Two Leaders, One Journey
Throughout their demanding military careers as husband-and-wife Chief Master Sergeants, Brian and Shannon Thomas followed two simple principles: leave every place better than they found it and be a “force for good.” Those mantras stayed with them after Brian retired in 2021 and Shannon in 2024. Once the uniforms were hung up for the last time, they adjusted to the challenges of retirement.
After a combined 50 years in the military, they remain deeply committed to those they served while devoting even more of themselves to family and community. Life was often a juggling act, requiring strong communication and support as they balanced leadership, marriage, and family. They still joke that household and family responsibilities were never divided into “blue and pink.”
Neither expected Offutt Air Force Base to be their final assignment when they arrived in 2019. Looking back, they are grateful for the remarkably supportive community they landed in and feel blessed to call Papillion home. They continue to share their expertise by volunteering, mentoring military members transitioning to civilian life, and speaking at events throughout the area.
“The single biggest thing I am proud of is that Shannon and I both had successful careers reaching the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, Chief Master Sergeant, together without sacrificing our dreams, goals, or each other to make it happen,” says Brian.
Shannon admits she never imagined that one day she’d become a Chief Master Sergeant. But more than the rank, she’s proud of the people she mentored, supported, and inspired along the way.
From Military Service to Barbershop Ministry
Former U.S. Army Military Policeman and Staff Sergeant, Steve Fennel, owns a barbershop at Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion called The Shop by Fen. He was often called the Platoon Barber while in the Army, which was probably a sign of where he was headed. The Shop is so popular, he’s too booked to take on new clients unless by referral. Fennel, often called ‘Fen’, has led a life with lots of twists and turns.
After Fen graduated from Papillion-La Vista High School in 1995, he didn’t like the direction his life was taking, so he joined the Army. He quickly excelled in the military police, serving in Bosnia and for 359 days in Iraq. When he separated from the military in 2011 with a prestigious award, he didn’t dote on it. A lot happened between 1995 and 2011. The rough part was losing friends in war or to mental health battles following the war. But in 2017, his connection to his faith deepened, and family life thrived. With a master’s degree in counseling, he discovered he loved helping people in a very authentic way.
Having faced his own struggles, his deep faith inspired him to enter the ministry. He indeed officiates weddings and funerals, but he often ministers to clients in the barber chair too. And they love it. He loves giving back by offering around ten free haircuts a month to clients who need them.
“My parents instilled in me at a young age to do the right thing even when people aren’t looking,” says Fen. “Sometimes a simple free haircut and conversation can change somebody’s day.”
Team Red, White, & Blue Empowers Veterans
Team Red, White & Blue (RWB) helps veterans worldwide build healthier lives through fitness and community. Founded by veterans, the nonprofit understands firsthand the importance of connection and well-being after military service. Mike Erwin, now a board member, established the Nebraska chapter in Papillion in 2010 after seeing how physical fitness supports mental health. Today, retired Army Officer Rob Cordray serves as Nebraska State Coordinator. Drawing on 11 years of active duty and 19 years in the Army Reserve, Cordray recognized the need to address isolation, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges among veterans.
“I joined RWB because I witnessed the struggle some veterans have in staying connected, staying fit, or encountering difficulties stemming from their service,” says Cordray. “We are America’s leading health and wellness nonprofit organization by veterans for veterans. What we see is engagement, that sense of belonging.”
Team RWB was founded to foster community and a culture of physical fitness that supports veterans’ physical and mental well-being. Although chapters operate overseas, most members and activities are based in the United States, with more than 200,000 members nationwide and up to 2,000 in Nebraska. Membership is free, and events typically cost veterans nothing. Year-round activities include running, walking, CrossFit, hiking, and biking, along with monthly gatherings such as coffee socials, family meetups, game nights, and a book club.
Through local partnerships, Team RBW provides no-cost services and classes to members. For example, Victory Boxing Club in South Omaha and Diventures offer free training opportunities. Even without joining as a member, supporters can volunteer, donate, participate in events, contribute as a partner or sponsor, and strengthen the mission.
“I think there’s a perception that people have to be in top physical condition to join. That’s not the case. We want veterans of all fitness levels, all ages, and all ability levels,” Cordray says. “I like to tell non-military people who want to support us that it takes a village. You might build a connection with a veteran who you can really bless.”
teamrwb.org
Helping Veterans Move Forward
Moving Veterans Forward (MVF) in Papillion helps homeless veterans rebuild their lives with the help of founder, Ron Hernandez. Once recovering in a hospital with a homeless veteran (Mike) as a roommate, the idea clicked for Hernandez that there was a gap in the system. His mission became, no veteran left behind. Today, MVF helps veterans transition into housing in Nebraska and Iowa.
The story took a positive turn when Mike found housing and a job. Today he is a security guard who lives in veteran-based housing, and he keeps an eye on other veterans who may need help.
MVF supports veterans as they rebuild their lives and work toward self-sufficiency. Rather than visiting encampments or homeless shelters, the team partners with case management agencies and the VA to identify veterans in need. Caseworkers handle much of the work required to secure benefits and connect veterans with treatment programs.
Caseworkers also coordinate with HUD, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and the Omaha Housing Authority to secure housing. Moving Veterans Forward then provides nearly everything needed to furnish the home, except large appliances. Because MVF accepts no federal or state assistance, it relies on private donations of household goods and money. This independence allows the organization to help all veterans promptly.
MVF provides all support at no cost, distinguishing it from other organizations in the metro area. Anyone can contribute; the greatest needs are volunteers, monetary donations, and household furnishings. Helping a veteran move is one of the most meaningful ways to get involved.
The Moving Vets Forward team admits that veterans are very prideful people. They have stepped up to face the horrors of war in exchange for our country’s freedoms. Asking for help isn’t something they often do. MVF fills a gap in the community sort of like a much needed spoke on the wheel of a bicycle. That spoke fills a housing need with love. Not a magic wand, but a first step toward stability and housing.
As Ron Hernandez puts it, “I wouldn’t leave you on the battlefield and I am not going to leave you alone here at home.”
mvfne.org
My parents instilled in me at a young age to do the right thing even when people aren’t looking. Sometimes a simple free haircut and conversation can change somebody’s day.