Ben is a Marine Corps veteran, aviation expert, and dedicated entrepreneur on a mission to empower the veteran community. As the founder of WIN, a recently established 501(c)3, he is passionately committed to serving and supporting fellow veterans. Through WIN, he strives to provide essential resources and assistance to those who have bravely served our country. His journey in aviation has been nothing short of extraordinary, encompassing roles as a mechanic, pilot, and airborne payload and weapons operator. With a wealth of experience in both military and civilian spheres, including serving the Navy as a DoD civilian in the weapons test community, he brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Beyond Ben’s professional pursuits, he proudly embraces the roles of a loving father and husband, finding fulfillment in both family life and community service.
Nick is an 8-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during Desert Shield/Desert Storm as an 0811 field artillery section chief. After the military, he started working in the aviation cleaning/detailing industry where he was an owner/operator of a cleaning company for over 28 years. During that time, he also coached youth football, mentoring and motivating young men to do their very best. Now bringing his experience, drive, and passion to Win Aviation Services — a veteran owned and operated cleaning company — his team will help support WIN by partnering with like-minded organizations in the aviation community to help transitioning servicemen and women to find or continue a career in aviation. Speaking about his involvement with WIN, Nick says, “To my fellow servicemen and women, I am a Warrior In Need. Together we are Warriors In Need. As our beloved corps taught us, we are to take care of one another and serve all those in need. That’s what Marines do. Always faithful, forever grateful. SEMPER FI.”
Nate Foersch, Gunnery Sergeant (Retired), gave over 15 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, holding roles ranging from Infantry Marine to Marine Security Guard Detachment Commander to Infantry Company Gunnery Sergeant. Throughout his tenure, he oversaw diverse teams and coordinated operations across different chains of command, deploying seven times to various locations worldwide in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other missions in the south Pacific and eastern Europe. Nate honed his leadership, logistical, and operational skills during his military service. Transitioning into the civilian sector, he embarked on a new career in the accounting field, progressing from internships to senior positions. Leveraging his military experience, he has excelled as a Senior Accountant and now as a partner with Kelly+Partners Accountants. Currently, Nate also serves as Vice President for American Legion Post 826 and Treasurer for Warriors In Need.
Michelle Vest brings over two decades of diverse professional experience to her role as Executive Director of WIN. A strategic-minded executive with a proven track record of leadership and business expertise, Michelle is dedicated to driving organizational growth and innovation. Her expertise spans small business startups, corporate finance, partnerships, and nonprofit development. Michelle’s career highlights include owning and managing a temporary employment agency service in property management, where she developed all aspects of the business from inception until it expanded enough to require additional staff. She was responsible for all marketing, program development, operational strategies, and overall management, employing over 300 people annually at its peak. Additionally, she has served as Director of Finance in Temecula Wine Country and as a Business and Finance Manager at Teter Architects & Engineers in the Central Valley. Although Michelle has enjoyed the experience she’s gained in the corporate world, she finds more fulfilling work in the nonprofit sector, serving the veteran community who have best served and protected all the citizens of this country.
Colonel (Ret) Jennifer Aupke is 22 year veteran of the United States Air Force and Air National Guard and is the Interim Executive Director to WIN. In her most recent military role, she was the Division Chief for Irregular Warfare and Special Operations, Air National Guard in Washington, DC. Her portfolio included HH-60G/U/W, the EC-130/MC-130, Combat Controllers, Special Tactics Teams, Guardian Angels, TAC-P and ANG Weather. In her free time she volunteers and co founded The Milieux Project, Inc a 501 (c) 3 Non profit aggregator with a mission to connect girls and women to aviation opportunities (themilieux.org). She is also a board member to Women Military Aviators, an advisory board member to Special Operations Association to America and
a board member of WIN. She is also a dedicated mentor in Crittenton Services of
Greater Washington, TuskegeeNEXT, Preflight Aviation Camp, and the Braxton Miller
Foundation.
Zach is a sales professional with 10 years of experience in the private sector. He currently works as a Senior Account Executive at Sage Publishing based out of Thousand Oaks, CA. His Non-Profit experience includes serving as director, volunteer, and committee lead for 501(c)3 organizations in higher education and the arts. At WIN, he facilitates content, and strategic initiatives both internally and externally. He is an officer for the board of directors.
Mairu Covarrubias is a student from Turlock, California, currently working toward her
engineering degree. She’s a proud mom to two daughters, Natalia and Penelope, and a
passionate advocate for veterans’ mental health. After losing her husband, Josh
Covarrubias, to suicide, Mairu has made it her mission to raise awareness about the
challenges veterans face and help them find purpose and pride in their post-service
careers.
As a board member of WIN, Mairu brings heart, resilience, and a deep
commitment to making a difference. She’s especially focused on creating opportunities
and support systems that empower veterans to thrive. When she’s not studying or
working with the nonprofit, Mairu enjoys motorcycle riding and playing tennis—two
hobbies that keep her grounded and energized.
