Lauren Price, YN1, US Navy (Retired), is the founder of “Veteran Warriors,” a national veterans’ advocacy group, and she has led that organization since its creation in 2009.  She has testified before Congress on veteran issues. 

Achievements:

• Graduated from Omega Institute, (Cinnaminson, NJ) with Paralegal Certification 1987
• Graduated from Saint Leo University, B.S. Criminal Justice, Minor in Psychology
• Eighteen years of experience in the legal profession
• Enlisted in the U.S. Navy January 3, 2005.  Served at a Shore Command until deployment to Iraq, ultimately returning to Shore duty upon her return.
• Served as a Convoy Driver and Public Affairs Officer for a year in Baghdad, Iraq – February 2007 – March 2008
• Served as Intel and Logistics Lead Petty Officer at Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Central Command
• Awards: Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal –(with star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Navy Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Driver Badge
• Medically retired from the U.S. Navy January 2015
• Married to James Price, Senior Chief, USN, (Ret.), five (5) adult sons, (3 veterans – 1 Air Force, 2 Army and 1 active duty Navy). Resides in Florida since 2004
• Community Service:
• Guardian Ad Litem, Sixth Judicial District, October 2004 – October 2011.
• Pro Bono Child Support Assistance – 1987 – Present

Holly Ferrell is Veteran Warriors’ National Appeals Director and oversees all veteran caregiver related matters.  In this role, she handles cases of various natures: those who have had their applications denied; those who have been discharged; those who are attempting to resolve issues with the VA staff; those veterans and their caregiver who are attempting to decide whether to apply and whether they meet eligibility; those veterans who require assistance with applying; those who are looking for other resources or possibly that their veteran requires more care; and any other related matters.

With her clinical background, the majority of her time is spent assisting veterans whose Caregiver Program applications have been denied and those that have been discharged from the program with properly drafting their appeals, including assisting the veteran and caregiver with gathering the proper documentation and medical records to prove they were wrongfully denied.  On a case by case basis, Holly will represent a veteran and their caregiver with their appeals either onsite or via teleconference.  There are often times where she is required to help open the dialog between the veteran and the VA to discuss potential administrative errors on a Veteran’s Eligibility Assessment, misconduct, or other wrongdoing by VA.  She has oversight of all the organization’s cases regarding the public law’s clinical and administrative eligibility for the Caregiver Program, requiring her to spend a lot of time discussing options with veterans or caregivers regarding Program eligibility and whether there may be other more suitable programs.

When Holly is not assisting other veteran families, she enjoys spending time with her family.  Holly’s husband is a post 9/11 Army veteran, which allows her to relate closely with the veteran caregiver community.  Daniel and Holly have four children, three boys and a little princess, and one four-legged fur-child.  With two of their four children knowing life before the military discharge and two only knowing the veteran lifestyle, she has strived to ensure her children are well rounded, compassionate, and understand that their lifestyle is not typical for many of the peers.  She and her family frequently help other families who are attempting to transition out of the military to navigate the veteran family lifestyle, particularly with navigating the VA and adapting to a new way of life.