Meet the Team

Operation 22 til Freedom is governed by an eleven-person board, with five-executives board members.

executive board members

Justin Thompson | President

Justin was born and raised here in Council Bluffs, Iowa. As a young kid, he had a fascination with being in the military, and upon graduating high school from Lewis Central in 2003, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After completing all necessary training, he was sent to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Camp Pendleton, California. He deployed to the Al Anbar Province in Iraq 3 times during his enlistment, including the 2nd battle of Fallujah, Operation Phantom Fury, in November of  ‘04.

Returning home after his enlistment, Justin now works in the private contract security field. In his spare time, Justin likes to ride motorcycles, hike and site see national parks across this beautiful country, workout, and shoot guns.

With the loss of many brothers to suicide, Justin wanted to help. With his family and friends, he hosted our first poker run in 2019 at Loess Hills Harley Davidson. With its success, it was decided that Operation 22 Til Freedom needed to become a non-profit and continue helping raise funds and awareness to prevent veteran suicide.

Alicia Frieze | Vice President

Alicia Frieze was born and raised right here in Council Bluffs, IA.  She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and then continued her education with Stratford Career Institute’s Distant Learning Program in the interest of interior design. She currently works for the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce as the workforce development director and for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices as a real estate agent.

Alicia is excited about all of the new programs we are working on.  When she isn’t working, she’s killing it at that mom game! She has two beautiful teenage daughters and a sassy rottweiler!  Her family loves to spend their free time outdoors, playing games, and going on adventures.

She is passionate about helping others and volunteers for many CB organizations. Including, but not limited to just Operation 22 Til Freedom.  Alicia is OTTF’s Vice President and will be handling our social media efforts, marketing, and event planning.  She is passionate about ensuring that those who fought for her freedom don’t stop fighting for their own lives. Have an idea about how OTTF can help veterans in our community or nationwide?  Give her a call.  She loves new ideas and brainstorming!

carl coffman | Treasurer

Carl is an Air Force veteran that served from July 2001 to February 2015 with 2 Iraq tours under his belt. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting. Carl has been the treasurer for two private organizations while on active duty. He is dedicated to joining our fight to lower the veteran suicide rate and is a great addition to our team!

Steve Burns | Secretary

Steve Burns is from Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Omaha Central High School, journeyed his way through to an Associate’s in Criminal Justice, then a Bachelor’s in Security Management, and is currently completing a Master’s in Project Management. Steve currently works for OPPD as a Nuclear Security Officer.

In his free time, Steve enjoys riding his motorcycle and hanging out with friends. His goals are to help veterans and their families receive the help they need in any aspect, especially adjusting back to civilian life.

Sean Frazier | Veteran Outreach Director

Sean Frazier is originally from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and currently lives in Omaha. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln in Council Bluffs and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Bellevue University.

In 2006, Sean joined the Marine Corps out of high school where he spent 4 years serving with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines as an Infantry Mortarman. He deployed twice to Iraq, first to Husaybah in 2007 and then Fallujah in 2008. Upon his honorable discharge in 2010, Sean and his wife moved to Omaha. In his off time, Sean enjoys golfing, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Operation 22 Til Freedom is not Sean’s first venture into helping the Veteran community. He served on the Board of OPPD’s Veterans Network for over 3 years where he held various roles including President in 2020. Like many of you, the effects of Veteran suicide has impacted his life, which is why he is so passionate about turning the tide and getting Veterans the support they need.

board members

Nick Hardesty | Veteran Outreach Liaison

Nick currently lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife and two kids. He was born and raised in Columbus, NE. While attending high school, he joined the delayed entry program (2006). In 2007, he left home determined to become a United States Marine. Upon graduation, he went to the School of Infantry and was given what he claims is the most extraordinary weapons platoon job there – MACHINE-GUNNER! His contract was five years active and three years in IRR.

While on active duty, he served two years in Security Forces at Bangor, WA. Then, he finished out the last three in Camp Pendleton with 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, The Magnificent Bastards. During his time with 2/4, his unit did a combat deployment to Musa’qala, Afghanistan. Their unit was highly successful but lost five of the greatest men our great country has to offer.

Throughout his short time in the Corps, he’s met a lot of Marines, and many bonds were made. That is why he takes the mission of combatting veteran suicide seriously. It’s not just about helping vets but helping their families. Nick has the perfect background to serve on our Veteran Outreach Committee due to his three years of experience in working within a veteran outreach program for work. His goal is to help those suffering know they are not alone and to combat the stigma associated with mental health.

As well as helping others, Nick looks forward to building additional relationships that will continue to help him with PTSD.  He is thankful for those veterans he’s met, was able to help, and who has helped him.  He is an advocate for the veteran community!

Mick patterson | Community outreach & fundraising

Mick, originally from Beebeetown, IA grew up in Council Bluffs and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Since she was young she wanted to be a Marine like her dad and brother so on her 18th birthday she left her mom a note and headed to MEPS to enlist. Mick joined the delayed entry program in 2006 and left for basic after graduating high school in 2007. She served in the Marine Corps as a 5811 military police for a short time before getting medically separated in 2009. Mick currently resides in Council Bluffs with her two children and is now the head dance coach at Iowa Western Community College while also coaching for Thomas Jefferson and is an instructor and director of outreach for Absolute Dance Academy in Neola, IA. 

Mick enjoys meeting new people, helping others and being actively involved in her community. With her and her family’s military background she has a passion for helping and honoring veterans and OTTF is the perfect outlet for her to do so. She is eager and excited to get to work with this amazing group and make an impact on the lives of veterans and their families.