Check Back ! We are forming the Nonprofit Board and will post new members and their Bio Info here as they are added.

Justin Steddum was born in Enid, Oklahoma. He served 8 years on active duty in the United States Army and continues to serve as a Company Commander in an Army Reserve unit, accumulating 17 total years of military service. His awards include the Air Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, multiple Army Achievement Medals, and numerous Army Good Conduct Medals. Currently, Captain Steddum flies the Airbus A320 as a First Officer for Allegiant Air. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, racing cars, kayaking, and spending quality time with his family. I am very excited to be assisting in the efforts of Liberty Oak Oasis as I have been a supporter from the first time visiting the property and seeing Mark's vision. 

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Hello, I'm Darla. It is an honor to be apart of the Liberty Oak Oasis mental health retreat project.  We all have a journey and I myself am a drug court graduate and have more than 18 years in recovery. Below is a little more about me. 

Darla holds a Masters of Science degree in Psychology in Addictions and Recovery and a Bachelor of Science degree for Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Darla also has an AAS in Paralegal Studies and Respiratory Therapy. She is a certified NCADD Interventionist, a Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Recovery Coach. Her passion meets her purpose by spreading H.O.P.E.: Helping Other People Elevate. She has authored a curriculum called, “My 12 Step Play List” and “Mended” that helps individuals work through trauma and addiction, as well as Co-authoring Table Talks & Dashboard Conversationsthat focuses on building relationship and communication. Her motto is “We rise by lifting others” and this is something she strives to do every single day.

*Picture with David Crowder does not imply an endorsement of Liberty Oak Oasis by him. 

Ron is Commander of American Legion Post 99 and Chairman of the White County TN Veteran Suicide Prevention Task Force. Ron is a devout Catholic and serves faithfully with many efforts of his Diocese to help those in need. Ron is a avid outdoors man and has lived in Tennessee for 14 years after removing himself from Georgia where he served as a Camp Director for Boys Scouts and Girlscouts. Ron served in the US Army from 1982 to 1988 where he was in the Infantry as 11B. 

I was excited to have Mark ask me to join the Board after learning of his passion for Veterans, Veteran Suicide and wanting to strengthen the local Legion by becoming an active member. 

Hello, I’m Austin,  a Navy veteran, husband, father, and outdoorsman who believes deeply in the restorative power of nature. After leaving the military, the outdoors became an essential part of my own journey toward better mental health, inspiring me to create my YouTube channel, Austin Grows Wild. 

Through storytelling and adventure, I encourage others to step outside, slow down, and find the peace they’ve been missing.

Joining the board of Liberty Oak Oasis is an opportunity to serve a mission close to my heart. I’m honored to help create a place where veterans, families, and first responders can find strength, community, and a renewed sense of hope.  

We look forward to making an announcement for this soon! 

Hello, I'm Eli. I am a long time employee of Precision Pulley Inc. here in Tennessee and I have recently married my forever love Maney Conner. Jesus Christ is my savior and I believe everything we do we do for him. 

When I was young my parents decided to make an impact by becoming foster parents. From the age of thirteen till I moved out I have seen anywhere from 150 to 250 kids in and out of the house I was raised in. We had plenty of success and some failures, but in the end we came out stronger as a family.

From these experiences I learned a lot about metal health and serving others. I love fishing and the outdoors and being with my family that always has my back.  I know that Liberty Oak Oasis is where Jesus can make a difference through my brother and I. I am so excited to help grow and guide the future of Liberty Oak Oasis in 2026 and beyond.  

Liberty Oak Oasis is the result of a vision Mark has championed since 2019. Along with his wife, Vicki, Mark established the Oasis in 2021 on thirty acres in the hills of Sparta, TN. Driven by a passion for mental health education and faith-based service, Mark has began cultivating this space to be a refuge for the community's most dedicated servants. His mission is to provide Veterans, Ministry Leaders, and First Responders with a place to disconnect from duty and reconnect with hope. 

Located on 30 serene acres in Sparta, TN, Liberty Oak Oasis is a dedicated sanctuary for mental health wellness and spiritual renewal. Since acquiring the land in 2021, founders Mark and Vicki ( a nurse of thirty three years) have worked determinedly to build a home for hope, healing, and relaxation. 

We are a faith-based retreat with a focus on serving:

• Veterans
• First Responders
• Ministry Leaders

Liberty Oak Oasis is also for the community at large where we will develop a community prayer garden and allow the local community and it's organizations to host events that allow people to enjoy the natural beauty of this amazing property. As one visitor once said: "This isn't just a property it's a nature reserve."