Christian Asis is a native of Orange County and has lived in Dana Point with his wife for nearly 20 years. He brings almost 30 years of experience in the banking and currently serves as the Credit Team Manager for the Western Division of one of the largest banks in the United States.

Outside of his professional career, Christian is passionate about baseball, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and spending time at the beach. Above all, however, he values his role as a husband and father. He has combined his love of family and community service by volunteering as both Cubmaster and Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 705 in Dana Point, coaching youth baseball, and serving as President of the Church Council at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point. He has also been an active volunteer with the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group (DPSG) for several years.

With family members who have served in every branch of the U.S. military, Christian holds a deep appreciation for those who serve. The Marine Corps holds a particularly special place in his heart in honor of his grandfather, Master Gunnery Sergeant A. Asis, USMC.

Christian is honored and grateful for the opportunity to support the Marines, Sailors, and families of the Fighting Fifth through his service with DPSG.

Mark Shuler was born in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to California with his family at the age of twelve. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he began his career as a loadmaster.

Following his military service, Mark enrolled in the Orange County Peace Officers Academy in 1979. In 1982, he joined the City of Orange Police Department, where he served with distinction, specializing in drug enforcement, crime scene investigation, and the training of junior officers. During his time on the force, he also organized police softball tournaments, bringing officers together through friendly competition.

In 1989, Mark transitioned from law enforcement to entrepreneurship, founding a landscape and construction company that served both residential and commercial clients throughout Orange County.

In 2001, Mark and his wife moved to San Clemente, where they have enjoyed living and working along the coast ever since. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time on the golf course.

Cathy is a fourth-generation Californian and has called Capistrano Beach home for more than 41 years. Deeply committed to her community, she has been actively involved with numerous local nonprofit organizations, including the Capistrano Valley Symphony, the Dana Point Earth/Ocean Society, and the Sand Dollar Guild, the fundraising arm of the Ocean Institute.

She is also a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi, Tau Phi Chapter, a philanthropic sorority, where she has served as an officer for many years.

Cathy was first enticed to volunteer at the 5th Marine Regiment’s annual Combat Golf Tournament, and her enthusiasm for the mission quickly grew. In 2015, she joined the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group Board of Directors, where she has faithfully served ever since—earning the affectionate title of “Secretary for Life!”

A 40-year resident of Dana Point, Patti Short is proud to support the mission of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and is honored to serve on its Board of Directors as Treasurer and Director of Events.

Patti’s professional background spans retail sales, advertising, telecommunications customer service, sales and marketing, as well as event planning and management. She is currently a full-time Realtor with more than 34 years of experience serving the local community.

Deeply committed to civic involvement, Patti has served on numerous community boards and initiatives, including the Capistrano Valley Symphony Board of Trustees, the Dana Point Incorporation Study Team, and the City of Dana Point’s first Harbor Revitalization Committee. She is also a Charter Member of the Sand Dollar Guild.

Patti currently serves on the Dana Point “Citizen of the Year” Committee and the Board of Directors of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. She is an active member of the National Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, the Laguna Board of Realtors, and GEMS BNI.

She is proud to contribute her time and talents in support of the Marines, Sailors, and families of the Fighting Fifth.

Terry Rifkin, LCSW is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who operates a thriving private practice in Laguna Niguel. She holds a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, a distinguished recognition in her field. A published author and former Clinical Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, Terry has made meaningful contributions to the profession through her clinical expertise, teaching, and commitment to advancing mental health care.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Terry is a lifelong “soldier of service” to her community. For over 38 years, she has been an active and deeply committed member of the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, where she was a charter member, Past President, Past Director, and sustaining Paul Harris Fellow. Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including Business Rotarian of the Year (2008), the Heart and Soul Award (2011) for her impact in Orange County, and the 73rd Assembly District Woman of the Year Award (2012), presented by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey for her tireless support of military members and their families.

Terry is also a founding member of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and has served continuously as a director since its inception in 2008. As one of the organization’s founders, she has played an integral role in shaping its mission and expanding its reach—providing critical support, resources, and a strong sense of community to the men and women of the 5th Marine Regiment and their families. Her leadership has helped grow the organization into a respected and impactful nonprofit dedicated to honoring those who serve.

In recognition of her unwavering commitment, Terry was named Dana Point’s Citizen of the Year in 2021 for her service to the Marines, her leadership in Rotary, and her enduring dedication to the local community. During her tenure as President, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group was honored as the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce—an acknowledgment of the organization’s meaningful impact and the strength of community support behind its mission.

In 2026, Terry was further honored as “Woman of the Year” for California’s 74th Assembly District by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, recognizing her leadership, compassion, and significant contributions to nonprofit service and civic life.

Now serving as Past President, Terry continues her work in advisory, public relations, and fundraising roles, remaining deeply committed to supporting the Marines and the community she values. She also looks forward to the completion of the Returning Home monument at Heritage Park—an enduring tribute honoring service members from all branches of the military and the families who stand beside them.

Jan Bennett is a native Californian who grew up working in her family’s construction business. After attending business college, she launched her own accounting firm, where she spent ten years helping clients organize their finances and teaching them how to use computerized accounting systems.

Throughout her career, Jan has held leadership roles in construction-related companies and most recently co-managed two family LLCs while overseeing the extensive remodeling of two residential properties.

Now retired, Jan enjoys spending time on the golf course, fishing, being with her family, and giving back to the community through volunteer work. She previously volunteered with the Camp Pendleton Rotary, helping support military families living on base, and has been an active volunteer with the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group for the past 12 years.

Jan’s dedication to service has earned her several honors, including an Honorary Life Membership from the GFWC El Camino Real Junior Women’s Club, recognition for Outstanding Women in Orange County from the Office of Continuing Education & Community Service at Saddleback College, and Volunteer of the Year from the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

As a first-generation Greek American, Dean Koukos has a deep appreciation for the freedoms enjoyed in the United States and for the sacrifices made by the Marines who protect them. He is honored to give back by serving on the Board of Directors of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

Dean has long been active in community service and previously served as a board member of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, where he supported the Bureau’s efforts to strengthen relationships with the community. In that role, he participated in FBI Community Relations programs throughout Southern California, assisting with outreach, recruitment, and special events.

Through his work with the FBI CAAA, Dean also became involved with InfraGard, a public-private partnership between the FBI and the private sector focused on protecting critical infrastructure, as well as Orange County Shield, a collaborative program dedicated to enhancing the safety, security, and quality of life for county residents.

Dean is also a member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, reflecting his strong interest in American military history and service.

Professionally, Dean serves as Senior Vice President, Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, where he has worked for more than 36 years, advising clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.

Born and raised in New York City, Judy spent 40 years in New Jersey before relocating to Dana Point in 2008 following a series of life-changing events. That move marked the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by purpose, creativity, and service, while also committing to long-held “bucket list” goals.

One of those goals was stepping onto a comedy stage. Judy made her stand-up debut in 2010 and performed in multiple comedy gigs, discovering that laughter is one of the most powerful tools for connection and healing. That passion for comedy inspired her to create, with her “comedy mentor,”  Laughs for Leathernecks, DPSG’s signature “fun-draiser,” which recently celebrated its tenth year.  Another bucket-list dream was publishing a book—and that goal became reality with two titles: Travels with Rudolph and It Can Only Happen to Me.

She also co-chairs the food pantry for Family Assistance Ministries at the San Felipe de Jesús satellite in Capistrano Beach, extending her commitment to service beyond the military community.

She considers it one of the greatest honors of her life to serve alongside the dedicated volunteers of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group supporting the Marines, Sailors, and families of the Fighting Fifth.

Sheri is a second-generation Southern Californian who has called San Juan Capistrano home for over 40 years. She and her husband raised four children there, building deep roots in the community.
A lifelong volunteer, Sheri served as President of the high school water polo booster club for three years and as a team manager for Capistrano Valley Aquatics Club (CVAC). In 2014, she brought that same passion for service to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.
For more than five years, Sheri has led volunteer efforts at community fundraisers and events supporting the 5th Marines and their families. She has built a strong, dedicated network of volunteers who share her commitment to serving those who serve.

A veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, including service with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines from 1996 to 2000,  Jon witnessed firsthand the profound impact that community support has on service members and their families. From simple acts of kindness—like a stranger covering a meal—to the meaningful presence of organizations such as the USO during deployment departures, those experiences left a lasting impression. They served as powerful reminders that the sacrifices of service members are seen, valued, and appreciated.

That perspective has remained with him long after his time in uniform. Since transitioning to civilian life, he has made it a priority to give back in that same spirit—supporting those currently serving, mentoring fellow veterans, and assisting military families who often carry the greatest burden behind the scenes. He believes strongly that caring for both service members and their loved ones creates a foundation of strength and resilience within the community.

Joining the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group’s advisory board represents an opportunity to further that commitment. He is honored to support its mission of recognizing sacrifice, strengthening families, and ensuring today’s Marines receive the same level of encouragement and support that once meant so much to him.

He brings more than 20 years of military service, along with experience in the private sector and eight years as a federal contractor. His background includes managing personnel and resources; leading business continuity, operational, and exercise planning; and developing training programs and curriculum. He is currently the Program Lead for the Cyber Business Continuity Program at Capital One, where he focuses on preparedness, resilience, and mission continuity.

Born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey, Jill moved to California in 1979, where she met her husband of 44 years. They settled in San Clemente in 1984, where they raised their five children.

In 1994, Jill founded The Pampered Bride, a successful wedding planning business, becoming a preferred vendor at premier venues including The Ritz-Carlton, Pelican Hill, Rancho Las Lomas, and St. Regis. She fully retired in 2020 after a rewarding career.

A tennis friend who volunteers with DPSG introduced Jill to the organization. Having always felt a strong desire to support the military—and living so close to Camp Pendleton—it felt like a natural fit. At the time, there was an opening for Director of Support and Outreach, and Jill stepped into the role.

That was eight years ago, and she has enjoyed every minute supporting the Marines, Sailors, and families of the Fighting Fifth.

In her free time, Jill enjoys tennis, traveling, swimming, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Sherri Behar has called California home for more than 35 years and brings over 45 years of experience in sales, marketing, management, and event planning.

As the daughter of an Air Force serviceman, Sherri grew up in a military family and moved more than 14 times in 18 years, living in Germany, Morocco, California, Arizona, Virginia, and throughout Florida. These experiences gave her a deep understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by active-duty service members and their families.

Because of her upbringing, Sherri’s respect, compassion, and appreciation for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces—and their families—is both personal and profound.

Outside of her professional life, Sherri enjoys a wide range of interests. She has been an avid diver and underwater photographer for more than 25 years, including memorable encounters with sharks. She also enjoys swimming, has recently returned to the game of golf, and is always ready to pack a bag for her favorite passion—travel, having visited more than 30 countries.

Sherri has also been deeply involved in community service and nonprofit organizations, contributing her time and talents to causes including The Salvation Army (14 years), Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, and equine therapy programs supporting children with disabilities.

She considers it a true honor and privilege to support the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group (DPSG) and to contribute her time and energy to the Marines, Sailors, and families of the Fighting Fifth.