Our Leaders

COMMANDER JOHN BEAR, USN (Ret.) CEO

CDR John Bear is a native of Philadelphia, PA who retired in December 2024 as Navy Surface Warfare Officer after 32 years of service to our country. He is the current Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Veterans Center, a non-profit organization that assists veterans facing housing instability to overcome barriers and build independent lives through access to permanent homes and sustainable income opportunities.

While serving in the Navy, his last assignment was the Commanding Officer of the USS ST. LOUIS (LCS 19) Gold Crew, where he took command of the ship after completing a major overhaul, repair, and upgrade period. His team of superior warriors brought the ship back to life through several operational test and inspection evaluations. Additionally, his Sailors certified in all aspects of naval warfare and ship operations to perform operations at sea in support of national defense and deployment requirements to the 4th Fleet Area of Operations.

His previous sea commands are USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) as Combat Information Center Officer and Operations Officer, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) as Reactor Mechanical Division Officer, USS SIMPSON (FFG 56) as Combat Systems Officer, and USS GEORGE H W BUSH (CVN 77) as Reactor Training Assistant.

Assignments ashore include Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Nuclear Power School as an Advanced Reactor Plant Operations Division Director and Instructor for Officer students, Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Dam Neck in Virginia Beach, VA, as Director of Training, Weapons Officer, Facilities Manager, and Executive Officer, and Officer in Charge of Commander LCS Squadron Two Training.

CDR Bear commissioned via the Seaman to Admiral 21 program following twelve years of service as a Nuclear Surface Machinist Mate. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Cum Laude) from North Carolina State University, a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University (Magna Cum Laude), and is a graduate of the Air University Air Command and Staff College where he earned credit for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.

Personal Awards: Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3) and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2).

Ms. Suzie Loving
Chief Administrative Officer for Five Star Veterans Center since 2011
As the CAO, Suzie oversees all administrative and financial functions for the Center and its residents.
Her duties include payroll, bill paying, maintaining account ledgers, budget preparation, and preparing information for the annual IRS reports and Audit.
She coordinates all funding for the Center, ensuring the accuracy of grants, manages the funds, and develops the necessary reports. Suzie is the liaison to all major corporations for new funding and the continuation of donations.

Suzie is the residents' liaison to the VA, Veteran Service Officers, and other agencies, assisting them with disability claims, funding for their needs, educational, and career counseling.

Before joining Five Star Veterans Center, Suzie was the aide to City Councilman Jack Webb for four years, Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Republican Party of Duval County and a Customer Service Rep for US Airways, Inc.

Amanda Mills
Operations Manager
Amanda Mills started with Five Star Veterans Center in February 2018. In the 7 years since her arrival, she has worked as Executive Assistant to Mental Health, Lead Case Manager and now Operations Manager.

As you know we are a small staff, and all wear many hats. Her duties today still include a close relationship with the veterans in the facility, but also daily operations from working with the maintenance crew, community volunteers, and community service through Veterans Treatment Court, Duval County.

Her background gives her an understanding of the recovery process. She is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and supports the veterans in their journey to sobriety. She forges strong connections with the veterans and the community to support the fight against veteran homelessness.

Before joining Five Star Veterans Center, Ms. Mill’s; experience included Trauma Unit Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, Venipuncture Specialist, and Patient Intake Specialist.

Mike Durden, US Army
Five Star Systems Administrator since 2012
Mike has a background in Network Engineering and Security Research as well as an A.S Networking Services Technology (with honors), as well as completing a B.A.S. in Communications Technology and Telecommunication is the 2012, buttions.

Mike is projected to start and complete a M.S. in Cyber Security with CISSP being his highest cert in 2019. He's been a coordinator for security conferences.. a speaker, and a top 5 %er in cyber security challenges globally.

Brandon Fryer
USN Case Manager
A native of rural South Carolina, Brandon grew up with a strong sense of patriotism and duty, which ultimately led him to serve in the United States Navy. After a distinguished career, he retired with a wealth of experience in leadership, management, and teamwork.

Throughout his military tenure, Brandon honed his leadership skills, earning a reputation as a decisive, compassionate, and effective leader. His exceptional management expertise enabled him to successfully oversee complex operations, foster collaboration, and drive results.

Beyond his impressive professional background, Brandon is a kind, approachable, and genuine individual who prioritizes building strong relationships. His warm demeanor and infectious enthusiasm have earned him a reputation as a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend.

Brandon’s greatest passion is advocating for the welfare of fellow Veterans. He is deeply committed to ensuring that those who have served receive the support, resources, and recognition they deserve. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to make a profound impact in the lives of Veterans and their families.

Travis Sutton
USMC Case Manager

Travis Sutton is a proud Marine Corps veteran from Michigan. After completing the Passport to Independence Program, Travis went on to become a dedicated case manager at the Five Star Veterans Center.

As a veteran himself, Travis brings a unique understanding and empathy to his role. He provides invaluable peer support, connects residents with essential community resources, and fosters a sense of camaraderie throughout the center.

Travis is deeply passionate about empowering veterans to achieve independence and reach their full potential. His personal experience and commitment to serving others make him an exceptional asset to the Five Star Veterans Center team.

Jeff Laliberte
US Army Case Manager

Jeff Laliberte is a dedicated professional bringing a robust background in private security management and military service to his role. A native of New Hampshire, Jeff’s career began as an Army Military Police Officer, where he honed his skills in security and operations management during his service. He served during Operation Enduring Freedom and served in Afghanistan, Germany and Italy.

Transitioning to the private sector, Jeff served as Director of Operations, where his strategic mindset and attention to detail ensured the safety and security of numerous organizations. His leadership and commitment to excellence have been cornerstones of his career.

Now residing in Jacksonville, Florida, Jeff is not only dedicated to serving his fellow veterans but also to his role as a devoted father to his daughter. His strong sense of duty and integrity is evident in both his career and personal life, making him an outstanding case manager at Five Star Veterans Center.

Melanie Reid
Program Manager/Lead Case

Melanie Reid is a Case Manager that provides support as an advocate and motivator to recovering veterans by helping them prevent the likelihood of relapse and promote long-term recovery. She assists them by providing education, support, and guidance in every step of their journey. Alongside her peers, Ms. Reid uses strong connections with community groups and agencies to ensure that the veterans voices are heard and that their goals in rehabilitation are met.

Before she joined the team, Melanie Reid started her career as a Registered Nurse, Intake Coordinator, Patient Care Advocate and now as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist.

Sara Simpson
Mental Health Counselor
Sara Simpson is a local native who enjoys nature, baking and going to see live music or stand-up comedy.
She graduated from The University of North Florida (SWOOP!) with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and is licensed in the state of Florida. She is a firm believer in the community and has eight years of experience working in the field of mental health with a concentration in Juvenile Justice.

Previously, she was the program coordinator for the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Grant where she provided oversight of policies, procedures and best practices, collected data to ensure quality of service implementation and collaborated with community stakeholders.

Additionally Sara provides strength based and restorative therapeutic interventions for displaced Veterans in Jacksonville. It is Sara’s hope to help build a strong community through advocacy, education, service and respect.

Allen Sinclair
USN Chef/ Food Services Manager

Allen is a fourteen-year US Navy Culinary Specialist veteran, serving aboard surface ships and submarines. He has had a long career in foodservice including healthcare, senior community dining and restaurant management.

Allen received culinary education and certifications through the US Navy, St. Augustine Vo Tech Center and FSCJ.

Allen enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Rev. 06.07.25