About Us

You can help and Veteran homelessness here in Orange County!

Patriots-Promise was founded in 2012 by John R. Baskin Sr. on the principle “to never leave a soldier behind”! He is a Former Army Captain/Helicopter Pilot and Desert Storm Combat Veteran. John felt a calling to give back and started Patriot’s Promise to honor his father Colonel (Reverend) Ronald R. Baskin Sr. Col Baskin served in both the Korean War and 2 tours in Vietnam prior to retiring after 33 years of Decorated Service. He then spent many selfless hours administering to the Homeless. Broken and Forgotten Soldiers at VA Hospitals in Indiana, Illinois, Texas, and Georgia before passing in 2010. John also pays Honors to his brother, Former Army Major Ronald R. Baskin Jr. who passed unexpectedly in 2013.

Meet the Board Members

  • John Baskin Sr -------- President

    John R Baskin Sr. is the Founder and President of Patriot’s Promise. Based out of Newport Beach, California, John started the Non-Profit following the loss of his father Army Colonel (Rev) Ronald R. Baskin Sr. In 2012. Prior to taking on this monumental task, John had been working in Executive Sales for a Mercedes Benz Dealership since 2003. John is a Combat Veteran and second-generation Army Officer. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was the motivation for Patriot’s Promise.

    Born in Nuernberg and raised in Heidelberg, Germany, he came to the US in 1976 on a Track Scholarship to Norfolk State University; where he was a division II All-American. He graduated with a BS degree in Recreation Management and was Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Artillery Officer in the US Army in 1980. He later attended the Army Aviation School in FT Rucker, Alabama where he graduated as an OH-58 Scout Pilot. He later transitioned into the UH-60 Blackhawk and served as Assistant Division Aviation Officer during Desert Storm with the Distinguished 101st Airborne Division.

    John has 2 sons, Deven and John Robert Jr. And 2 sisters, Monica and Robin. His mom (Margot), dad (Ron Sr) and brother (have Ron Jr) are no longer with us. John currently works for Bankers Life as a Licensed Agent and also for UPS. He is the Vice President of Norfolk State University Southern California Alumni Chapter and Life Member of both NSUAA and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

  • Danielle Mariano ----- Vice President

    Danielle Mariano grew up in an Italian family where food was what brought everyone together. With a father, who was a food distributor, it was only natural for her to enter the Consumer Packaged Goods/CPG space.

    After completing college at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, Danielle headed to sunny California to work for national food broker, Daymon Worldwide. Danielle called on the Ralphs/Kroger account working with 6 buyers, representing over 100 supplier partners, generating over $30,000,000 gross revenue. Danielle launched Kroger’s first private label beauty brand, called Mirra, where she acted as the point person for all field marketing activities, and special events. During this launch, Danielle saw an opportunity to enhance in-store sampling and merchandising activities.

    In 2010 she created Mariano Events, an experiential marketing agency, that helps new and up and coming brands with all shopper marketing services. She has organized, planned and activated numerous product launches, such as the exclusive east coast launch of Impossible Burger at Wegmans Markets. This was the most successful launch in the plant-based meat category, across all 108 Wegmans stores. She has over 15+ years of brokerage experience, dealing with large grocery retail chains such as Bristol Farms, Wegmans, Whole Foods and Sprouts.

    In 2020 and 2021 Danielle was named, Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer Magazine. She has worked with various Consumer Packaged Goods/CPG brands, with the focus to drive brand awareness to consumer. The portfolio of clients are in the health and wellness categories, with focus on plant-based products. Danielle believes Mariano Events built Mariano Events to be a major source of Omni shopper marketing services.

    In her free time, Danielle enjoys staying active, taking hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains and sunbathing on the Malibu beaches. As a certified yoga teacher, she practices yoga with intention to bring light, love and gratitude to her yoga community.

  • Penelope Kyser -------CFO

    Penelope was born to English parents in Hamburg, Germany. She attended Arundel Private Girls’ High School, Rhodesia, and Natal University (Durban), South Africa receiving a BS. in Psychology, with a minor in Industrial Psychology, Industrial Organization, and Management.

    After graduating Penelope returned to Rhodesia where she taught English, History, and Math at Convent High School, Bulawayo. She also lectured, examined, and adjudicated for the British Institute of Personnel Management and Marketing Management. She focused on topics in Industrial Psychology, Sociology, Consumer Behavior and Statistics. Penelope was the first National Sales & Marketing Consultant for Vanity Fair Hosiery. She currently holds a California Teaching Credential.

    In 1974 Penelope founded Christine Boutique Pty Ltd with boutiques in various cities across the nation. As a result of the success of the Boutiques, Penelope founded Christine Boutique Manufacturing, importing raw materials, and exporting high fashion garments to five countries under four labels. She bought the Industrial and Commercial Properties and founded PERN Pty Ltd, a Property Holding Company.

    In 1985 Penelope and her nuclear family, husband Peter, children Robert & Tracy, immigrated to the USA, San Clemente, California. In 2003 Penelope founded Kmtm (Keyser Model and Talent Management) where she develops Actors and Models for the Entertainment Industry. Kmtm is an Industry Representative and a member of both Casting Networks and Breakdown Services. Kmtm Talent has worked with the major studios, having done TV Episodics, Short and Feature Films, Commercials, Industrials, Editorials, City Promotions, Music Videos, Voice Overs, Theater, Cruise Line Entertainment & Print

    Penelope has held office in many organizations: PTA President Concordia Elementary School, PTA Vice President Shorecliffs Middle School, Santa Margarita Catholic High School Booster President: Tennis and Surfing, San Diego Tennis Patrons: Sponsorship Co-Chair USTA Girls 16’s Tennis Nationals. She was a member of the National Charity League, Laguna Beach Chapter.

  • Sue Pohl ------------- Board Member

    Sue Pohl is the Acting President of Travel Center of Huntington Beach and Top Deck Cruises, servicing customers for over 25 years. She brings the experience of people’s travel dreams into reality. Sue offers assistance to both large and small companies to develop their corporate travel programs. She is able to accommodate customers’ objectives of their desired trips. Business or vacation, individual, family or group, Sue’s motto is "wherever in the world you wish to travel, count on Travel Center of Huntington Beach and Top Deck Cruises to offer you great value and friendly customer service." When Sue is not booking travel arrangements for her clients, she is traveling the globe with her husband and family. Sue enjoys spending time with her grandkids and stays active by walking 8-10 miles a day.

  • Sherry Anderson ------- Board Member

    Sherry Brackens-Anderson is a Human Resource Consultant and Life Coach with over 20 years of progressive human resource experience who has helped many clients by building professional resumes, work search, interviewing skills, and career coaching. She has worked in numerous industries implementing the latest strategies, skills, and techniques for a successful business. She has worked in such areas as payroll, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, policies, employee handbooks, employment law, and diversity & inclusion. supporting the well-being of employees. Sherry has a unique process for implementing human resources, the key word being HUMAN. When we all understand that everyone plays a role in the company we work better together to achieve success. I truly believe that good input results in a good outcome. Her HR/Coaching business is called “A Few Moments In Life”. This has become her mantra, in life we have moments whether they are good or bad. We have to make the best out of whatever moment.

    Sherry is a product of a military parent which has led to her commitment and values toward family, helping others, and/or working in a team capacity. Her father spent over 30 years in service from active duty to reserve. Through the military, she was able to travel and experience different cultures. She spends a lot of her time giving back. As a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated since 2000. She has held numerous positions in her Chapter, including President, Vice President (currently), Recording Secretary, Assistant Graduate Advisor, Graduate Advisor, and Chairman of Committees. Also, a Board Member of the nonprofit Divine Purpose brings her joy being able to mentor young ladies in ninth through twelfth grade, as they share their hopes and dreams of adding value to society through attending college. Lastly, she is a Board Member of Operation Makeover, the focus is to increase self-esteem and connect female veterans & military spouses with resources, building a network of support and creating a capture of their inner beauty to enable their strength for countless years.

    Sherry is certified in Mediation and Life Coaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Resources with a Minor in Microbiology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She was also a registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for four years. When she is not helping others enhance their lives, Sherry can be found creating things from art, cards, flyers, crafting, and jewelry making for her sorority.

  • Dave DesRochers -------- Board Member

    Description goesDave Des Rochers joins Patriot's Promise as a new Board Member. Dave is a retired professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks and is currently the founder and CEO of The 1st & Goal Project. His company is involved in the development of Career Transitions. Through the programs they assist people find career happiness and success based on their unique characteristics, capabilities, and types of interest. Dave is a man of many talents working as an actor and provided wealth management for 20 years. here

  • Alan Anderson -------- Board Member

    Alan Anderson holds the position of Manager of Program Planning & Scheduling for Space Systems and Mission Payload Solutions for Northrup Grumman. His position works jointly with the military ensuring that the Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for missiles, aircraft, and satellite platforms are horizontally and vertically integrated across company functional groups including finance, engineering, material, manufacturing, and quality. Alan spent 35 years with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing working on Business Operations: Program and Integrated Master Schedules, for the C-17 Globemaster III which is the largest military transport aircraft that commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world for the United States Air Force (USAF). The C-17; additional roles include medical evacuation and airdrop duties. After spending nearly four decades working in Aerospace and Defense on multimillion-dollar contracts, Alan knows what truly drives the Aerospace and Defense industry to be of top caliber in the United States.

    Alan has been a part of the Executive Board of Patriot’s Promise since its inception in 2012. Alan also works as a photographer/historian capturing all the Patriot’s Promise events. Outside his “AJA Image Photography” photography business. Alan and John are fraternity brothers representing the esteemed men of the 114-year-old organization Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Their creed is “First of All, Servants of All”.

    Alan is an advocate for giving back to his community. He coached Pop Warner football for 3 years and AYSO Girl’s Soccer for 6 years. He inspired the youth to be on time, do well in school, work together, and respect their parents. All of these attributes led to both sports making it to the playoffs, numerous championships, and respect for themselves and others.

  • Elise Wolski ----------- Board Member

    Having pursued a double major in Graphic Design and Computer Information Systems from SUNY Brockport, Elise possesses a unique blend of artistic sensibility and technical acumen. Her educational foundation equips her with the skills to conceptualize groundbreaking designs while harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology to bring her visions to fruition.

    In her role as Marketing Manager at AmChar Wholesale, a prominent firearms distributor specializing in military and law enforcement clientele, Elise orchestrates strategic marketing initiatives that captivate and engage target audiences. Her responsibilities span from crafting compelling visual narratives to managing digital campaigns, all aimed at fostering meaningful connections within the industry.

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Elise is deeply committed to community engagement, proudly serving as a sister of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and an active member of the co-ed fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Through these affiliations, she contributes to various service initiatives and cultivates bonds of camaraderie and support within her community.

    In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Elise channels her creativity into freelance graphic and web design, as well as photography. This multifaceted approach allows her to explore diverse projects, collaborate with clients across different sectors, and continuously refine her craft in pursuit of excellence.