Shad Meshad is the founder of the Nationwide Vietnam Vet Center Outreach Program, and founder and president of the National Veterans Foundation. He was also President of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists(1995-1998).

Shad was in active military service in 1969 as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He served one tour of duty as a Psych Officer for I&II Corps in the Republic of South Vietnam.

He is author of the highly acclaimed book, Captain for Dark Mornings. Shad has made numerous presentations, both national and international, on Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and issues affecting the combat verteran. He served on numerous veteran's advisory committees nationwide. Shad continues to consult, train, and cousel nationally and internationally.