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Related honors the brave military members and current team members who have served the country

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This Veterans Day, Related celebrates all those who have served in the armed forces, including dozens of our own team members. On this important day of remembrance, which coincides with the end of World War I, we also honor the families and loved ones of military members for their invaluable ongoing support. Below, meet four veterans who have given their time and energy to make America the country it is today, and who continue to contribute their indispensable experience and perspectives within Related.

Frank Monterisi, Chief Operating Officer at Related Midwest: Frank Monterisi served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999 to 2005 in the 1st Marine Division and the 22nd MEU (SOC), deploying twice overseas with those units. In 2004, he served in combat in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom where his unit took action to destabilize the Taliban in support of the first democratic elections of the then-new Afghan government. Frank adds that he is ""thankful to my colleagues and leaders at Related who, when I interned in the summer of 2006 and started full-time in 2007, welcomed and valued my experience as a veteran and how it could add to our ability to develop amazing projects in our cities.”

La Tonja Williams, Office Manager, Acts Cyrene Apartments at Related Management Company: La Tonja served the California Army National Guard from 1996 to 2004 with Headquarters 340th Forward Support Battalion in the role of Legal Specialist (71D). La Tonja joined the JROTC program when she entered high school, and as she excelled and moved up in rank, she graduated senior year as Battalion Commander with a rank of Lt. Colonel. La Tonja shares that, while she wishes she could have served a little longer, "I learned a lot through training that I still use today. All in all, I am proud of my service and I would not have changed a thing! Hooah!!"

Kyle Neilson, Senior Manager, Customer Experience at Related Companies: Kyle Neilson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010 to 2013 in the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, deploying to several areas including Guantanamo Bay and Bahrain. As a Designated Marksman with Bravo Company, Kyle helped secure locations and build relationships, often strategically using language to accomplish goals. Similar to serving in the Marines, Kyle enjoys working within "a culture that nurtures camaraderie and connections that last a lifetime."

Amanda Mason, Vice President, Intelligence​ at Related Companies: Amanda Mason has served in the U.S. Air Force since 1996 and continues to serve in the D.C. Air National Guard. Amanda originally enlisted as an Arabic linguist, holding various positions related to intelligence, and now serves as the Director of Intelligence. At Related, Amanda's role is to integrate and bridge the gap of cyber threats, national security, local law enforcement, physical security and business intelligence.

Okwuosha Anthony Nwakuche, Customer Experience Brand Ambassador, 20 Hudson Yards at Related Companies: Okwuosha Anthony Nwakuche served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2017 in the 310th Military Police Battalion after growing up in Nigeria and immigrating to the U.S. at 18 years old. In 2021, Okwuosha deployed to Camp Sablu-Harrison at the Bagram base in Afghanistan, serving with specialties in military police (31B) and human resources (42A).

Paul Mehl, Assistant Chief Engineer, 10 Hudson Yards at Related Companies: Paul Mehl served from 1979 to 1985 in the U.S. Navy. Paul's specialty was as a Nuclear Trained Propulsion Mechanical Operator on submarines, using an onboard nuclear power plant for propulsion and to generate all of the electricity necessary for the boat to fulfill its missions. Paul has found that "using the experience and knowledge gained in the Navy, it was an easy transition into the operating engineering field that has been my lifelong career for the past 36 years."