Meet our Board
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Sylvia Ruth Sheck serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance, bringing decades of experience and a deep commitment to service.
Born and raised in Majuro, Marshall Islands, Ms. Sheck is devoted to supporting her community—especially Marshallese populations across the Pacific Northwest.
She is a retired United States Army Medic with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Her military service includes a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While on active duty, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Historical and Political Studies from Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Following her retirement, Ms. Sheck continued serving veterans as a consultant and trainer with the Veterans Administration in Portland, Oregon. There, she helped connect veterans to community care health services and trained medical support assistant teams.
Sylvia's background includes extensive experience managing medical, administrative, and support services, along with logistics and office coordination.
As the proud wife of an Army infantryman and mother of two active-duty servicemembers, she remains passionately committed to advocating for veterans and their families.
Her leadership and dedication are instrumental in advancing the mission of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance—ensuring Marshallese veterans and their families receive the recognition, support, and resources they have earned.
President
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Dale Nabu serves as the Vice President of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance, where he leverages his military experience, academic background, and public service expertise to advocate for Marshallese veterans and their families.
A proud native of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dale is a U.S. Army veteran who served honorably with the 25th Infantry Division's 1-27 Wolfhounds and the 101st Airborne Division's 1-187 Rakkasans at Fort Campbell. As a Dual MOS (11C/11B), he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn from 2010 to 2011. His time in uniform instilled in him critical skills in leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking—qualities he continues to apply in service of his community.
After transitioning from military life, Dale pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Eastern Oregon University. He now serves as the Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro, where he works to strengthen U.S.-Marshallese relations through media, cultural outreach, and policy dialogue.
Passionate about civic awareness and government transparency, Dale is also a vocal advocate for public understanding of the Compact of Free Association (COFA) and the importance of holding leaders accountable for the use of allocated resources. His commitment to timely communication, community engagement, and informed advocacy makes him a vital part of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance leadership team.
Dale's journey from soldier to public servant reflects his unwavering dedication to his people, his country, and the mission of empowering Marshallese veterans through education, representation, and action.
Vice President
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Selynn Anni serves as the Secretary of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance, where her leadership, organizational skills, and dedication to service play a key role in advancing the Alliance's mission. In her role, she manages official records, supports communication and coordination among board members, and ensures the smooth operation of the organization's programs and initiatives.
Selynn began her journey in service on June 6, 2011, when she joined the United States Army as a 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist). Her military career laid the foundation for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and passion for helping others.
Following her time in the Army, Selynn continued to grow academically and professionally. She earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the world's largest and most prestigious honor society for two-year college students. She also completed a certificate of completion in Accounting, showcasing her versatility and drive.
For the past 11 years, Selynn has proudly worked as a Pharmacy Technician, making a daily impact in healthcare. Additionally, she spent 3 years as a Customer Agent Representative with American Airlines, where she helped people navigate travel with care and professionalism.
Selynn's journey—from soldier to scholar to healthcare and community advocate—reflects her deep commitment to service. As Secretary of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance, she continues to uplift her fellow veterans and contribute meaningfully to the Marshallese community.
Secretary
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Marlene Riklon Tolliver is the Treasurer and Founder of the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance (MVA). Originally from Majuro, Marshall Islands, Marlene is a retired Chief Warrant Officer (W-3) from the United States Coast Guard, where she served honorably for 25 years.
She began her Coast Guard career on July 15, 1996, as an electrician's mate and rose through the ranks to become a Chief Warrant Officer specializing in naval engineering. Throughout her service, she earned a degree in Electrical Technology from Thomas Edison State University, served aboard three Coast Guard Cutters, and managed ship repair projects with multimillion-dollar budgets. She also served as an instructor, teaching residential and marine electricity at the USCG Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia.
Marlene's career was marked by her dedication not only to technical excellence but also to leadership, mentorship, and inclusion. She actively contributed to morale, diversity, and professional development initiatives within the Service.
After retiring in 2021, Marlene founded the Marshallese Veterans' Alliance to ensure that Marshallese veterans and their families have access to the benefits, recognition, and support they have earned. As Treasurer, she oversees the organization's financial health and helps lead its strategic efforts to build a stronger veteran community.
Beyond her work with MVA, Marlene serves as an Advisory Board Member for NITO's Wings, a nonprofit focused on improving the health and welfare of Marshallese individuals in the U.S. and back home. She is also an Advisor to the Sacramento Marshallese Youth Coalition, supporting programs that uplift and empower the next generation through education, leadership, and cultural pride.
Marlene resides in California with her husband, Tim Tolliver—an active-duty Coast Guardsman—and their children. Her lifelong commitment to service continues to shape her efforts to strengthen and advocate for the Marshallese community.
Treasurer
Advisory Boardmember
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Frederick Nysta is a U.S. Army veteran who honorably served for 20 years as a Financial Management Specialist (73C). Following his military career, he continued his public service as a Grants Management Specialist with the U.S. Department of the Interior in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, where he oversaw Compact grants under the U.S.–RMI Compact of Free Association (COFA) Agreement beginning in April 2015.
A native of the Marshall Islands, Frederick Nysta has made significant contributions to advancing veteran recognition in the islands, including his role in establishing Post 22 Returning Warriors in Majuro. His leadership and expertise continue to strengthen the Marshallese Veterans’ Alliance and its mission to empower and honor Marshallese service members and their families.