Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Advisory Brigade

MISSION

The Purpose and Mission of the Advisory Brigade is to provide suggested advice and assistance to the Dana Point 5th MAR Support Group Board as it relates this body’s fundraising & outreach efforts for the benefit of our 5th Marines-Sailors, Wounded and their Families. This support will meet the needs of those who are so deserving whether they be located here at Camp Pendleton or deployed in a Combat Zone.

ADVISORY BRIGADE OFFICERS & COMMANDERS

OFFICERS
Bob Perdue – Chairman
James Federico – Vice Chairman
Erin Meluso – Secretary

Born in Toronto, Canada and became a U.S. Citizen at age 21. I completed my BS in Business Administration at Cal State Fullerton. My professional career has been spent in commercial real estate as a Senior Banking Officer and Chief Financial Officer for various private real estate development firms. My wife and I have been long time residents of Dana Point/San Clemente where we raised 5 children. We’re lifelong boating enthusiasts and active members of the Dana Point Yacht Club since 2009, where I spent 7 years as a Director, culminating with Commodore in 2016. I have chaired many charitable committees at DPYC including the Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta and the Marine 5th Regiment Family Christmas Brunch. I have an extensive background working with non-profit organizations including District Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America and a Director on the O.C. Council. I have served as a Director on many charitable boards including a founding Director of the San Clemente Pop Warner Football Organization.

Bob Perdue, Chairman

Jamey served nearly 22 years as a Marine, first as an infantry officer and later as a Cobra helicopter pilot.  He served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and held numerous command and staff positions, most notably as the Commanding Officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369.  Jamey was elected to the Dana Point City Council in November 2018. 

Jamey is a real estate investor and the owner of a general contracting construction company.  He holds a BS in Geomechanics from the University of Rochester, an MBA from Webster University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.   

James Federico, Vice Chairman

A lifelong sailor and 20-year resident of San Juan Capistrano, Erin Meluso is the president of RADD; the Entertainment Industry’s Voice for Road Safety. Here she applies 35+ years of marketing and promotional skills to create edutainment: music and entertainment-driven outreach materials and programs to prevent traffic crashes among teens and adults, ages 18-34, notably college students and young enlisted military personnel. She started her career in the global surfing industry, first at Hang Ten, then as a junior partner in Lightning Bolt, followed by West Coast Editor at Boating Magazine. Her key skills are coalition-development, consensus-building and communications. Erin is proud to be the Secretary of the Advisory Brigade for the Dana Point 5th Marines Regiment Support Group.

Erin Dugan Meluso, Secretary

John grew up in Mississippi where he spent his childhood almost entirely outdoors. His great- grandfather served as a Marine in WWI and his grandfather as a Marine in WWII. Naturally, he aspired to become a Marine himself, so upon graduation from Mississippi State University in 2008, John was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the United States Marine Corps. He served with 3/5 RBE, RCT-5 in support of OEF, and 1/5 on the 31st MEU. After five years of honorable service, he departed active duty as a Captain and began his current career in medical device sales while serving with both 4th LAR and the CAARNG until 2016. He is currently a Territory Manager for CERENOVUS, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech company.

John holds a BBA in Real Estate Finance from Mississippi State University and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a volunteer mentor with American Corporate Partners, a co-chair with the Johnson & Johnson OC Veterans Leadership Council, and resides in Dana Point with his wife, Monique. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and dog, Huck, and virtually anything revolving around the ocean.

John Blubaugh, Commander

Jeff Bott has nearly 30 years of experience working with communities and elected officials on large-scale, linear transportation projects. He currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager for the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), the public agency formed to plan, finance, construct and operate the largest network of toll roads in California. Mr. Bott is responsible for overseeing TCA’s Community Outreach activities that includes supporting the Agencies’ member organizations. He and his team actively engage with communities in Orange County and the surrounding region, educating and informing the public about the Agency’s projects and initiatives.

Mr. Bott also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that he served on the Yorba Linda and Rancho Santa Margarita chambers of commerce boards of directors. From 2005-2021 he served on the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and was elected Chairman in 2010 for a one-year term.

Mr. Bott is a professional actor and is represented by talent agencies on both coasts. He has appeared in lead roles in more than 30 television commercials, police training videos and print and online advertisements.

Mr. Bott is a member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano and was a previous member of the Rotary Club of San Clemente.

Jeff has a BA degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton.

Jeff Bott, Commander

Alexis brings the unique perspective of being a female Marine and a Marine spouse to the Advisory Brigade. Alexis is a Marine combat veteran who served from 2003-2013 and flew UH-1N and UH-1Y Huey helicopters.  In addition to her combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Alexis was the first female instructor pilot at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. After leaving active duty, Alexis attended law school at the University of California, Irvine and now practices law at Irell & Manella, LLP in Newport Beach. 

Alexis grew up in a military family and was a member of the Corps of Cadets as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University. She is a founding member of the Veteran’s Legal Clinic at UCI Law, former director of the International Refugee Assistance Project at UCI Law, and serves on the associate board for the Orange County Bar Foundation’s Project Youth. 

Alexis Federico, Commander

Nick grew up in Ohio on Lake Erie where he learned to sail and gained a fondness for racing. He joined the Air Force right out of High school and became Crew Chief on the A-10 Thunderbolt. Nick finished up his Duty on the west coast and was drawn to San Clemente and Dana Point for the climate and proximity to the ocean. He has been here since 1983 and started his own business in 1987. Nick has always wanted a way to give thanks to the Marines for what they do for him and this country and believes this support group was the best way to do that.

Nick Frankovich, Commander

Sean brings years of experience of starting and running non-profit charitable organizations to the advisory brigade. He is a partner and founding member of The Sullivan Group, a California based Investment Management firm.

Sean is a veteran United States Naval Aviator who served a combined 14 years active duty and reserve. While on active duty, Sean had the honor of flying the C-2A Greyhound to all of the Pacific based aircraft carriers at that time, delivering personnel, mail, cargo and VIPs to aircraft
carriers at sea. He was also trained to fly Navy VIPs in the UC-12B, the Navy’s version of the Beechcraft King-Air aircraft. Sean’s last active-duty station was Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California.

Sean was born in New York but grew up in South Florida pursuing many water sports activities and is a PADI Divemaster. Sean remains an active pilot, sailor, and fisherman and is senior partner in the investment management firm The Sullivan Group.

Sean Lehmann, Commander

Mike is a former Marine and Vietnam veteran serving with HMM 163 and others at Marble Mountain in 1965-66. After his discharge, he went back to school and completed 2 engineering degrees and a masters in Finance. He retired from 3M Ceradyne, a maker of ballistic protection for the Marines, and other branches of our Armed Forces. Prior to that he spent his career in the Aerospace and Defense industries in California working for companies such as Honeywell, Meggitt and Armtec in the supply chain area. He serves as Vice President on the Board of Fisher House of Southern California, and has served as Adjutant and Board Member of the American Legion Post 291 Newport Harbor where he is a life member. He is also a life member of Post 022 of the Marine Corps League in San Clemente. Mike moved to Dana Point in 2008 from Hermosa Beach, and enjoys volunteering for groups that support active and retired military, including their families, sailing and working on his old BMW and most of all spending time with his wife Vicki.

Mike Lipscombe, Commander

Tom is a proud member of the Dana Pont 5th Marine Regiment Support Group Advisory Brigade. Tom’s military career commenced as an enlisted service member with the U.S. Navy and followed by over 28 years of active service with the USMC. During Tom’s career, he was the Commanding Officer (CO) of two Marine Corps Squadrons, and the CO of a Marine Air Control Group, with 11 units in 8 States. He served two combat tours of duty in Viet Nam, served in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, was part of a joint international military operation conducting drug interdiction in Central America, and he also served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Upon leaving active service, Tom helped establish a joint venture for the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces with headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Upon completing his assignment in Saudi Arabia and upon relocating back to Southern California, Tom was hired as Deputy Executive Director for the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, responsible for the civilian reuse and redevelopment of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Shortly after completing that mission, Tom was recruited by the Transportation Corridor Agencies and continued to serve as a consultant for that organization.

Tom O’Malley, COL USMC (Ret), Commander

Jeremy Quinton is a dedicated professional with a diverse background that encompasses military
service, maritime adventures, and a successful career in medical device manufacturing. As a former US Marine, Jeremy honed his discipline, resilience, and leadership skills, which laid the foundation for his subsequent endeavors.

Jeremy’s deep-rooted passion for sailing and the ocean has taken him to racing venues across the globe. Proudly calling Dana Point Yacht Club his home, Jeremy’s journey started with directing the Junior’s Program and continued reaching its pinnacle in 2022 when Jeremy was elected as the Commodore.

Professionally, Jeremy has excelled in the medical device manufacturing sector, demonstrating a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. He has navigated complex production
processes, ensuring adherence to strict quality standards and regulatory requirements. Jeremy’s collaborative approach, coupled with his problem-solving skills, has made him a valuable asset in optimizing operational efficiency and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Outside of work, Jeremy is a devoted family man who cherishes spending quality time with his loved ones. He enjoys sharing his passions for sailing and combines with his three children, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and a love for adventure.

Jeremy Quinton, Commander

With over 20 years of banking and lending experience, David Shahoian is currently Senior Vice President, Center Manager at Citizens Business Bank. After leaving San Diego State University, David has held key management positions at US Bank, Huntington Bank and Union Bank where he developed vast experience in Commercial and Corporate Lending. Mr. Shahoian was also licensed for Series 6, 63, and Life Insurance, as he worked closely with the Private Bank at Union Bank to develop Wealth Management clients. Being a leader in his community, David has been a longtime Board Member of Fish for Life, OCAPS, Mariners Church, Founder of Christian Surfers San Clemente Chapter, and member of the Saddleback Church Men’s Ministry in San Clemente. As a 34 year family resident history in San Clemente and a current resident of Dana Point, he spends most of his free time with his wife Kristina and relaxing by surfing the local surf breaks. Moreover, he enjoys helping others and serving God.

David Shahoian, Commander

Christian has more than 25-years of banking experience and is currently a Senior Vice President & Lead Credit Officer with a well-known national bank.  Christian loves baseball, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the beach, but above all, he loves being a father and a husband.  He’s tried to combine his passions by volunteering as both the Cubmaster and Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 705 in Dana Point, coaching youth baseball, serving as the Finance Secretary for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point, and volunteering with the DPSG for the last several years.  While his family members are serving or have served in every branch of our military, the Marine Corps holds a special place in his heart because of his beloved grandfather, MGySgt A. Asis, USMC.  Christian is honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the Marines and sailors of the Fighting Fifth and their families.

Christian Assis, Ex Officio - DPSG Vice President

Cathy is a Capo Beach Resident for 30 years and has recently retired from working as an executive/legal secretary.  She has been active in the local community and has been involved with numerous non-profit organizations including the Capistrano Valley Symphony, the Dana Point Earth/Ocean Society, and the Sand Dollar Guild; a fund raising arm for the Ocean Institute. She joined the Guild in 1996 and has been on the board of directors for most of her tenure and is currently serving as co-President for the second year in a row.  She also belongs to Beta Sigma Phi, Tau Phi Chapter, a philanthropic sorority, and has been on the board of directors for their chapter for many years.  She has been involved as a volunteer with the 5th Marines Combat Golf Tournament and feels privileged to be involved with such wonderful, dedicated people!

Cathy Nelson, Ex Officio - DPSG Secretary

Terry has a private practice in Laguna Niguel as a licensed Psychotherapist.  She has a special recognition in her field by holding a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work.  Terry is also a member of “Who’s Who of American Professional and Business Women”.  She is a published author and has served as a Clinical Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California.  Terry is a Charter member, Past President and Past Director of the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and a sustaining Paul Harris Fellow. Terry was recognized in her community with the “Heart and Soul Award” for August of 2011.  This award recognizes Orange County citizens for their passion for life and their dedication for making a difference.  In March of 2012, Terry was honored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey as the 73rd Assembly District Woman of the Year.  This honor was given for Terry’s tireless community service and her devoted efforts with our military troops and their families.

In 2008, Terry was selected to be the Rotary District Business Rotarian of the Year. When the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group was incorporating, she was on the inaugural board and is the only remaining Director from its origin.  She served as Director of Support and Outreach between 2008-2012 and then President of the organization through the end of 2018.  She is now the Chairman of the Board and a member of the Advisory Brigade.  She looks forward to many more years in advisory, public relations and fundraising roles.

Terry Rifkin, Ex Officio - DPSG President

As a 40 year resident of Dana Point, I am proud of the mission of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and honored to serve on its Board of Directors. My career experience includes retail sales, advertising, telecommunications customer service, sales and marketing, and event planning and management. Currently, I’m a full-time Realtor with 34  years of experience. I have previously served on the Capistrano Valley Symphony Board of Trustees, the Dana Point Incorporation Study Team, the first Harbor Revitalization Committee, and as a Charter Member of the Sand Dollar Guild. I am currently a member of the Dana Point “Citizen of the Year” Committee; the Board of Directors of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce; National Association of Realtors; California Association of Realtors, the Laguna Board of Realtors and GEMS BNI.

Ms. Patti Short, Ex Officio - DPSG Treasurer