Board of Directors

Christopher James is the founder and CEO of Veterans Action Group Buffalo Soldiers of America Inc., an organization dedicated to the seamless reintegration of our nation’s heroes through informational workshops and seminars. The organization also partners with fellow service organizations and corporations that assist in the reintegration process.

Christopher is the founder of the Bed-Stuy Enrichment Center and a founding member of Bed Stuy Advocates, an organization founded in partnership with NYC’s Administration for Children's Services. In these roles, Christopher pioneered many initiatives designed to help homeowners and tenants, as well as transition at-risk youths into productive and successful members of society.

As an entrepreneur and community advocate, Christopher James is continuously looking to improve the lives of his neighbors. Christopher has been involved in creating and participating in many community-based organizations, informational town halls meetings and workshops. He has also worked as treasurer and campaign manager on several successful political campaigns, and previously hosted the radio show People, Power and Politics and the local TV show Our Community.

Christopher is involved with improving the lives of all New Yorkers through various partnerships, including serving as an NYC Human Resources Administration member and as a Community Board 3 member.

Taylor Barbuto serves as the treasurer for the organization. Coming from a proud military family, Taylor is committed to working with veterans and seeing that they get the benefits and support they deserve after serving out country .With a professional background in program administration, communications and organizational operations, Taylor brings strong skills in budgeting, coordination and strategic support to the role.

Taylor's commitment to veterans advocacy is deeply personal, with both a Father and Brother who served in the Armed Forces. Taylor is also dedicated to honoring their service by helping strengthen programs that provide veterans access to resources, opportunity and community.

Jonathan Eustache is a highly decorated and seasoned security expert, distinguished by a career of dedicated service across the U.S. Army and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). A retired U.S. Army Veteran (1993–1998), Mr. Eustache deployed to the Bosnia-Herzegovina Conflict with Task Force Eagle in 1997, where he was recognized with the Armed Forces Service Medal for his commitment and performance.

Following his military tenure, he transitioned to the NYPD (2001–2017), specializing in counter-terrorism and emergency response. He received elite Homeland Security training, notably completing the WMD Technical Emergency Response (COBRA) Course at Anniston, Alabama, qualifying him as a technical expert in managing Weapons of Mass Destruction threats. Mr. Eustache’s background reflects exceptional discipline, leadership, and expertise in high-stakes operational environments.