MEET OUR TEAM

FOUNDER, CEO, BOARD DIRECTOR

John Kelty served in the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2012 as a frontline leader on the Crash & Salvage team—the high-stakes emergency crew on the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. When others ran out, his team ran in.

After the Navy, John used the G.I. Bill to attend Texas A&M, earning a degree in Sport Management and now working toward his Master’s in Human Resource Management. He lives in Texas with his wife, Bailie, and their three kids—his greatest pride and mission.

Professionally, he serves as an HR Director and Corporate HR Business Partner. Outside the office, he continues to serve as an officer with VFW Post 2150 and the McKinney A&M Club.

John knows firsthand what it’s like to carry invisible weight—physical pain, mental scars, spiritual battles; and he’s seen too many good men and women fight alone after the uniform comes off. That’s why he founded Shield Down. For him, this isn’t charity—it’s a calling.

CFO

Laura joins us at Shield Down, as Chief Financial Officer, with nearly 15 years of experience in the Banking and Accounting industries. Her heart for veterans and their families, along with her experience, not only allows her to use her God-given to serve others, but ensures we are able to sustain and grow the mission, as well as keep Shield Down compliant with the all-important federal, state, and local regulations around 501(c)(3) work.

Laura is the proud wife of Josh, and loving mother to their son Blade. She enjoys spending her time active and/or outdoors when she can. She also comes from a proud military family, with three generations of family members having served in multiple branches of the United States armed forces.

SECRETARY

Throughout her life, Bailie has been a strong supporter of our nation's military and those who have worn the cloth of our nation, and for several years has been married to our Founder, John Kelty, where together they are raising three beautiful kids. Bailie studied at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her B.A. in Journalism in 2009. In previous roles, Bailie has also attained valuable professional experience closely related to her role as Secretary for Shield Down.

For more than a decade, Bailie has volunteered for nonprofits ranging from military, to homelessness and food insecurity, to childhood education. Bailie is also a life-member of the VFW Auxiliary for VFW Post 2150.

FOUNDING CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Andrew comes to Shield Down from the east coast, where he was born and raised in the mid-atlantic region and lives today. Andrew served with Kelty and the rest of the inaugural Board of Directors on the Crash & Salvage team of the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

With experience in both active duty military and reserve military, followed by both private sector and public sector work, Andrew brings a strong breadth of both experience and empathy to our team.

Andrew is happily married to his loving wife Sinae, and together they have one daughter and one on the way; committed to doing his part to raise the next generation of Baltimore Orioles fans. Andrew has long had a passion for helping veterans find a path forward to contentment that he too worked to find.

FOUNDING BOARD DIRECTOR

Zach began his career in the U.S. Navy in 2007 as a Crash & Salvage crewman, driven by a lifelong passion for firefighting. Stump served for 10 years, finishing as a reservist most recently. A dedicated family man, Zach is married to Wendy, with three children: Jackson, Brody, and Charlotte. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Occupational Health and Safety at Embry-Riddle, having graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

Zach believes in second chances and is committed to helping veterans transition to civilian life, a mission shaped by his own experiences. Among his proudest accomplishments are earning Eagle Scout and excelling academically. His goal is to create a supportive environment for veterans to thrive in civilian life.

FOUNDING BOARD DIRECTOR

Jay proudly served in the United States Navy from 2007-2013. He served aboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower and was an integral part of the Crash & Salvage flight deck emergency response team.

Yantes currently lives in Ohio with his loving wife Aimee and is a proud dad to their two kiddos.

He continues to serve the community as a Surgical Technologist, as well as for several years having been involved as a volunteer for VALOR. Also having struggles with mental health, Jay is a firm believer in always giving back and lending a helping hand whenever possible.

FOUNDING BOARD DIRECTOR

Kyle served in the U.S. Navy from 2008-2012, working on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower as a member of Crash & Salvage, the emergency response team.

After his service, Kyle earned a Tool & Die Journeyman through the NTMA and used his G.I. Bill to study Product Design & Development at Eastern Michigan University. Kyle also loves God, his wife Jill, and their two amazing children.

Kyle has long had a heart for nonprofits and currently is the A.D. for his local Team RWB veterans chapter, volunteers with his local Kiwanis Club and Lenawee Veterans Coalition, helping lead 5K and triathlon races to raise money for veterans and the local community.