Memorial Board of Directors

The Orion Veterans Memorial – Dr. Joseph A. Mastromatteo, Chairman
Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo

Chairman

Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo was raised in Mt. Clemens Michigan. Shortly after serving in the Dental Corps of the United States Army he began his dental practice in Lake Orion Michigan. With the help of the Orion Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Orion and many patriotic citizens, the Orion Veterans Memorial was built and stands as a beautiful jewel and tribute to military of the community and to our country.
Robert Smith
Robert Smith

Vice Chairman

Robert G Smith, Vice Chair, an Air Force Veteran and serving two tours in Vietnam. Also serving in the Army Reserve as Military Police and Navy Reserves. Retired from Orion Township Fire Department after 31 years with the last 7 years as the Fire Chief. Currently employed part time as an Oakland County Sheriff Deputy.
Chris Barnett
Chris Barnett

Board Member

Chris Barnett was elected Orion Township Supervisor in 2012. He is currently in his second term and is most proud of his efforts of collaboration with surrounding communities on many cost-saving initiatives, most notably the formation of the North Oakland County Water Authority.
James Hubbard
James Hubbard

Board Member

James Hubbard was raised in Andersonville, MI. He married his wife Kathy in 1969 and has three sons. He served our country in 1966-67 in Vietnam. He has been a resident of Lake Orion for over 50 years; served as the VFW Commander of Post #334 since 2011; and has been a member of the Orion Veterans Memorial Board since 2012.
Brian Penz
Brian Penz

Board Member

Brian Penz has been an OVM Board Member since June of 2018. He served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist 1st Class and continued his honorable duty for 12+ years. He has lived in Lake Orion since 2015 and has a passion for helping his local community and Veterans in every way.
JoAnn Van Tassel
JoAnn Van Tassel

Secretary & Treasurer

A long-time resident of Orion Township, JoAnn has served the community as Orion Township Supervisor for 13+ years and Lake Orion Village Manager for 8 years. She has been active with Orion Veterans Memorial since its inception. JoAnn also takes time to help the less fortunate through the Lake Orion Lions Club and her Church.
Bob Watros
Bob Watros

Park Manager

Bob Watros was raised up north in a small town of Central Lake, in Antrim County. He came back to Pontiac when he was 16. Joined the Navy at 17 and served 4 years, was discharged at 21. Married Antoinette Nicolo 60 years ago Jan. 10, 1959. He worked in Floor Covering and the Construction Trades for 40 years. Has been a Volunteer at the Orion Veterans Memorial since 2002. Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Brian Birney

Board Member

Brian Birney proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 8 years as a Sergeant and Squad Leader during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is the President and CMO of The Birney Directive, President of Lake Orion’s American Summer, Deals By Me, and a Trustee for Orion Township. A recipient of Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, and former President of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, he continues to lead in his community with poise and wisdom. He is married with four children.
Lee Smith

Board Member

Lee Smith served in the United States Navy for 20 years as an Aviation Electronics Technician, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief. He came to Lake Orion after leaving the Navy in 2011 and has been a proud member of the OVM Board of Directors since 2020. He is a learning and development specialist with a concentration in high voltage battery applications and autonomous vehicle development, an avid photographer, and a proud husband and father.
Top

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Make a Lasting Tribute

Assist us in honoring all who have served.

Make A Donation Brick Lookup
Contact Donate Brick Lookup