The United Veterans Leadership Council of Minnesota (UVLC) is a nonprofit coalition that unites Minnesota’s veterans, military, and auxiliary organizations to amplify the voices of veterans on the issues that shape our communities — from good schools and good jobs to safe streets and strong families.

Our mission is to speak with one voice to ensure that veterans’ leadership, experience, and values inform public policy and community priorities across Minnesota. We work to strengthen collaboration among veteran organizations, civic leaders, and policymakers to make our state more veteran- and veteran-business-friendly, while advancing opportunities for all Minnesotans.

UVLC’s roots go back to February 23, 1968, when veterans first gathered at the State Veterans Service Building under Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Alcuin Loehr of St. Cloud to coordinate advocacy across organizations. That founding spirit of unity continues today.

For more than five decades, UVLC has convened veterans, legislators, advocates, and community leaders on the first Wednesday of each month, providing a trusted forum for collaboration and policy dialogue that reflects veterans’ continued service to Minnesota — not just in uniform, but in civic life.

BENJAMIN KRAUSE – Chair

Attorney. Journalist. Policymaker.

Benjamin Krause is an award-winning veterans’ rights attorney, journalist, and entrepreneur who served in the U.S. Air Force with Special Operations Command and Air Mobility Command.

A national leader in veterans’ policy and accountability, Benjamin has spent over a decade challenging systemic failures at the Department of Veterans Affairs. His work has been featured by Newsweek, Foreign Policy, Bloomberg TV, CBS Evening News, the Star Tribune, and The Hill, and helped inspire Emmy-winning investigative reporting by KARE 11 News that led to national VA policy reform.

In 2025, he was named Minnesota Vetrepreneur of the Year and profiled in GI Jobs for his pioneering work empowering veterans through law, media, and leadership. Through his law practice, Benjamin represents veterans and their families in VA disability appeals, medical-malpractice actions, and complex benefits disputes, while also advocating for policies that expand veterans’ access to graduate education and professional leadership roles in fields such as medicine, law, and business.

Benjamin’s written testimony to Congress on Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) policy and his leadership in St. Paul helped drive substantive reforms in state policy governing representation of veterans in VA benefits appeals.

He earned his Economics degree from Northwestern University and his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.

JASON OUS – 1st Vice Chair

Advocate • Entrepreneur • Contractor

Jason Ous is a lifelong Minnesotan and seasoned entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience across the construction and finance industries. Over the course of his career, he has managed and rehabilitated distressed real estate assets, spending a decade in the REO sector developing systems to reduce losses, improve margins, and enhance property marketability.

Today, Jason works as a contractor and real estate developer with a mission-driven focus on improving accessibility, affordability, and ownership opportunities for disadvantaged homebuyers. His projects emphasize community revitalization and sustainable pathways to equity through housing.

A veteran of the Minnesota Army National Guard, Jason served 12 years, including two overseas deployments. For his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Minnesota veterans, he was honored by the Minnesota Humanities Center with its Veterans’ Voices Award, recognizing his continued commitment to service beyond the uniform.

RICHARD LEONARD – 2nd Vice Chair

Podcaster • Advocate • Harley Rider

Richard Leonard is a retired U.S. Army Infantry Noncommissioned Officer who served with the Minnesota Army National Guard. Over the past two decades, he has built a diverse career as a veterans advocate, radio and podcast host, and licensed bounty hunter, united by a single mission: helping veterans be heard and supported.

Richard was honored by the Minnesota Humanities Center with its Veterans’ Voices Award for his leadership and service to the veteran community. His professional experience spans advocacy and public service — including roles as a veteran and military liaison for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) representative helping veterans secure meaningful employment, and as services manager at the Upper Post Veterans Community at Fort Snelling.

He is the host of “The Richard Leonard Show” and a podcaster with 3 Clicks Media, where he continues his passion for elevating veterans’ voices and discussing issues often overlooked in mainstream outlets. Outside of his advocacy work, Richard is a family man who enjoys spending time with loved ones and riding his Harley across Minnesota’s backroads.

Richard attended Mankato State University, where he played collegiate football, and later graduated from Metropolitan State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and strategic communication and additional training in forensic investigations.

TYBALT BUI – Secretary

Creator • Entrepreneur • Seeker

Ty Bui is a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army National Guard, where he developed the discipline and adaptability that have guided his civilian career. Since leaving military service, Ty has built a diverse professional path spanning several industries before founding and operating his own printing and design business, where he combines creativity with a strong work ethic to serve local businesses and community organizations.

A lifelong learner, Ty has pursued studies at St. Cloud State University, continuing to expand his skills in business and communication. His entrepreneurial drive and service-first mindset reflect his enduring commitment to teamwork, integrity, and helping others succeed.

JUDY JOHNSON – Treasurer

Connector • Leader • Supporter

Judy Johnson is a longtime supporter of Minnesota’s veteran community and the daughter of a U.S. military veteran, carrying forward her family’s legacy of service through leadership and volunteerism.

Judy works for Ditch Witch and has dedicated many years to strengthening local veteran organizations. She previously managed the pull tab operations for the Bayport American Legion, one of the largest charitable gaming programs in the region, where her stewardship helped generate significant community support for veterans’ initiatives and local causes.

Known for her warmth and reliability, Judy enjoys spending time with her husband and friends and remains a passionate advocate for area veterans, ensuring their sacrifices are honored through continued community engagement and support.

JERRY KYSER – Chairman Emeritus

Jerry Kyser is a U.S. Army Aviation Combat–Disabled Vietnam Veteran who has dedicated more than two decades to serving Minnesota’s veteran community. Since 2001, he has been a driving force behind statewide veteran initiatives and legislative advocacy.

Jerry served as Chairman of the United Veterans Leadership Council (UVLC) for seven of the past 16 years and continues to advise the organization as Chairman Emeritus. He is also Co-Chair of the Minnesota Military Action Group, where he helps shape veteran-related public policy, and a Veterans Advocate at the Stillwater Prison, supporting incarcerated veterans’ access to resources and reintegration programs.

An aviation enthusiast and pilot with the Commemorative Air Force, Jerry also serves as Executive Director of the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Charity Car Donation Program, which raises funds for veteran causes across the state.

His lifelong service has earned both state and national recognition, including the 2014 Veterans’ Voices Award from the Minnesota Humanities Center and the 2016 Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York.