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Our Foundation
NABVETS (National Association for Black Veterans) Better Life Chapter #72, was formed on October 10, 2010 at Anna's Restaurant in Lemon Grove, CA. Veterans of the United States Armed Services met with Senior NABVETS, Inc. Representative McCail Smith, Jr. from Washington State. The application process was completed, and the organization's name and command structure were selected. The following people completed applications to become the founding members of Chapter #72:
- Othan (Nate) Mondy
- John Griggs
- LeMet Wilson
- Robert Gibson
- Phillip J. Harris, Sr.
- Dennis Clavo
- Lawrence Edwards
- Charles Bell
- Richard Thorpe
- Jesse Watson
- Elliott Nichols
- Charles Johnson
- Tim Daniels
- Dr. Alonzo Cooper
- Derrick Isaac
Othan Mondy was selected Commander, John Griggs, Vice-Commander, Robert Gibson, 2nd Vice-Commander, Phillip J. Harris, Sr., Secretary, Charles Lundy, Treasurer, Lawrence Edwards, Chaplain, and Dr. Alonzo Cooper, Assistant Chaplain. Jesse Watson was appointed to serve as the Veterans Service Officer (VSO). On December 18, 2010, the Inauguration Ceremony of NABVETS Better Life Chapter 72 and The Women Veterans Resource Center Chapter 71, was conducted. Both Chapters received their Charter from Region 1 Commander Harvey Brooks and his Vice Commander Lloyd Burroughs. Region 1 Commander Brooks swore in the Chapter Officers and delivered their oath of office.
Our Commanders
Founding Commander Othan "Nate" Mondy
August 8, 2010, Othan ¨Nate¨ Mondy, USN, (Ret.), met with a group of veterans to discuss becoming members of a National Veterans Service Organization by creating a certified chapter in San Diego, California. Seven veterans agreed and completed the application process. On December 18, 2010, in an Inauguration Ceremony, Chapter #72 received its Charter and was certified as a Veterans Service Organization under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Othan Mondy was the founding and first chapter Commander for San Diego Better Life Chapter #72. From February 4, 2012 to May 2016, Master Chief Mondy also served as the Commander of the California State Command Council. His commitment increased state-wide membership. He was instrumental in the development of six California State Chapters and Commanders. Master Chief Mondy was the first Black Force Master Chief of U.S. Naval Air Forces Pacific and was the first Force Master Chief to visit the bottom of the world. Mondy served as Command Master Chief of the USS Kitty Hawk. He retired in 1992 after dedicating 32 years of service to the United States Navy. Master Chief was the recipient of numerous Navy Commendations, Awards, and Recognitions. Master Chief Mondy attended Stanford University, the United States International University, and the Defense Relation Institute. On May 29, 2017, he passed away at his summer home in Louisiana. August 8, 2020, in honor and recognition of Master Chief Mondy, the Chapter's name was amended to become Othan Mondy Better Life Chapter #72.
Commander Phillip "Pjae" Harris
Phillip J. Harris, Sr., USN (Ret.) joined San Diego NABVETS October 2010 and became the founding Secretary of Better Life Chapter #72. He became the chapter Commander upon the death of Commander Mondy. He has also held the position of Secretary of NABVETS California State Command Council. Phillip’s tours of duty included the West Coast, Newport, RI, the Pentagon and he was appointed to serve as a member of the 1981 Inaugural Committee for President-elect Ronald R. Reagan. He completed his Masters Degree in Human Resources Management. Phil developed strategic programs for geriatric and indigent residents of HUD’s Suburban Chicago residents and received an appointment in 2000 with the Department of Agriculture Bureau of the U.S. Census, where he managed the State of Wisconsin’s Census Operation. Commander Harris also retired as a Commissioned Sales Associate with JC Penney and is a Professional Stock Photograph Model.
Commander Gloria Baker
Gloria Baker held the position of Vice Commander for the San Diego Chapter and was elected to the position of Commander in January 2023. She is a member of American Legion Lakiba N. Palmer Post 310, and the California Women Veterans Leadership Council. Gloria is also the Founder of Veterans Preference Inc., a nonprofit organization with the focus of working with women veterans to prevent factors contributing to homelessness. She works with a network of public, private, and community professionals who are committed to developing strategies for the veteran and active-duty community to help them accrue, protect, grow, and enjoy their wealth, while at the same time providing a legacy for future generations.
Gloria is President/CEO of Parkwood Capital Inc., a real estate brokerage that is dedicated to making a positive impact in affordable accessible housing that benefits both their clients and the community. Gloria's focus is the military community.
She is a graduate of San Diego State University, with a BA in Liberal Arts & Sciences, Journalism, Public Relations Emphasis.
Commander Baker looks forward to assisting you in becoming “financial”, utilizing the benefits and services you have earned.
San Diego Othan Mondy Better Life Chapter 72 continues the work started in our chapter in 2010, to provide services for veterans in filing claims with the VA for benefits earned through active military service. We continue to advocate vigorously with federal, state, and local government as well as the general public on an ongoing basis on behalf of our membership. We work tirelessly in unity with the community to end homelessness, empower low-income and minority veterans and reinvigorate disadvantaged youth. The programs, services, and resources we provide are continually expanding. Let us know what you need!
If your heart has led you to help veterans, we ask that you contact us to talk about volunteering, donating, or becoming a member.