About Us
WHO WE ARE?
Hey Veterans! My name is Robert Pinero, I am the founder of Veterans Educating Veterans. As a Marine Combat Veteran, who did 2 tours in efforts of the OIF mission. I know how hard it can be to get service connected. I am here to serve the veteran community by educating, and consulting the in’s and out’s of the VA Compensation maze. Together, we can educate more and more veterans. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Key word is “teach” or educate and here at Veterans Educating Veterans we will do just that.
I would like to introduce my family from left to right. My wife, my rock, my business partner and my CEO Jillian my daughter right below her, our dog Bella, and hugging her my daughter Savannah. I wanted to put a picture of my family because they are the true hero’s that put up with our disabilities. Experiencing our ups, downs, and everything we go through after we have left the military. I will always do my best to get you what you deserve. You deserve this compensation, not only for yourself but your family is also affected by your disabilities.
Coaching Team
Robert Pinero
Head Coach/ CEO & Founder
OIF I & OIF II
Bio
Born and raised in New Jersey, Robert Pinero is a proud U.S. Marine who brings grit, heart, and relentless determination to everything he does. Straight out of high school, Robert enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2002 and completed boot camp at the legendary Parris Island, South Carolina. He went on to serve two combat deployments—the first to Kuwait and Iraq, and the second to Fallujah, Iraq, from 2004 to 2005.
While serving, Robert chased his dream of becoming a pilot, earning his Private Pilot Certificate in July 2005—a testament to his discipline and drive.
After the military, Robert continued his commitment to service, working as a Facility Manager at a domestic violence shelter in Manhattan and later venturing into entrepreneurship. But beneath the surface, he was silently battling debilitating back pain and facing constant frustration navigating the VA system.
Turned away by over 15 VA attorneys, Robert decided to take his future into his own hands. He immersed himself in the VA claims process—studying, learning, and building connections with VA insiders. His persistence paid off: Robert not only secured his own 100% VA disability rating but helped his brother do the same.
What began as a personal mission quickly turned into a greater calling. Word spread, and Veterans started seeking his help. That’s when Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV) was born.
VEV’s mission is simple but powerful: to educate, empower, and advocate for Veterans navigating the complexities of the VA system. Robert turned his pain and frustration into purpose—creating a community where Veterans lift each other up and ensure no one fights the VA alone.
As Robert often says:
“This company started because they messed with a pissed-off Veteran who doesn’t give up. If they put a wall in my way—I’m going to knock it down.”
Today, as the founder of VEV, Robert continues to fight for those who served—helping Veterans get the benefits they deserve and restoring hope, one claim at a time.
James Lefever
Senior Coach
OIF II, OIF VII, OIF VIII
Bio
James LeFever is living proof that Marines don’t just adapt and overcome—they give back, too.
Hailing from a small town in upstate New York, James joined the United States Marine Corps straight out of high school in November 2003. He went on to serve two combat deployments to Fallujah, Iraq in 2004 and 2006, where his “office” often consisted of dust, grit, and adrenaline. Beyond Fallujah, James spent time at multiple forward operating bases, building resilience, brotherhood, and a very real understanding of sacrifice.
After completing his service, James used his GI Bill to earn his associate’s degree from a local community college—because once a Marine, always mission-driven. But while he was building a life back home, James quietly battled the physical and mental wounds of war. Like many veterans, he found himself stuck in the maze of the VA system—until he connected with Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV).
With VEV’s help, James secured a 100% Permanent & Total disability rating. But he didn’t stop there. Grateful for the support he received, he reached out to founder Robert Pinero—not just to say thank you, but to ask: “How can I help?”
Today, James is proud to serve as the Senior Coach (Claim Consultant) at VEV, using his own hard-earned experience to guide fellow veterans through the claims process. He’s the guy you want in your corner—part coach, part motivator, and always ready to throw down with the VA (on paper, of course).
At home in upstate New York, James stays grounded thanks to his three incredible daughters, two loyal dogs, one aloof cat, and a healthy obsession with motorcycles and Eagles football (yes, even up north). When he’s not helping Veterans fight for what they’ve earned, he’s either chasing down snacks for his kids or wind therapy cruising on his bike.
James’s mission is simple: no Veteran gets left behind. And at VEV, he’s making sure of that—one claim, one conversation, and one win at a time.
Cody Cratsenburg
Coach
Afghanistan War Veteran
Bio
Cody Cratsenburg is a proud husband, father, Army Veteran, and retired law enforcement officer from Jackson, Michigan. He joined the Army in 2009 and served as a Military Police Officer with the 303rd MP Unit, including deployments to both Afghanistan and Guantánamo Bay. Throughout his service, Cody earned multiple honors—including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Silver Star and the NATO Medal—but more importantly, he forged grit, leadership, and the kind of “figure-it-out-or-die-trying” resilience the military is famous for.
After nine years in uniform, Cody continued his commitment to service as a Hillsdale City Police Officer, specializing in crisis negotiation and conflict resolution. Known for his sharp report writing and unshakable calm in high-pressure situations, Cody was the go-to guy for turning chaos into clarity.
But Cody’s toughest battles didn’t happen overseas or on the streets—they happened at home, navigating the VA system. Plagued by severe service-connected conditions and repeatedly roadblocked by red tape, he struggled for years before finally securing a 100% Permanent and Total rating. It wasn’t easy—and it wasn’t luck. It was thanks to the guidance, knowledge, and community he found through Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV).
Inspired by the help he received, Cody knew he couldn’t keep that kind of support to himself. He joined VEV not just as a success story, but as a mentor and mission partner—committed to helping other Veterans beat the system that too often beats them down. Through coaching, advocacy, and straight-shooting guidance, Cody now helps fellow Veterans win the benefits they earned, with a blend of experience, determination, and just the right amount of caffeine-fueled fire.
When he’s not coaching Veterans through claims, you’ll find Cody watching football, fishing the waters of Canada, or debating Pokémon strategies with his two kids—Rayna and Maxton—who definitely inherited their dad’s energy. He’s married to his rock, Lauren, who keeps him grounded no matter how chaotic life gets.
At VEV, Cody stands as proof that when Veterans educate and empower each other, lives change—and justice gets served.
Jesse Ortiz
Coach
Bio
Jesse Ortiz is a proud U.S. Army Veteran and dedicated advocate for fellow service members. From 2012 to 2016, he served as a paratrooper with the legendary 82nd Airborne Division, based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Inspired by his older brother’s service, Jesse jumped—literally and figuratively—into a life of discipline, duty, and resilience.
Born and raised in Union City, New Jersey, Jesse still calls the Garden State home, where he’s raising his two amazing children, Xavier and Jazmine. His military service came with sacrifice—an injury that would follow him long after his time in uniform. But it also led him to Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV)—the organization that helped him secure the benefits he rightfully earned. That experience didn’t just give Jesse closure; it gave him purpose.
Now, as a proud member of the VEV team, Jesse pays it forward every day—empowering other Veterans to fight back against a complicated VA system that too often leaves them behind. With firsthand knowledge of the struggle and a passion for advocacy, Jesse is committed to walking alongside fellow Veterans, helping them reclaim what they’ve earned through service and sacrifice.
When he’s not working claims or coaching Veterans through their VA journey, Jesse enjoys traveling, hitting the field for a game of football, and making memories with his kids. He’s also a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan—still mourning the fact that he missed their 2013 Super Bowl win while stuck in boot camp with no TV privileges. (Semper unplugged.)
Through VEV, Jesse is turning frustration into fuel—and making sure no Veteran has to fight alone.
Jillian Pinero
Operations & Client Relations
Bio
Born and raised in the close-knit town of Secaucus, New Jersey—just outside the bustle of New York City—Jillian Pinero has always had a heart for people, especially children. After graduating from Secaucus High School, she followed her passion for childcare, working in the field for many years before stepping into entrepreneurship alongside her husband, Robert.
Family and service are at the heart of everything Jillian does. Coming from a proud line of Veterans—her grandfather, father, and uncles all served in the Army and Navy—she carried on that legacy in her own way by marrying a U.S. Marine. Inspired by the strong women in her family, Jillian brings unwavering dedication, warmth, and hustle to everything she touches.
Today, she and Robert live in New Jersey with their two daughters, Sienna and Savannah, and their loyal pup, Bella. Together, they co-founded Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV)—a mission-driven organization created to empower Veterans by giving them the tools, knowledge, and support to fight for the benefits they earned.
At VEV, Jillian plays a vital role in client relations and day-to-day operations, ensuring every Veteran feels seen, supported, and respected. Whether she’s helping clients navigate tough paperwork or just lending a listening ear, Jillian is often the heart behind the help—bringing compassion to a process that can often feel overwhelming.
Outside of her work with VEV, Jillian cherishes quality time with her family, enjoys a good shopping trip, and continues to be a tireless advocate for the Veteran community that means so much to her
Intake Team
Nicole Conotillo
Intake Specialist/Recruiter
Bio
Nicole Connotillo brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality, where she mastered the art of making people feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. Today, she channels that same compassion and dedication into supporting those who’ve served our country.
Originally from the close-knit town of Secaucus, New Jersey, Nicole relocated to Minnesota in 2022 with her fiancé, Gabriel, and their two amazing kids, Carla and Elliott. While her professional roots are in the hospitality world, Nicole always felt a calling toward work with deeper purpose.
That calling led her to Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV)—an organization whose mission struck a personal chord. With many friends and family members who served in the military, Nicole was drawn to VEV’s commitment to helping Veterans navigate the often-overwhelming VA system and secure the benefits they’ve rightfully earned.
Today, Nicole proudly serves as both Intake Specialist and Medical Recruiter at VEV. Whether guiding Veterans through the first steps of their claims or building a trusted network of providers, she brings empathy, precision, and a relentless drive to serve.
She’s proud to be part of a team that stands up to bureaucracy and delivers results—changing lives one Veteran at a time. And she’s just getting started.
Outside of VEV, Nicole embraces the joyful chaos of family life—cheering from the sidelines at soccer games, supporting her daughter’s dance dreams, and facing Minnesota’s winters with signature Jersey grit. Wherever she is, one thing remains true: Nicole brings heart, hustle, and humanity to everything she does.
Michelle Ambrosio
Intake Specialist
Bio
Michelle is the kind of person you can always count on—whether it’s for her family, friends, or the Veterans she’s proud to serve.
Originally from a small town in North Jersey, Michelle built her career in childcare and hospitality—industries that demand patience, compassion, and the ability to keep calm under pressure. Growing up in a big, energetic family, she naturally became the go-to problem solver, the one everyone turns to when things get tough. So when the chance came to help Veterans navigate the complex VA system, it felt like a perfect fit.
With a brother-in-law in the Army and a deep respect for those who serve, Michelle brings empathy, energy, and a touch of humor to her work at Veterans Educating Veterans (VEV). As an intake specialist, she’s the steady hand behind the scenes—offering structure, support, and heartfelt care to the Veterans and families who rely on VEV.
A proud mom of three, Michelle’s world revolves around family, faith, and service. Whether she’s managing a claim, coordinating a busy baseball schedule, or lending a hand to a loved one in need, she brings her whole heart to everything she does. And when it’s time to recharge, you’ll find her in the mountains—relaxing or planning her next adventure.
At the end of the day, Michelle’s mission is simple: be someone others can rely on. At VEV, that means making sure no Veteran ever feels alone.