Mortgage Loan Officer | Military Spouse Advocate | Vetted VA Leader

Jaime Rhude is a passionate and experienced mortgage loan officer based on Florida’s Space Coast, where rocket launches are as common as her dedication to helping veterans and military families find their perfect home. With a vibrant personality and deep empathy rooted in her life as a 24-year military spouse, Jaime brings a rare blend of personal experience and professional expertise to the VA loan process.

Jaime entered the mortgage industry in 2019 after transitioning from a career in the casino and banking industries. Her journey into lending began when, after multiple PCS moves and career disruptions, she was mentored by a VA loan expert who recognized Jaime’s heart for service and her potential to make an impact in the real estate finance world. Since then, she’s become a trusted voice for military families navigating homeownership.

A proud member and squad leader within the Vetted VA community, Jaime dedicates her time to educating, mentoring, and guiding both clients and fellow professionals. Her work is fueled by personal insight—she's lived the challenges of PCS moves, geo-baching, raising kids solo during deployments, and balancing work with family life. She's also used the VA loan multiple times herself, from buying a resale home in Indiana to building a dream home in Florida.

Jaime specializes in building trust and offering clear education about the VA loan—often busting myths like “you can only use it once” or “there’s a loan limit.” She’s known for her hands-on approach, whether she's helping a first-time homebuyer overseas or mentoring another military spouse who’s trying to find flexible, meaningful work.

Connect with Jaime Rhude:⁠(321) 501-0120[email protected]https://crosscountrymortgage.com/melbourne-fl-8345/jaime-rhude/

With nearly two decades in the mortgage industry, Jason York has built a reputation as a servant leader and a relentless advocate for veteran homeownership. Starting his career when his first son was just a month old, Jason quickly found his purpose in serving military families—a passion that has shaped every aspect of his professional journey.Jason spent over 15 years at GoPrime Mortgage, where he established himself as a trusted authority on VA loans under the mentorship of veteran and company owner John Rodgers. His deep expertise, attention to detail, and heart-of-a-teacher mindset led him to become a go-to VA resource across the company and beyond.In 2022, Jason co-founded Oval Mortgage, a boutique wholesale lender specializing exclusively in VA loans. Oval—short for "Only VA Loans"—was born out of a desire to create a better platform for loan officers and brokers serving the veteran community. Under Jason’s leadership, Oval Mortgage focuses on solving pain points that traditional lenders overlook, providing underwriter-level VA knowledge, and making common-sense decisions that honor the VA handbook and the people it’s designed to serve.Known for his humility, integrity, and relentless pursuit of answers, Jason doesn’t just manage loans—he builds partnerships. Whether guiding first-time VA loan officers, collaborating with underwriters, or educating real estate agents, he brings clarity and confidence to complex transactions. He’s also a proud Vetted VA moderator, deeply involved in professional training and veteran advocacy.Based in Virginia, Jason balances his professional drive with family life, often seen at Vetted VA summer camp events with his sons—and yes, they’re all sharpshooters. His legacy is built not just on the loans he’s closed, but on the veterans he’s empowered and the professionals he’s mentored along the way.Connect with Jason York- ⁠⁠⁠⁠(757) [email protected]://www.goprime.com/loan-officers/jason-york/

Gary Foote is a dual-licensed real estate agent and mortgage professional serving clients in both Tennessee and California. With over 15 years of experience in housing and ministry, Gary brings a service-first mindset to every transaction. He began his career out of necessity during the 2009 housing crash and found purpose in helping others through their most vulnerable transitions, especially veterans and families facing challenges like his own.

Known for his calm presence, big-picture thinking, and relentless advocacy, Gary doesn’t just close deals—he solves problems. Whether it’s moving a client out of danger overnight, navigating complex VA loan approvals, or flying cross-country to serve longtime clients, Gary shows up. He specializes in helping veterans and first-time buyers find clarity and confidence through homeownership.

Now a key part of the Vetted VA leadership team, Gary combines deep industry knowledge with a steady hand and a genuine heart for people. His passion lies in making the complex simple and supporting others with honesty, accountability, and care.

Connect with Gary Foote-

⁠⁠⁠⁠(615) 801-8073⁠

[email protected]

https://homewithgaryfoote.com/vettedva/

Dallas Hidalgo is a Colorado-based real estate agent and founder of Ohana Style Realty, where every client is treated like family. With deep roots in both California and Hawaii, Dallas brings a warm, people-first approach to real estate, built on years of experience in construction, property management, and mortgage credit education. His background gives him a rare, full-circle view of the homebuying process — from foundation to financing.

Before real estate, Dallas spent 16 years as a sailboat captain off Waikiki Beach, learning how to connect with people from all walks of life. That same love for storytelling and service now shapes how he guides clients through one of the biggest purchases of their lives. A longtime jiu-jitsu practitioner, he also discovered a passion for teaching — a skill he brings into every client relationship and educational event.

Though he didn’t serve in the military, Dallas is fiercely committed to supporting those who did. As a moderator and educator with Vetted VA, he focuses on helping veterans and active-duty service members understand and maximize their VA loan benefits. He’s especially skilled at demystifying the process, correcting misinformation, and ensuring his clients are fully informed and empowered.

From helping PCS families list and sell with confidence, to co-hosting “Whiskey Tango Finance,” a local no-sales financial Q&A event, Dallas leads with knowledge, kindness, and authenticity. He lives by the Hawaiian value of ohana — that nobody gets left behind — and it shows in everything he does.

Connect with Dallas Hidalgo-

⁠⁠⁠⁠(303) 476-3081

⁠[email protected]

⁠⁠https://ohanastylerealty.com/

Brendan McKay is the founder and president of McKay Mortgage, an independent mortgage brokerage based in Bethesda, Maryland, co-founded with his mother, industry veteran Tina McKay. What began as a family business has grown into a mission-driven operation that prioritizes excellence, transparency, and advocacy—especially in serving America’s veteran community.

Brendan is a nationally recognized advocate for responsible VA lending and a leading voice in mortgage industry reform. With a passion for solving complex problems and a deep commitment to truth and justice, Brendan has helped spearhead major legislative efforts that improve access to housing benefits for disabled veterans. These include successful campaigns to expand pre-closing tax exemptions across multiple states and ongoing work to refine VA underwriting guidelines.

He is also a founding leader of the Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a grassroots movement dedicated to amplifying the voice of independent mortgage brokers in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, BAC has played a pivotal role in ending exploitative practices like trigger leads, and continues to champion pro-consumer, pro-veteran policies.

A self-described problem-solver with a sharp operational background, Brendan is known for his advocacy work, fierce client loyalty, and unshakable dedication to getting veterans into homes using the benefits they've earned. He proudly serves as the Legislative Voice for Vetted VA, helping shape and support legislative efforts that protect and empower veteran homebuyers nationwide.

When he’s not leading change on Capitol Hill or helping clients secure the best mortgage solutions, Brendan enjoys sharing insights with the Vetted VA community and elevating industry standards one loan—and one law—at a time.

Connect with Brendan McKay-

⁠⁠⁠⁠(301) 520-5677

⁠[email protected]

⁠⁠https://mckaymortgageco.com/

Aaron Clark – Serving Those Who Serve with Integrity and Grit

Aaron Clark is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, 27-year firefighter, and founder of Firehouse Mortgage, a Texas-based brokerage dedicated to helping fellow veterans and public servants achieve homeownership through the VA loan benefit.

Based in the Houston area, Aaron is a trusted Vetted VA moderator, known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to lending. With a deep commitment to education, integrity, and doing what’s right—not what’s easy—Aaron has become a go-to resource for veterans navigating complex or misunderstood aspects of VA loans.

Aaron’s philosophy is simple: “Teach first, serve always.” Whether he’s coaching a borrower through a long-term game plan or helping a colleague better understand VA residual income rules, his focus remains on empowering others with knowledge and treating every veteran like family.

Alongside his wife Rachel, a fellow public servant and former compliance lead, Aaron leads a small team of fellow firefighters, paramedics, and educators—all committed to serving their communities both in and out of uniform. Together, they close over 80 VA loans a year, often stepping in to rescue deals denied elsewhere.

When he’s not closing loans or teaching VA lending strategies, you’ll likely find Aaron in a fire engine, in a classroom, or at a political advocacy event supporting veteran housing rights. For Aaron, mortgages aren't just a job—they’re another way to serve.

Connect with Aaron Clark-

⁠(832) 347-4694

[email protected]

⁠https://www.firehousemortgage.net/

Jason Sharon – Closing the Gaps Others Miss

Jason Sharon is a 20-year Navy veteran turned mortgage expert who specializes in solving the toughest VA loan challenges. Based in Charleston, South Carolina and licensed across the Southeast, Jason is a longtime Vetted VA moderator and one of the earliest adopters of its mission to serve veterans with accuracy and care.

Known for his mastery of VA guidelines and a systems-based approach, Jason is often the last call borrowers make after being turned down—closing over 40 previously denied loans last year alone. He packages every file with precision, empathy, and a clear narrative, ensuring underwriters get the full picture, not just the paperwork.

Beyond the numbers, Jason is a proud Navy dad, published author, and dedicated trainer, helping both consumers and professionals navigate VA lending with confidence. For him, it’s not just about closing loans—it’s about opening doors to homeownership for those who’ve served.

Connect with Jason Sharon-

(843) 364-2656

[email protected]

https://www.homeloansinc.com

Clyde Penton – Helping Veterans Find Home, One Conversation at a Time

Clyde Penton never set out to work in mortgages—it found him. Back in 2002, a friend suggested he give it a shot. With no background in the business and even less knowledge of the VA home loan, Clyde took a chance. Like many, he stumbled his way in, took a break during the housing crash, and came back in 2012 with a fresh perspective—and a purpose.

That’s when everything changed.

Working for a company focused solely on VA loans, Clyde had his first real conversations with veterans about their service, their dreams, and their homes. It wasn’t just paperwork—it was heart work. And as a Navy brat himself (his dad served over 22 years), it struck a chord. He realized something: even growing up in a military household, he had never heard about the VA home loan. That gap in knowledge lit a fire in him.

Since then, Clyde’s spent more than a decade dedicated to helping veterans and service members understand and use one of the most powerful tools they have—the VA home loan benefit. And over the past seven years, as part of the Vetted VA team, he’s become a trusted voice in the space, combining deep technical knowledge with genuine care for the people he serves.

But Clyde’s not just a mortgage guy.

He’s a husband, a proud girl dad to four incredible daughters (from high school to grad school), and a budding homesteader with a love for rabbits, good BBQ, and a slower pace of life on his five-acre Georgia property. He’s building a life that feels rooted—and helping others do the same. Whether it’s on TikTok through his “BBQ & Home Buying” channel or answering questions in the Vetted VA Facebook group, Clyde shows up with humility, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

For him, it’s not just about helping people buy houses—it’s about helping them feel at home.

Connect with Clyde Penton:

(404) 604-7013

[email protected]

https://www.clydethemortgageguy.com/

Randy Teakell – Texas Loan Pro, Veteran Advocate, and All-Around Good Guy

If you’ve spent any time in the Vetted VA community, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Randy Teakell—offering guidance, answering questions, or sharing a story that somehow brings a complicated VA loan scenario down to earth. Based in Celina, Texas (just north of Dallas), Randy’s one of those rare people who makes you feel like you’re in good hands from the moment you meet him—and you are.

Randy was the first person to complete the original Vetted VA testing back in 2020, setting the tone for what it means to be both informed and committed. But his roots in service go way deeper. Whether it’s helping a fellow Texan or guiding a service member across the country, Randy’s focus has always been simple: help people get what they’ve earned and make sure they’re treated right along the way.

His journey into the mortgage world wasn’t straight and narrow—he came in through finance and collections, where he quickly realized that restructuring loans and relieving financial stress wasn’t just rewarding, it was life-changing. That belief still fuels everything he does.

Randy’s not just a mortgage expert—he’s a husband, a father, and a proud grandfather. He raises champion Golden Retrievers (seriously, they’ve won titles) and keeps a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats that, yes, he absolutely adores. His approach to both his animals and his clients is the same: invest the time, do it the right way, and treat each one with care.

In his classes, Randy helps real estate agents unlearn old myths about VA loans. He once had a seasoned broker realize after one session that he’d been rejecting VA offers for 20 years—just because he didn’t know any better. Randy’s mission is to change that—one conversation, one class, one borrower at a time.

Above all, Randy believes in doing right by people—especially veterans and service-disabled buyers who are too often overlooked or misunderstood in this process. If there’s a way to make it better, simpler, or fairer, you can count on Randy to find it—and then share it with everyone else.

You’ll find Randy on Facebook (it might as well be his second office), in the Vetted VA groups, out teaching across Texas, or maybe just in a field somewhere training his next four-legged champion. But no matter where he is, you can be sure of one thing: he’s doing it with heart.

Connect with Randy:

972-989-9903

[email protected]

https://randyteakellmortgage.com/

Shaun Hamman isn’t just a mortgage pro—he’s a Marine, a mentor, a relentless learner, and someone who never stops giving back to the veteran community he proudly belongs to.

With years of experience crisscrossing the East Coast in both life and career, Shaun’s seen the mortgage industry from nearly every angle. He’s been a broker, a lender, a product creator, and now a leader at American Financial Network (AFA), where he helps shape the company’s VA lending strategy and growth. Along the way, he’s earned a reputation as the go-to guy for VA construction loans—especially the tricky-but-powerful One-Time Close (OTC) loan. If someone in the Vetted VA community says, “I want to build a house,” chances are they’re told, “You need to talk to Shaun.”

What makes Shaun stand out isn’t just what he knows—it’s how he shows up. He’s not one to gatekeep information. Instead, he rolls up his sleeves, jumps into the Vetted VA Facebook group, and helps veterans understand their VA loan benefits without the sales pitch. He’s taught classes, answered thousands of questions, and led peer groups as a squad leader. Shaun’s the kind of guy who will challenge you to know more, do more, and expect more—because he genuinely cares about helping veterans make informed, confident choices about homeownership.

Outside of the mortgage world, Shaun’s a family man who still keeps a Marine-level fitness standard (partially to keep his golf game sharp, and maybe to win a bet or two). He’s grounded, approachable, and passionate about doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or trying to build from the ground up, Shaun Hamman is someone you want in your corner. He’s walked the walk, and now he’s here to help others find their way home.

Connect with Shaun Hamman:⁠

(201) 874-6595

[email protected]

https://wisehome.loans/