Meet The Team
AFIL honors those who’ve served. Supporting veterans and their families with safe housing and a resource center where veterans can access essential resources, build community connections, and find the tools they need to thrive
Founder
Tim Combs
Tim has been in the construction business for 35 years. He has worked on projects from highways to city streets, commercial building projects, and the entire process of residential home building. He started his own company in 1998 and has remained self-employed. He also partners in a real estate investing business of buying, fixing, and he has been interested in building trades since he was 10 years old. At 28, he went back to school and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Civil and Construction Engineering and 5 years later started his own business. He has met the qualifications and passed the examination to be qualified as a Certified Environmetal Access Consultant. Environmental Access is the process of adapting a residence and/or general environment to promote the independence and functional ability of the physically challenged. Adaptations may include physically changing portions of an environment to create functional access according to an individual’s specific needs.
Because of a yearning to do more for others, he founded AFIL in 2015. He felt Veterans deserved more support than what has been available. He will advocate in the community to make others aware of how important it is to recognize, celebrate, and support our veterans.
Looking ahead, AFIL is more committed than ever to serving those who have served us. We continue to look at housing options and ways to help end homelessness among Veterans. We believe that with continued support from compassioinate individuals like you, we can reach even more Veterans and families, and expand our services to more counties within the state of Iowa.
Executive Director
Christine Rolf
Christine Rolf brings to her role a profound dedication to community service, demonstrated through her extensive involvement with local organizations serving those in need. As the former board president and chair of Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) for three years, she established a strong foundation of leadership in the nonprofit sector.
With deep personal connections to military service—her husband is a Desert Storm Army veteran, and other family members have also served—Christine has developed a particular passion for supporting veterans. She is committed to furthering AFIL’s mission of empowering veterans in need by providing housing and transitional resources.
Christine intends to leverage her natural strengths in relationship-building and her genuine compassion for people to advance this important work. Her vision extends beyond current boundaries, with aspirations to expand AFIL’s impact throughout the county and eventually to communities beyond.
Financial Development Manager
Angela Hanson
As Financial Development Manager at Americans for Independent Living, Angela is dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of programs that empower veterans with housing and transitional resources. She plays a crucial role in securing funding and managing financial operations that directly support those who have served our country.
Angela takes great pride in her work, recognizing the importance of financial stewardship in fulfilling the organization’s mission. Her commitment to veterans extends beyond her professional role, as she is also the proud parent of a son serving in the National Guard. This personal connection deepens her understanding of the challenges veterans face and fuels her passion for making a meaningful impact.
Through strategic financial planning and grant acquisition, Angela ensures that Americans for Independent Living remains a reliable resource for veterans in need, providing stability, dignity, and a pathway to independence.
Community Engagement Manager
Zachary Rolf
Zachary became part of the AFIL team in August 2025.
In his role, Zachary coordinates across all AFIL programs and volunteer-supported events. He excels at aligning volunteers’ talents and interests with appropriate opportunities, managing volunteer schedules, acknowledging their contributions, and evaluating program effectiveness. Our dedicated volunteers have consistently risen to the challenge as veteran participation increases. What Zachary values most about his position is the connection with the volunteers and Veterans AFIL are supporting. Zach wants to make a difference and the impact he can make with AFIL and their Veterans.
Administrative Assistant
Maddie Hanson
Maddie joined the team in June 2025 as the administrative assistant, working alongside Zach to support volunteers and veterans. She also has a part-time job at Allen Hospital. Her favorite part of the role is watching veterans’ faces light up when they visit to shop. As the Administrative Assistant, she adds a creative flair to daily tasks and makes sure veterans feel welcomed and supported from the very first moment. Maddie keeps AFIL running smoothly and inviting, blending attention to detail with a warm, creative flair. Her problem‑solving skills and easygoing nature turn everyday tasks into chances to connect and keep everything flowing with ease.
Public Relations Manager
Teri Lynn Jorgensen
Teri Lynn Jorgensen brings more than four decades of distinguished experience in radio marketing, broadcast programming and public relations to her role at Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) Veteran Resource Center. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous honors recognizing her excellence in community service and leadership in broadcast programming.
Beyond her professional achievements, Teri has shown a lifelong dedication to civic engagement and disability advocacy, serving on both local and state commissions as well as nonprofit boards. She continues to combine her deep expertise, advocacy insight and personal commitment to veterans in advancing AFIL’s mission. “I will make a difference.” is the principle Teri uses to make meaningful, lasting impacts within the community.
Staff
Betsy
Betsy joined AFIL in August 2025. She loves to come to work and show her love to our staff and Veterans. She gets excited when someone comes and gives her all the attention and of course treats! AFIL is excited to have Betsy attend the fundraising events and be the star of AFIL.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Henry Korf – President
Military and Veteran Student Services Coordinator 2022 to present, Chairman of Black Hawk County VA Commission 2023- present,
Retired US Army Air Defense Officer 1982-2021, Retired FAA Air Traffic Controller 1991-2013, Graduate Dordt University 1985 BA Biology,
Masters in Strategic Studies, US Army War College 2017, Life Member of AMVETS Post 49 in Cedar Falls,
American Legion Becker-Chapman Post 138 in Waterloo and VFW Robert J. Hibbs Post 3896 in Cedar Falls
Trent Hunter – Vice President
Hawkeye Community College-Business and Industry Training Coordinator
Iowa National Guard 1996 – 2007 Iowa Air National Guard 2009 – Present
Technical Sergeant 133d Test Squadron, Ft. Dodge, Iowa
Advisory Board Member Salvation Army and Member of the – Waterloo Elks and Waterloo Eagles, Washburn Moose Lodge
President-elect Exchange Club of Waterloo, AMVETS & VFW Member
Glen Keith – Secretary
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), Executive Director – Love INC.
2017-2022 – Senior Army Instructor for East High Army JROTC
Past Professor of Military Science and Department head for the University of Northern Iowa
Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University
Master of Military Studies from Marine Corps University
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal ( 3 OLC), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (OLC), Army Achievement Medal (OLC), Valorous Unit Award, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation (OLC), Army Superior Unit Award (OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.
Nolan Tomlinson – Treasurer
Financial Advisor at FSB Premier Wealth Management 2021-present. University of Northern Iowa graduate 2020. United States Marine Corps Veteran,1345 Engineer Equipment Operator, USMC 2011-2015 – Member of AMVETS Post 79 in Waverly
Kelly Sullivan
3rd Grade Teacher Cedar Falls Community Schools
USS The Sullivan’s Inc Foundation board member
Sponsor USS The Sullivan’s DDG 68 and USS Iowa SSN 797 Commissioning Committee
Sullivan Hartough Honor Flight board member
Iowa Irish Fest – Heroes Co-Chair
Deanna K. Wheeler
Broker/Owner Re/Max Home Group, Marketing Chairperson Re/Max Home Group
100 + Women Who Care Cedar Valley Board Member
Professional Standards Committee Waterloo / CF Board of Realtors
Company Sponsor Magical Mix Kids Auction
Deon Clabby
Certified Assistive Technology Professional, Certified Environmental Access Consultant
Senior Connections of the Cedar Valley- Past President and executive committee for 12 years.
Life Long Links Advisory Committee and Midwest Society of Medical Equipment Suppliers-Home Modification Committee for Regulations, (national level)
AMVETS Member, Father, Father-in-law, and 2 sons in the Army and Airforce.
Martin Edwards
Licensed Marital/Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor at Cedar Falls Counseling Associates
1967-1969 United States Army Reserve (active) 1st Lt., Inf
Past Board Member/President for the Iowa Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Past Volunteer facilitator, Black Hawk County Vietnam Veterans Support Group and IA National Guard – Enduring Families
1991 – 2000 Iowa Board of Behavioral Science Examiners, representing the mental health
profession of Marriage and Family Therapy
2009-Present Iowa Association of Mediators and 2012-Present Brain Injury Association of Iowa
American for Independent Living’s service Qualifications follow the State of Iowa’s guideline for a Veteran.
Click here to read the state document for clarification
Joshua Moon
Partner at JSC Legal, P.L.C.
Lieutenant Colonel, Iowa Army National Guard
Troy Elliott
Retirement Specialist with American Senior Benefits since 2017 specializing in Medicare Plans, Long Term Care, Life Insurance, and Annuities
Life Insurance Agent with American Income Life 2012-2017
Member of Sons of the American Legion Becker Chapman Post since 2021
Hosting Free Haircuts for Veterans since 2022 at Becker Chapman
Matt Carroll
United States Air Force Veteran 1991-1995
Owner/CEO of PMC Integrity, LLC and Superior Cleaning Services USA.
Treasurer Secretary for the Beaver Meadows Homeowners Association
Former Contract Administrator for the U.S. Departments of Education, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs.
Former 4th Vice Commander American Legion post 523
Member American Legion Post 523
Past Board member Hennepin County Sheriff Foundation