firm that brings together a diverse team of planners, architects, engineers, and interior designers, to help you develop customized solutions.