Based in Tampa, Florida, Jonathan "Jon" Yob is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has presided over the Yob Family Foundation (YFF) since 2012. Particularly passionate about nature conservancy, Jonathan Yob recently expanded the partnership between YFF and Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW).
Established by US Marine veteran Ryan Tate, VETPAW allows post-9/11 military veterans the opportunity to help park rangers in Africa protect elephants and rhinos from poachers. The illegal trade in rhino horns and ivory is a multibillion-dollar industry. It is estimated that 100 elephants are slaughtered per day to fund criminal networks and terrorist organizations. In addition to surveillance, VETPAW members train local park rangers and educate African communities on the importance of a thriving wildlife community.
VETPAW has trained more than 1,000 rangers in Africa and monitors more than 57,000 acres of natural land. VETPAW members come from all over the world and are skilled in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism. In addition to fulfilling a critical need for animal protection in Africa, participating VETPAW members benefit from a greater sense of purpose.
