Meet The Team
We are a team comprised of Veterans and military spouses who have a passion for helping our employer partners, Veterans, and other military spouses. Making a difference one partner and one Veteran & MilSpouse at a time.
Team FMI
Paul Volpe - Founder / President
Paul spent 28 years in the US Army and Army Reserve, retiring in September, 2012. Paul began his career as an Armor crewman, served as a Drill Sergeant and completed the Army Sergeants Major Academy in 2006. Paul spent 12 years working with the Army PaYS (Partnership for Youth Success) program as the Army Recruiting Command – Commanding General’s subject matter expert on corporate partnerships. Paul has developed military hiring programs and partnerships with hundreds fortune 500 companies like Accenture, Harley-Davidson, USAA and Union Pacific Railroad and developed the first of its kind partnership with the State of Wisconsin.
Paul is currently serving on the City of San Antonio’s Military Advisory Committee and Subcommittee on Veteran Employment. He is the VP of Business Development for the Alamo AUSA Chapter. Paul has over 19 years of experience in working with military transition and corporate America.
Kristin Bidwell - Operations
Hi! My name is Kristin, I'm an Active Duty Air Force spouse, currently in New Jersey with our two kids. I have a BA in Psychology for Business. I am passionate about helping people find positions that fit their background and that they enjoy.
Taryn Neary - Marketing
Hi, I’m Taryn—a Navy spouse of 15 years, a mom to three incredible kids, and currently soaking up life in England. Being part of the military community has shaped so much of who I am, and it’s also what led me to my passion: helping military spouses, families, and organizations thrive.
With a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing and five years of experience in social media marketing, content creation, and strategic planning, I’ve had the privilege of working with nonprofits, military-affiliated organizations, and small businesses. I love crafting stories that connect, building strategies that make an impact, and helping brands grow in a way that feels authentic and engaging.
Navigating military life isn’t always easy, but I believe in the power of community and support. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of Forward March, Inc.—where I get to use my skills to make a real difference for military families.
Laurin Ladner - Talent Acquisition
I am so excited to be a part of the team here at Forward March Inc! My name is Laurin Ladner and I am an Active Duty Navy spouse and mother of two girls - Bayley and RosieLynn. I am a graduate of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi and a graduate of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). We currently live in Japan and my family and I enjoy going to the beach, visiting new parks, and visiting our families in Mississippi and Texas.
I am a secretary for my husband’s ship FRG.
As a military spouse and daughter of a retired veteran, I understand the importance of helping veterans and spouses find meaningful employment that allows them to provide for their families. I also understand the importance of standing beside one’s spouse as they serve our beloved country.
I believe in the mission of Forward March Inc. and I am so excited and proud to be apart of it!
Breanna Towler - Events / Military Outreach / Marketing
Meet Breanna Towler, a resilient and dedicated individual shaped by the values of hard work, community, and resilience. As a military spouse, she has a passion for helping others and has volunteered at VA hospitals and served as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a veteran's home. Inspired by the strength of wounded warriors, she is committed to deeply appreciating and supporting the bravery of our servicemen and women. With a unique perspective as a military spouse, Breanna is devoted to positively impacting the lives of those who serve and have served. Join her on her journey of support and advocacy for our military community.
Shannon Kaeding - Business Development
Shannon is a seasoned professional who brings heart and hustle to every opportunity. Whether it’s in the classroom, leading a top-performing sales team, or helping employers discover the powerful value of hiring military talent.
After 15 years as an educator, Shannon built a multi-million-dollar direct sales business from the ground up, leading a team that reached the top 1% of a global company. My success has been rooted in people-first leadership, sharp strategy, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results with excellence.
While I’m not a veteran or military spouse, I was raised in a service-first family. My father worked in law enforcement, and I’ve always had deep respect for those who serve. That upbringing shaped how I lead and connect. I understand the discipline, dedication, and mission-driven mindset of those who serve, and I’m passionate about helping companies recognize and retain that kind of talent.
Brenda Bardaels - Research / Business Development
My name is Brenda and I live in sunny southern California. I am currently serving in the Army National Guard, and I am also pursuing a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Industrial and Organizational Psychology. I have a daughter who is about to embark on her college journey, and we also have a furry feline companion. I love exploring new places, going on adventures in nature, staying active, and spending time by the ocean. I have a strong connection to the Native American and Veteran community. I love networking and bringing together brilliant individuals to create connections that will pave the way for future generations and foster a more fair and inclusive workforce.
Paul Woodard - Outreach / Business Development
Paul enlisted on his seventeenth birthday and retired in April 2005 after serving more than twenty-four years. Paul began his career as a Cavalry Scout, and a few short years later, reclassed as an infantryman and served as a light infantry scout. Paul served as an NCOES (Noncommissioned Officer Educational System) Instructor, Infantry MOSQ Instructor, OPFOR (Opposing Forces) Team NCOIC, and OC/T (Observer Controller/Trainer) Team NCOIC. Along the way, he also picked up the Civil Affairs Specialist MOS. A proud Texas Aggie, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets (Company V-1), Paul graduated with a double major in Political Science and History. He went on to earn his master’s in international relations. Paul worked for more than twenty-five years in financial services, most as a broker-dealer wholesaler and then as a financial advisor and retirement specialist. He is happily married to his college sweetheart with two adult daughters who are living their best lives. Paul currently lives in Arlington, Texas.
Mackenzie Beeman - Military Outreach Coordinator
Mackenzie is an Army veteran and military spouse with a PMP certification, currently pursuing her MBA, and brings a powerful combination of lived military experience and professional expertise to her work. With a strong background in project management, strategic partnerships, and workforce development, she is deeply committed to helping others navigate the transition from military service to meaningful civilian careers.
At Forward March Inc., Mackenzie leverages her extensive experience in program management and relationship building to bridge the gap between employers and the military community, creating pathways that connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with purposeful, long-term career opportunities.
Throughout her career, Mackenzie has led complex cross-functional initiatives, designed impactful training programs, and executed strategic workforce initiatives that align business objectives with the unique strengths of the military community. Guided by both passion and firsthand understanding, she champions initiatives that help employers nationwide attract, hire, and retain exceptional military talent.
FMI Ambassadors
FMI is lucky enough to have some amazing volunteers helping us to achieve our mission helping Veterans, Transitioning Service Members and Military spouses.
Linda Gallucci
Linda is a dedicated advocate for the military community, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by military families. Currently she is serving in the HR Employee Relations department at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) in Okinawa, Japan. Linda also previously held the position of Manager of Military Family Services at Armed Services YMCA Headquarters prior to her overseas move. Her passion for service extends to her involvement with several non-profit organizations, including the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross, USO, Okinawa Leadership Seminar, Okinawa Enlisted Spouses Club, and North Island Okinawa Spouses’ Club.