Staff

Jeff Nebel

Jeff Nebel

Next 18 Camp Lead

My name is Jeff Nebel, and I’m a peer support specialist with Next18. My background includes nearly two decades of service in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, beginning in January 1995 as a cannon crewmember. My military career culminated in a medical retirement, encompassing two deployments to Iraq – the first as a motor transport operator, and the second as a unit logistics sergeant. Concurrently, I served with the City of New Berlin, Wisconsin Fire Department from 1993 to 2006.

Currently, I reside in Waukesha, Wisconsin with my wife Sue, celebrating 20 years of marriage. We are proud parents to five children, two of whom have also served in the Wisconsin National Guard. We are also blessed with two granddaughters.

My involvement with Next18, specifically attending Camp #4 at Erin Hills in June 2022, stems from a deep-seated commitment to supporting fellow veterans and first responders. The profound satisfaction derived from this work is the driving force behind my continued participation.

Cory McElhatton

Cory McElhatton

Next 18 Team Support Lead

I’m Cory McElhatton, originally from Kewaskum, Wisconsin. I joined the U.S. Army in May 2003, serving as a Blackhawk mechanic and crew chief for 11 and a half years. During my time in the military, I completed four deployments—one to Iraq and three to Afghanistan. In 2015, I was medically retired and moved back to Wisconsin from Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Since returning home, I have made it a priority to connect with fellow veterans who share similar experiences and challenges. I attended the very first Next 18 camp, and since then, I’ve remained involved with the organization, both as a participant and as a volunteer.

I volunteer with Next 18 not only for the camaraderie but because each time I attend, I continue to learn and grow. I find fulfillment in sharing my experiences and, more importantly, in helping others understand that it’s okay to seek support. Next 18 provides a sense of safety, family, and belonging—a feeling that many of us lost after leaving the military. By staying involved, I am able to give back, support my fellow veterans, and stay on my own path of healing and growth.

Jeff Meloy

Jeff Meloy

Peer Support

Jeff Meloy dedicated 30 years of his life to serving as a Law Enforcement Officer before retiring at the end of 2024. Throughout his career, Jeff worked all three shifts of patrol, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the safety of his community. He also served as a School Resource Officer, where he built strong relationships with students and faculty, fostering trust and promoting safety within the educational environment.

As a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Jeff played a vital role in identifying and mitigating the effects of impaired driving, helping to keep roads safer for everyone. His dedication to his work extended beyond enforcement; it evolved into a deep passion for supporting the well-being of his fellow officers.

Recognizing the increasing mental health challenges faced by law enforcement professionals, Jeff became a vocal advocate for officer mental health and wellness. His experience in the field gave him a unique perspective on the importance of mental health resources and peer support.
Jeff first connected with Next 18 as a participant at Camp 12 at Sand Valley and has been actively involved with the organization since 2024. Inspired by the program’s focus on healing, community, and resilience, Jeff has continued to champion mental wellness efforts for veterans and first responders, believing deeply in the mission of Next 18. His journey from participant to advocate is a testament to his commitment to personal growth and his desire to help others achieve the same.

After seeing how powerful the Next 18 camp was that I attended, I wanted to help in any way that I could to make sure that our veterans and first responders had the opportunity to benefit like I did. Next 18 changed my life and I am thrilled to be part of it.

Ryan Lettieri

Ryan Lettieri

Peer Support

Ryan is a 22 year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as a Lieutenant/Paramedic in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. He is the proud father of two young ladies and married to the simply most impressive woman in the world.

Ryan attended camp while searching for resources for his fellow firefighters following the loss of two friends on the job to suicide. Ryan found more than just resources with Next 18.

Attending camp at Kierland shifted Ryan’s perspective on many things and taught him how to practice self-care. This shift, along with “doing the work” within his own life has allowed Ryan to show up more effectively for his fellow firefighters and his family.

Ryan is a fierce advocate for the well-being of veterans and first responders and believes deeply in the mission of Next 18. Ryan truly enjoys supporting others at camp and prides himself on being open and available to campers and alumni. Ryan looks forward to every Next 18 event as he learns something new at each one.