Board Members
Derik Board
Founder/Director
Derik S. Board is a U.S. Air Force veteran, singer-songwriter, and advocate for healing through music. After years of military service with the 130th Airlift Wing and working directly with veterans in his community, Derik founded Commemorate Through Chords to empower veterans to turn their stories into songs.
His mission is simple yet powerful: to honor the experiences of those who served by transforming memories into melodies. Through workshops, collaborative songwriting sessions, and live performances, Derik helps veterans find their voice, build community, and heal through the universal language of music.
Kaydon Board
Co-Founder/Secretary
Kaydon Board is a lifelong musician, award-winning vocalist, and the magnetic lead singer of Company Caravan, a genre-bending folk-rock band driven by truth, grit, and story. Born with a voice that stops audiences in their tracks, Kaydon musical journey has been shaped by years of performing, writing original music, and fearlessly evolving her sound.
Her talent gained major recognition when she won the Wheeling, West Virginia competition of The Next Big Voice, earning a fully paid trip to New York City on July 27, 2014, a $5,000 prize, and an exclusive recording opportunity with Synematik Music World. During her time in NYC, she recorded her original work and met with the executive producer of Warner Chapel Music Productions, solidifying her identity as a serious artist with a unique vocal signature.
Today, Kaydon continues to grow her artistic identity as a singer, songwriter, and performer. She is also the wife of United States Air Force veteran Derik Board, and together they co-founded Commemorate Through Chords, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans heal, connect, and find their voice through music and songwriting.
Balancing life as an artist, mother, and mentor to others, Kaydon Board stands as a testament to the power of authenticity — a voice built on lived experience, resilience, and the belief that music can change lives.
Terry Vance
Director
Veterans Partnership Coordinator, Valley HealthCare System
Terry Vance is a United States Air Force Veteran who currently serves as the Veterans Partnership Coordinator for Valley HealthCare System’s Veterans Program. In this role, he has been instrumental in building a strong network of support for veterans across the region, establishing a coalition of more than 100 organizations through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and strategic partnerships.
With over a decade dedicated to serving veterans in need, Terry’s work reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that those who have served our country receive the care, resources, and respect they deserve.
A graduate of Marshall University, Terry served in the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Service Specialist before transitioning to his civilian career in veteran advocacy and support services.
Terry is married to Lori Vance, and together they are proud parents of their daughter, Katelyn Vance, and Terry is the owner of Hair Mechanix, a men’s barbershop and salon located in Morgantown,
William S Laws
Director
William brings a strong record of service, leadership, and community impact to the board. With more than two decades supporting Veterans, first responders, and public safety organizations, He has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening the communities and systems that care for those who serve.
He has worked as a Veteran Care Coordinator, Peer Support Specialist, Veteran Liaison, and served on grant and safety committees, as well as Chair of the Veteran Coalition and Trainer/Advisor for the North Central WV Crisis Intervention Team at Valley Healthcare System.
Previously, he served as an Officer and Trainer for the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety.
A former U.S. Army Infantryman, his military background includes Airborne School, the Combat Infantry Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.
He holds a B.S. in Geography and Geospatial Sciences with minors in History and International Studies from Concord University in Athens, WV.