About Saluting Branches

Renee Bissett has been a dedicated professional in the green industry for 20 years and currently serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications at ACRT Services. She joined Saluting Branches in 2022, initially as secretary and now as president. Renee is passionate about uniting people to support a community that often goes unrecognized but is crucial to our freedoms. As president, she focuses on strengthening the organization to ensure its future growth. In 2019, Renee made history as the first woman to receive the UAA’s Education Award. She also contributes her expertise as chair of the UAA editorial committee, a member of the Trees and Utilities Conference planning committee, and a member of the UAA Partners in Excellence committee.

Brian Bruce, of RDO Equipment, has been a volunteer with Saluting Branches since 2018. He became involved after the third year of Saluting Branches and served as a site leader at Fort Rosecrans in San Diego. Feeling a calling to make a bigger impact, Brian was contacted by an existing board member to join the Board of Directors, aligning with his desire to contribute more significantly to the organization. With 18 years of service in uniform and a father who is a retired Colonel in the Marine Corps, Brian has a deep understanding of what it means to serve. He honors the memory of his two close friends lost in the line of duty by participating in Saluting Branches, finding solace in memorializing their legacy. For Brian, Saluting Branches represents a cause greater than any individual, providing a meaningful way to support veterans and their families.

Eric Campbell joined the Board of Directors in 2022, serving as vice president, day of service committee chair, and site leader for Saluting Branches. As the owner/operator of Two Rivers Tree Care and an ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Climber, Eric brings significant expertise to the organization. Before joining Saluting Branches, he volunteered with the Military Helpline and Veterans Crisis Line, blending his love for trees with his commitment to supporting veterans. Eric introduced the event to a National Cemetery in Southern Oregon, finding deep satisfaction in contributing to a meaningful cause. He is honored to support Saluting Branches and its mission.

Billy Davis joined the Board of Directors in January 2018 and has served Saluting Branches as a volunteer, site leader, sponsorship committee member, and treasurer. As the owner of Arborscapes in Richmond, Virginia, Billy brings valuable expertise and leadership to the organization. Grateful for the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country, Billy is dedicated to giving back through Saluting Branches. By caring for the trees and beautifying the land dedicated to veterans, Billy finds a meaningful way to honor their service and dedication.

Brent Cooper has been with Saluting Branches since 2012, its inception. He has served as past vice president and president, logistics coordinator, and currently holds the position of secretary. Brent has also been a site leader for several years and volunteers every year on the day of service. With a background as a climber, crew lead, general foreman, and now production manager, Brent brings extensive industry experience to the organization. Inspired by family members who have served in the military, Brent is dedicated to giving back to those who protect our safety, honoring their sacrifices through his work with Saluting Branches.

Ben Cooper has been involved with Saluting Branches since its inception in 2012. As part of the team at Rainbow Treecare, the founding organization of Saluting Branches, Ben is inspired to use his skills as an arborist to make a meaningful impact for veterans who have given everything for us. He believes that Saluting Branches provides a unique opportunity for arborists across the U.S. to unite once a year to give back. Ben is honored to be part of the team that enables volunteers to make a significant difference at veteran properties each year.

Rob Harden joined the Board of Directors in 2022. A retired master gunnery sergeant from the U.S. Marine Corps, Rob brings extensive military experience to Saluting Branches. He became involved through fellow Marine and current board member Kelly Maes. After more than 26 years of active-duty service and having lost many family members and fellow Marines, Rob felt a strong connection to the mission of Saluting Branches. He is committed to ensuring that the final resting places of his brothers and sisters are honored and maintained with the same spirit of service they demonstrated for our country. As a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rob is excited to contribute to Saluting Branches and support fellow veterans.

Sam joined the Board of Directors in 2024. As a content specialist at ACRT Services, she brings a wealth of experience to the board. Although new to the Saluting Branches board, Sam is deeply connected to the veteran community, having been born in England while her father was serving in the United States Air Force. She chairs the Saluting Branches Communications Committee, where she combines her love of writing with stories that support the mission to honor veterans. Introduced to Saluting Branches by Renee Bissett through the communications committee, the organization has come to hold a special place in Sam’s heart. It’s her way of giving back to those who served our country.

Connor Iverson joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and currently serves as a site leader. In the industry since 2017, Connor began his career protecting Ash trees and advanced through various arboriculture divisions to become a climber. He now works as one of Rainbow Treecare's general foremen. Connor started with Saluting Branches as a volunteer in 2017 and looks forward to the event every year. He feels a sense of pride in leaving a positive impact on the landscapes where veterans' families and their loved ones reside. For Connor, it is an honor to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

Kelly Maes, of RDO Equipment, has been with Saluting Branches since 2022. As a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of service, Kelly is deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families. He first learned about Saluting Branches while working as the Vermeer Regional Sales Manager for Southern California. After volunteering at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Kelly was inspired by the dedication of the local arborists and tree care community. As a board member, he finds it rewarding to give back to the military community. Kelly's wife also served in the USMC, and his son is a USMC Reservist. Together, they volunteer with the local Marine Corps League in Redlands, California, continuing their commitment to serving those who have served.

Kara Mayle has been involved with Saluting Branches since 2022. She was introduced to the organization through The Davey Tree Expert Company, where she played a key role in communicating and recruiting employees for the day of service. Kara quickly fell in love with Saluting Branches, its people, and its mission. Serving on the board is a great privilege for Kara, allowing her to work alongside veterans and honor their families across the country. She is proud to contribute to an organization that makes such a significant impact with just one event.

Carrie Tauscher joined the Board of Directors in 2022, serving as the Indiana Veterans Home site leader and planting committee member. Previously, she was involved with the logistics committee and served as a site leader mentor. With a focus on urban and community forestry, Carrie values volunteer programs and events for their critical outreach and impact. She believes that Saluting Branches has successfully integrated municipal and urban forestry with other arboriculture practices, addressing an ever-relevant cause and real need. Carrie is dedicated to supporting the mission of Saluting Branches and the broader community.

Ethan Weibrecht has been on the Board of Directors since 2024, serving as a site leader for Saluting Branches. With a bachelor's degree in forestry and certifications as an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Utility Specialist, Ethan brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the organization. He joined Saluting Branches out of admiration for the bravery and sacrifice of veterans. Combining his educational expertise with his appreciation for veterans, Ethan finds this work to be a meaningful way to give back to veterans and their families.