Board of Directors

The evolution from a refugee to a community leader.

Mike Talleda's journey is rooted in gratitude. Arriving in the U.S. as a Cuban refugee in 1962, Mike built a life in Torrance, California, eventually launching a successful real estate career in the Hawthorne/Lawndale area. However, the events of September 11, 2001, shifted his focus from professional success to civic duty.

Mike has served on the Hawthorne City Council and several city commissions, including the Planning Commission. His service to his city and our combat-wounded veterans has earned him numerous accolades from local and state entities, including the Daily Breeze Unsung Hero award, “Citizen of the Year” from the South Bay Association of Realtors, and recognition from the Navajo Nation’s Council for his work with Navajo Veterans.

Determined to give back to the country that offered his family a haven, Mike organized his first fundraiser for a 9/11 widow. What began as a grassroots effort to help one family evolved into Wounded Heroes of America (WHOA).

Since incorporating as a non-profit in 2004, Mike has dedicated over 20 years to providing financial aid and emotional fellowship to more than 200 combat-wounded veterans. From the suburbs of Los Angeles to the Navajo reservations, Mike's mission remains the same: ensuring that those who sacrificed for our freedom are never forgotten.

Sgt. Erick Castro is a combat-decorated veteran, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate for the wounded warrior community. As Chairperson of the Board, Erick brings a unique blend of military discipline and executive expertise to our organization.

Erick began his military career at 19, specializing in heavy construction and combat engineering. In 2003, while conducting high-value missions in Iraq, he was severely wounded in an ambush, resulting in the loss of his leg. His courageous recovery earned him the Purple Heart, presented by President George W. Bush, and led to his naturalization as a U.S. Citizen on Capitol Hill—a moment sponsored by the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

Transitioning to civilian life in 2004, Erick pursued a rigorous academic path, earning a B.S. in Mathematics from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. In 2016, he acquired Kana Subsurface Engineering (KSE). Under his leadership as President, KSE has transformed into a premier disabled veteran-owned "one-stop-shop" for underground utility and construction services, growing the team to over 50 employees across California.

Erick’s story of resilience has been featured nationally, including the 2005 Memorial Day Concert on PBS and the documentary "Latinos Living the American Dream." He remains committed to ensuring that every combat-wounded veteran has the resources and leadership they need to succeed after their service.

CPT Michelle Martinez is a highly accomplished leader with 23 years of distinguished service in the U.S. military, offering deep expertise in strategic operations and crisis management. Her civilian academic background, with a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Sociology, provides a unique perspective on human behavior and societal dynamics, shaping her approach to leadership, training, and human resources in both military and civilian settings.

Throughout her career, Michelle has demonstrated unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and operational excellence across a variety of challenging environments. Enlisting in 2003, she rapidly advanced through the ranks as a non-commissioned officer, earning multiple awards for her outstanding performance and commitment. Initially serving as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, Michelle transitioned to a commissioned officer in 2018, further broadening her leadership impact.

Michelle’s career includes a deployment to Salerno, Afghanistan in 2011, as well as liaison operations in Korea and India. She has also contributed to critical domestic missions, providing essential support during national emergencies and humanitarian efforts. Passionate about organizational development and mission success, Michelle is eager to bring her disciplined, results-oriented approach to the Board of Directors.

MSG Rene Ramirez’s career in the U.S. Army began in August 2001, shortly after graduating from John Muir High School in Pasadena, CA. Driven by a commitment to service, he enlisted to become a Paratrooper with the legendary 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. While assigned to the 307th Engineer Battalion, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following his initial six-year enlistment, MSG Ramirez transitioned to the California Army National Guard, where he served with distinction for 16 years. His tenure with the National Guard was marked by a year-long deployment to Kosovo and numerous domestic missions, where he provided critical support during state emergencies including wildfires, floods, and periods of civil unrest.

MSG Ramirez retired in December of 2023, concluding 22 years of dedicated federal service. His extensive experience in both combat operations and domestic crisis management brings a disciplined, mission-focused perspective to the board.