Meet the OPIF Board of Directors
Eric Pauly
President (Co-founder)
Eric Pauly
President (Co-founder)
SGT Eric Pauly
Army Infantry
President — Board of Directors
Family:
Wife — Natalie, and 3 kids — Kylie, Tysen, and Hunter
Location: Southeast Idaho (SE Idaho)
Years with OPIF:
I’ve been with OPIF since the beginning!
Favorite Event / Memory:
I don’t know if there is one specific event that is my favorite, but I do have a favorite moment at each event.
It’s that point when the Veterans we have out realize how beneficial it is to regain the camaraderie they once had
and begin to open up to their brothers and sisters while enjoying the healing effects of the outdoors. I can physically
see the relief that comes over them as they recognize they have brothers and sisters looking out for them and that we are
always here when they need it.
Hobbies & Interests:
I spend most of my free time enjoying God’s country, fly fishing and bow hunting with friends and family.
- Email:epauly@opif4ourvets.com
Mike Vanderhoof
Vice President
Mike Vanderhoof
Vice President
Michael “Hoof, Vandy”
Board of Directors — Vice President
Service & Background:
Vanderhoof has served on the Board of Directors for Operation Pay It Forward since its inception in 2016. After a successful career in Capital Markets, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a ranch and becoming a cowboy.
Support for Veterans:
For the past 14 years, Mike and his wife Liz have been passionate supporters of our veteran community, hosting countless outdoor experiences to help Veterans find connection, healing, and brotherhood in the outdoors.
Current Chapter:
After recently selling their ranch, Mike and Liz moved to Idaho, where they continue their commitment to serving our nation's Veterans.
Personal Interests:
Mike’s greatest joy is spending time fishing and riding horses with his children, grandchildren, friends, and the Veterans he proudly supports.
Travis Mehn
Officer
Travis Mehn
Officer
SSG - US Army
SIGINT Cryptologist MID BSC, SOT-A, SFG(A)
Board of Directors — Officer
Family:
I have 3 amazing kiddos, 1 daughter in law, 2 granddaughters and 2 shared custody dogs.
Location: I reside in Utah, although with work I feel like I live in a hotel room half the time.
Years with OPIF: 5 years — I first joined as a Veteran on an event and was able to get more involved from that very first experience.
Favorite Event / Memory:
Although it’s difficult to choose just one, my favorite events have been guiding and helping first-time elk hunters. Whether archery or rifle, having the chance to teach and help others learn how to hunt these majestic animals — and seeing the excitement when they get within range — has been incredibly memorable.
Regardless of the outcome, the time spent in the mountains, sharing stories about our service, and talking through the battles we continue to face has been life-changing on so many levels.
Hobbies & Passions:
I love to hunt and be outdoors as much as possible. Hunting elk, deer, and mountain lions is a true passion of mine. Time in the mountains, especially when I get to help others, rejuvenates me and brings calm and clarity into my own life.
- Email:tmehn@opif4ourvets.com
Cory Clever
Secretary
Cory Clever
Secretary
Staff Sergeant — Army
Cory Clever Jr.
Board of Directors — Secretary
Family:
Married to Andrea with 2 daughters — Lucia and Adela.
Location: Resides in Arizona
OPIF Journey:
I was taken on my first event on November 2, 2017 — a moment that changed my life, and one I am forever grateful for. (Thank you, Mike Burns.)
Roles Within OPIF:
I have served as Ambassador, Regional Ambassador, Veteran Support Committee Chair, and now Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Favorite Events / Memories:
My favorite events are the ones where I get to outfit a Veteran with a bow, teach them how to use it, and later take them on a hunt with it.
I also love the moment during events when Veterans finally let some walls down — laughing, sharing stories, and getting to be themselves again.
Hobbies & Interests:
I enjoy shooting my bow in my free time, am learning to golf, and love spending time with my family.
- Email:cclever@opif4ourvets.com
Jesus Castro
Officer
Jesus Castro
Officer
Army Veteran
Board of Directors Officer — Operation Pay It Forward
Family: Married with 2 kids (one son, one daughter) and a grandson
Location: Resides in Arizona
Years with OPIF: 8 years
Favorite Event / Memory:
Too many to choose from. My favorite events are the ones where Veterans come up to me afterward and say,
“I needed this more than you know.” This is a regular occurrence at OPIF events and it speaks to
what a great organization this is. I also love when Veterans tell me, “This changed my life, how do I
get involved?” Those are my favorite moments, and they usually have nothing to do with hunting or
fishing—they have everything to do with the camaraderie and Veterans realizing they are not alone.
Hobbies: Golfing, hunting, and fishing
- Email:jcastro@opif4ourvets.com
Paul Anthony
Treasurer
Paul Anthony
Treasurer
Paul Anthony
Board of Directors - Treasurer
About Paul:
Paul Anthony joined the OPIF Board in 2025 as one of our civilian board members. He brings more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience across healthcare technology services, cybersecurity, and not-for-profit organizations.
Professional Background:
Paul currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Vereco, a healthcare technology services company. Prior to Vereco, he held senior financial roles at CynergisTek, IBM, and KPMG.
Education & Credentials:
He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northern Illinois University.
Personal Interests:
Paul enjoys spending his free time with his family and exploring the outdoors.
Connection to Service:
Although Paul has never personally served, his family has a long history of military service across three branches. He is deeply passionate about supporting OPIF and the military families we serve.
Every Act of Support Makes a Difference
When you choose to get involved, you’re doing far more than checking a box—you’re helping a veteran take their next step toward healing, purpose, and connection. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, sharing our mission, or simply staying informed, your support creates real moments of change for the men and women who’ve served our country. No action is too small, and every contribution strengthens the mission. If you feel inspired to help, we invite you to reach out, get connected, and join us in making a positive impact that truly lasts.