About our leadership

The VMFA is the brainchild of co-founders Dan Carcione and Mike Tate. Both men first met when they were stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii in 2009 with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 12th Marines. Following the end of their enlistments, Dan and Mike remained close friends and supported each other through the trials and tribulations of re-acclimating to civilian life. Since the end of their active service, both have endured the loss of multiple brothers- and sisters-in arms to suicide, a story too common among veterans today. Dan and Mike hope that VMFA can serve as a modern day alternative to traditional veteran service organizations where veterans can congregate and rely on each other for emotional support. 

Why we are doing this

Over the past 16 years the topic of veteran suicide rates has grown from a worrying trendinto a national emergency. When adjusted for age and sex, veterans die by suicide at 1.5 times the rate of non-veteran adults within the U.S., and the rate is even higher among veterans in the 18 - 35 age bracket. Through our events, veterans can build a community-based camaraderie, a sense of belonging while having the opportunity to explore the greater Philadelphia area. On an individual level, we serve to host educational and social events to promote personal and professional growth among our local veterans.

Our methodology

The premise for VMFA stems from the concept of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS). The IPTS proposes that the most dangerous form of suicidal desire is caused by the simultaneous presence of two interpersonal constructs- thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness (and hopelessness about these states)- and further, that the capability to engage in suicidal behavior is separate from the desire to engage in suicidal behavior.

What we are building towards

As the organization starts out, we are focusing our attention on the success of the Philadelphia chapter. However, our ultimate goal is to expand VMFA to other Pennsylvania cities and towns. Eventually, we would like to create a nationwide organization of veterans in every state in the U.S.

Who we are

Dan Carcione

ROLE: President, Co-Founder & CEO
ABOUT ME: In 2021, I completed a Master's degree in Public Policy with an emphasis on veteran's issues. Currently, I am working on establishing the VMFA and getting it recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
HOBBIES: Baking, snowboarding, and reading.
BRANCH/MOS/
​STATION:  USMC/0861 Artillery Scout Observer/MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
1st Battalion 12th Marines
2nd Battalion 3rd Marines

Mike Tate

ROLE: Vice President, Co-founder & Secretary
ABOUT ME:  In 2011, I left the USMC and attended Drexel University. Currently, I am an engineer for a national generation company.
HOBBIES: Motorcycles, sneaker collecting, and video gaming.
BRANCH/MOS/
​STATION: USMC/0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer Crewman/MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
1st Battalion 12th Marines

Jad Sleiman

ROLE: Media Relations
ABOUT ME: I served as a Marine Corps combat correspndent based in New Orleans and later Sicily. I deployed with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 on their initial rotation throughout Africa. After the Marine I worked as a war zone reporter for Stars and Stripes newspaper, traveling to Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine. I've also reported from rebel-held Syria.
HOBBIES: I currently work on a science podcast that airs on NPR and I do stand-up comedy.
BRANCH/MOS/STATION: 
​USMC/

Josh Hendarto

ROLE: Social Media Lead/ Event Coordinator
ABOUT ME:
HOBBIES: 
BRANCH/MOS/
​STATION: U.S. Army (4-23, 2-2 ID),
​PA Army National Guard (1-111th IN)


*Social media lead hasn't provided a bio for the website! Irony and shame!*

Andy Keo

ROLE: Event Coordinator
HOBBIES: Listening to audiobooks, working out, learning something new.
Having thoughts of harming yourself? Please, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to speak with someone now. You are loved and your life matters.
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