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OUR MISSION:

Guided by faith, compassion, and service, Home of the Brave strives to provide a peaceful environment where military members, first responders, and their families can find hope, healing, and renewed purpose as they navigate the transition to civilian life.

Meet the Team

Founder/Chief Financial Officer

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Kelly Crabtree (Founder/CFO)

Kelly Crabtree is the founder and Chief Financial Officer of Home of the Brave, bringing more than 20 years of leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to its mission. A lifelong cattle rancher, Kelly has devoted her life to the agricultural way of life while using her ranch as a refuge and resource for veterans and first responders. Inspired by a deep desire to serve those who have sacrificed for their communities and country, she built Home of the Brave into an organization focused on healing, fellowship, and support. Her passion for serving others has helped create meaningful programs and experiences that foster resilience, purpose, and community. Through her commitment to ranching, faith, and service, Kelly continues to make a lasting impact on countless lives while guiding the organization she founded with integrity and compassion.

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Chief Executive Officer

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Austin Santens (Chief executive officer)

Austin Santens serves as Chief Executive Officer of Home of the Brave, bringing a unique blend of military experience, nonprofit service, and business leadership to the organization's mission. A U.S. Navy veteran with nine years of honorable service, Austin worked with the Tomahawk Missile Weapon System and served as a member of a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) team supporting maritime security and anti-piracy operations. Beyond his military career, he has supported humanitarian and conservation efforts through work with Doctors Without Borders and The Nature Conservancy, reflecting his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Throughout his career, Austin has led teams in high-pressure environments where accountability, and mission-focused leadership were essential to success. As CEO, he is dedicated to applying those same principles to strengthen Home of the Brave's impact, ensuring veterans, first responders, and their families receive the support and opportunities they deserve. His passion for helping others, strategic growth, and community engagement continues to guide the organization's vision and future.

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Chief Operations Officer

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Billy Brassel(Chief operating officer)

Billy Brassel serves as Chief Operating Officer of Home of the Brave, bringing decades of leadership, operational expertise, and a lifelong commitment to service. A retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4), Billy dedicated his military career to leading soldiers, mentoring teams, and supporting mission readiness while upholding the Army's core values of integrity, duty, and selfless service. As the organization's longest-serving leader after founder Kelly Crabtree, he has been instrumental in helping shape and advance Home of the Brave's mission throughout the years.

Guided by a strong Christian faith, Billy believes in servant leadership, compassion, and standing alongside those in need. His dedication to veterans, first responders, and their families extends beyond organizational leadership, reflecting a genuine desire to encourage, support, and uplift others. Through his steady leadership, unwavering faith, and commitment to service, Billy continues to strengthen both the organization and the community it serves.

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Executive Officer

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"MG" Kelly (Executive Officer)

MG Kelly serves as Executive Officer of Home of the Brave, bringing decades of military service, leadership, and dedication to the organization's mission. Having served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Mississippi Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve, he has built a career founded on leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to serving others. As a long-standing member of Home of the Brave, MG has played an important role in supporting the organization's growth and helping advance its mission to serve veterans and first responders. Known for both his servant leadership and his steadfast faith, he is a devoted prayer warrior who provides encouragement, spiritual support, and guidance to those around him. His experience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to service continue to make him a valued leader within the organization and the community it serves.

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