2025 Weekend To Remember Honored Warriors

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice, 3d Platoon, Troop D, distinguished himself at Khesanh. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and three fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area.

At the onset of the attack Sp4c. Fitzmaurice observed three explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled two of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy.

Although seriously wounded, Sp4c. Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Sp4c. Fitzmaurice’s extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Sp4c. Fitzmaurice and the U.S. Army.

Command Sergeant Major Robert Martin Patterson is a retired U.S. Army soldier and a recipient of the U.S. military’s highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Robert Martin Patterson was born on 16 April 1948 in Durham, NC. He joined the Army from Raleigh, NC, in 1966. After he enlisted in the Army, Patterson was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in his native North Carolina. In December 1967, a few months before his 20th birthday, he was transferred to the 17th Cavalry and sent to Vietnam.

Six months later, on 6 May 1968, Sp4 Patterson and his platoon was ordered to sweep out what they were told was a small force of Vietcong near the farming region of La Chu. Instead, what his platoon found there was a battalion-sized force of North Vietnamese Army regulars; they were outnumbered by more than three to one.

In the ensuing firefight, Patterson’s squad was cut off from the rest of the platoon by a complex of enemy bunkers and one-man “spider-holes.” Climbing to the second floor of a pagoda, Patterson was able to destroy two of the bunkers, but several more remained. With flanking maneuvers stalled and his unit taking casualties, Patterson made the fateful decision to charge into the hail of enemy fire – and that was when his memory went out. Though he would remember none of it, his fellow soldiers saw him single-handedly destroy five bunkers, kill eight enemy soldiers, and capture a cache of weapons. With that opening, his squad was able to rejoin their platoon and continue the attack until they were relieved the next morning.

For his heroic actions during the battle, Patterson was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Sergeant. Later that year, he returned home to Fort Bragg.

Richard L. (Rick) Bates was born on 2 April 1948 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in June of 1970 with a BA in English Literature. He attended the AFROTC program there and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in June of 1970.  He attended Undergraduate Navigator training at Mather Air Force Base Ca Aug 70 to Jun 71.  After receiving his wings, he attended combat crew training in the F-4 at George Air Force Base CA Aug 71 to Feb 72. In Mar of 72 he reported for duty at Ubon RT Air Force Base Thailand.  In the next six months he flew over 135 combat missions (92 to NVN) and over 350 combat hours. On 5 Oct 72 his F-4 Phantom was shot down over North Vietnam (RP-1). Rick spent the next six months as a prisoner of war. After his repatriation on 29 Mar 73, Rick attended USAF Pilot training at Williams Air Force Base AZ and F-4 training at George Air Force Base. His assignments included Hill Air Force Base UT, Hahn AB Germany, and George Air Force Base CA where he served as an instructor pilot, training German AF pilots. In Jan of 84 he was assigned to Edwards Air Force Base CA where he was the chief of the Standardization/Evaluation Division of the Air Force Flight Test Center. While at Edwards, he was currently in the F-4 and the A-7 Corsair. He flew over eighteen different models and types while at Edwards. In Jun of 88 he returned to George Air Force Base and continued to train German AF pilots until his retirement in August of 1990. In June of 91 Rick joined a Defense Dept contractor where he flew the F-86, F-100, T-33 as well as the F-4.  In Feb 1998 he joined American Airlines where he served as an instructor pilot in the MD-80 aircraft simulator.  In 2012 He upgraded to the AirBus A320 aircraft, which he taught until his retirement from American on one November 2019.  Currently Rick works as a volunteer docent at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. He is presently involved in a project to restore an Air Force F-4 C to Southeast camouflage and squadron livery from his Southeast Asia squadron.  Rick has over 3500 hours in fighter aircraft including over 350 hours of combat. He has flown over twenty different aircraft models/types. His awards include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, The Bronze Star with “V”, two Purple Hearts, three Legions of Merit and thirteen Air Medals.  He earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1989. He is active in the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Assn. (having served on the national board in several positions including President), The Order of Daedalians, and the Ancient Order of Quiet Birdmen. He is married to the former Jeannette Grohs of Apple Valley, CA. He has one son and three grandsons.

First Lieutenant Patrick Cleburne McClary, III, USMC, Retired, known to thousands as “Clebe McClary,” is an American hero. During the Vietnam War, while some of his contemporaries were staging anti-war protests and desecrating the American flag, the Low country native was serving as a platoon leader in the First Reconnaissance Battalion. On the battalion’s 19th recon patrol, the unit was attacked by the Viet Cong and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Lieutenant McClary was seriously wounded, losing his left arm and left eye, yet he continued to lead his men. The numerous surgeries (30+) and long recovery period that followed could have taken a bitter toll, but he faced his rehabilitation with characteristic determination. In the years since, Lieutenant McClary has become a symbol of courage and hope to the many audiences around the world with whom he has shared his story.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Billy E. Boedecker (ASN: US-54440175), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate).  Private First Class Boedecker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in close combat on 18 November 1967 as acting assistant machine gunner of an airborne infantry company conducting search and destroy operations on Hill 882 near Dak To. His unit was moving toward the crest of the hill when it was subjected to savage automatic weapons, rocket, and small arms fire from an estimated two companies of North Vietnamese Army soldiers. Private Boedecker unhesitatingly raced to the point of heaviest contact, set up his machine gun and placed devastating fire on the hostile force, killing six of the enemy. He was wounded by small arms fire and taken to the center of the perimeter. After receiving first aid, he quickly moved back to his machine gun, shouting words of encouragement to his fellow soldiers as he ran toward the forward position. During the ensuing action, Private Boedecker was struck six more times by enemy bullets. He was evacuated to the rear, treated, and told to remain with the other seriously wounded men. Although weak from loss of blood, he got to his feet and courageously returned once more to his exposed position, repelling furious North Vietnamese assaults with a heavy volume of fire. While fighting fiercely against the advancing hostile force, Private Boedecker was wounded yet again by an enemy rocket and evacuated from the battlefield to a hospital. Private First Class Boedecker’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Brooklyn native Scott Francis O’Grady always wanted to be a pilot. Growing up in a military family, Scott got his pilot license when he was a teenager living in Spokane, Washington. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, joined the ROTC and set his eyes on the Air Force. In December 1989, he began his military pilot training and spent the next two years learning the craft of the fighter pilot. Later based in South Korea, some of his missions involved flying along the demilitarized zone between the North and the South. In 1994, flying out of Aviano Air Force Base, Italy, during the Balkan War, Capt. O’Grady helped make NATO history when he became part of its first combat mission during the Balkan civil war and took part in the Banja Luka incident where he fired upon six hostile enemy aircraft. On June 2, 1995, on another routine combat patrol flying an oval pattern over northwest Bosnia, Scott was shot down by an SA-6 mobile missile launcher and forced to eject from his flaming F-16c into hostile Serbian held territory. After nearly a week of evading the Serbs he was eventually rescued by Marines. Scott co-wrote two best-selling books, telling his incredible story in Basher Five-Two: The True Story of F-16 Fighter Pilot Captain Scott O’Grady and Return with Honor, which details the spiritual effects of his experiences. The 2001 film, Behind Enemy Lines, is loosely based upon his experiences. His courageous story has been documented on the Discovery Channel presentation: Behind Enemy Lines and Scott has been featured on CNN’s Voices of the Millennium, and the Then and Now series that focus on the most influential personalities of the 20th Century. After 12 years of military service, Scott entered inactive service reserve status. He enrolled atDallas Theological Seminary and graduated with a master’s degree in the spring of 2007 and now calls Texas home.

Andy was born in Manhattan, NY on January 11, 1925, and was raised in Brooklyn, NY.  At the age of 17 Andy tried to enlist in the service but was rejected by every branch due to his vision in his left eye. He enlisted at 18 when the draft began. Andy served 3 years active and then joined the reserves for 26 years. During WWII he served in Europe including Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Andy was in the Battle of the Bulge and in December 2024 returned to the battlefield for the 80 th Commemoration. Besides being a rifleman in the infantry.  When the war ended Andy remained in Europe for another year to interrogate SS and German prisoners and help coordinate the liberation of Towns.  After his service, Andy began his bodybuilding career. He opened a gym in Queens, NY where some of the top bodybuilders would train including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and many others. He would also judge these competitors at major events including the Olympia.  He would bring athletes to Riker’s Island to speak to troubled teens, to the Special Olympic events, and would speak to students at local high schools. In 1977 Andy won the title of Mr. America Senior at age 52. In 1979 he founded the National Gym Association, Inc., (NGA) a non-profit organization that promotes natural bodybuilding shows throughout the country. He is still highly active with the NGA and will be competing on May 10, 2025, to gain the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest bodybuilder in the world at the age of 100.

Charles A.J. Braun who later earned the rank of Master Sergeant in the US Air Force was born on September 16, 1926, to WWI Veteran Joseph and his wife Bertha Mae Braun in Rantoul, Illinois while his father was serving at Chanute Air Base.

His father was a WWI Veteran.  Charlie’s family has over 154yrs combined service to the USA.

His father and mother raised their 8 children including 7 boys on army bases all over Texas before settling in Waco where Charlie received his diploma from Waco High School.  In 1944 the government offered early release with a diploma to anyone who enlisted in the military.  This was the start of Charlie’s 26-year military career.

While in the Army during WWII his job was preparing and maintaining survival equipment for the air crews.  He worked for some time in the Panama Canal zone.  When the war was over, he stayed in the military and jumped over to the Air Force when it was formed in 1947.  As Charlie tells it, when the Korean war broke out June 25, 1950, they didn’t have to deploy me to Korea, I was already there!

After serving time in Korea, he came back to the states and moved his family from base to base depending on the assignment he was given.  In 1965 he was first deployed to Vietnam.  As he states, I was given a bullet proof vest to wear but the pilot laughed at me and said, NO, don’t put it on, you sit on it!!   They will shoot you from the ground!

Charlie served another year in Vietnam in 1967.  After his deployment in Vietnam, he knew it was time to retire because he like he’d survive a third deployment.  I just knew if I went back again, I’d be killed.  

Charlie retired as Master Sergeant in 1970.  He moved to Wise County Texas and raised his family and was a key part in the formation of the emergency medical services in Wise County.  Before Charlie took charge there were no formal services to answer the emergency calls.  At one point he kept the ambulance in his front yard ready to respond to calls.  He received his EMT license and many other lifesaving certifications over the years.        

Louis Brown was born in Meridian, Mississippi on November 29, 1925. He was drafted in the Army in the Spring of 1944. He served his entire tour in Europe. He traveled to Liverpool, England, Le Havre, France, and Germany. He was assigned to the 4036 Quartermaster Trucking Company as a Corporal. His duties included driving a 40-foot trailer, delivering 5-gallon gas cans and ammo for General Patton. Louis recalls transporting the supplies at night, because during the day they had to avoid enemy fire. One of Louis’ most favorable memories is meeting up with his brother in Europe, who was also serving in the Army. Louis was awarded two battle stars; he was discharged in 1946. He currently resides in Inglewood. Louis Brown moved to California in 1946, where he met and married his late wife of 42 years. They raised two daughters. He has lived at his residence in Inglewood since the early 1960s. Louis retired from the city of Los Angeles where he worked as a construction technician for more than 33 years. Over the years, Louis has had many hobbies. He currently enjoys a morning walk with some of his close friends. They meet up daily for breakfast where they share stories of their life experiences. Louis also enjoys going to the gym where he gets in a workout, shooting pool, playing dominos, and going to casinos. He annually attends veteran functions hosted by San Diego Honor Flight. Every year, Louis travels back to Mississippi to visit friends and family. Louis has been a longtime Dodger fan and is known to wear his Dodger blue on game day! Louis genuinely enjoys his life and is proud of his service to our great nation!

Joe Etheredge was born in Jackson, Mississippi on August 13, 1927.  He was drafted in the Army in September of 1945.  He served his tour in the South Pacific. He traveled through Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan with the Transportation Corps.  Joe was assigned to the 438th Port Battalion. Joe was quickly promoted to a Staff Sergeant.  He was a stevedore, his duties included, but not limited to unloading Army Cargo ships. He remembers daily unloading cement that weighed over 90 pounds, Joe said that’s why he’s still so muscular today!  Joe was discharged in 1947 and moved to Los Angeles in 1966. He was married to his late wife for 38 years. They raised their two daughters. Joe retired from LAX City where he worked in maintenance for 23 years. He has been involved in many community activities throughout his life. He currently remains an active member of his church, where he volunteers in numerous functions. He currently enjoys a morning walk with some of his close friends. They meet up daily for breakfast where they share stories of their life experiences. Joe annually attends veteran functions hosted by San Diego Honor Flight. He continues to travel, especially to Atlanta to visit with friends and family. Joe has been an avid Dodger fan since he moved to Los Angeles. When the game is on, you can surely find him sitting in his favorite chair cheering for the Dodgers! Joe is proud of his service to our great nation!

Patrick Zilliacus was born in Helsinki, Finland, May 11, 1926. He grew up there, as well as Sweden and Italy, and came to the US in December 1939. He was inducted into the US Navy on June 30, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN. After Boot Camp, Torpedo and Submarine Schools, he was assigned to the USS Spot in Mare Island, CA. Made four successful war patrols sinking 17 enemy ships and destroying a radar station on Kokusan To.  He survived numerous depth charge attacks, surface gunfights with several wounded, barely avoided getting rammed by the armed minelayer W-17, and also journeyed through minefields in Formosa Strait with mine cables scraping the hull while the sub was under water. Patrick left the USS Spot at the end of the war and stayed in the Active Reserve. He went through Officer Submarine School and sailed on several submarine cruises (one was the USS Toro) and also spent a day at sea aboard the most modern German submarine (U 2513) which had been captured at the end of the war in Europe.  He was urged to go into Naval Intelligence, mostly due to extensive travel and language qualifications however he declined the honor since going to the Navy Language School was impossible due to civilian career demands. Honorable Discharge as Lt.j.g. June 1961.  He married his wife Mercedes Zilliacus, has four children, five grandsons. His son, earlier served in the US Army Reserves.  At age 97, he started writing action novels (including “Blockade” “Cerberus” “Cerberus on Mars” “Stops Along the Way”), and painting original watercolor illustrations for the books.

1SG Miles Baughman is originally from Cut Bank, Montana and enlisted in the MT Army National Guard in April 2002. He attended One Station Unit Training (OSUT) as an infantryman at Ft. Benning, Georgia and deployed to Iraq with 1-163^rd IN BN in 2004-05 in support of OIF III.

Baughman was selected to transfer to the 190^th Chemical Reconnaissance Detachment with 19^th Special Forces Group in June 2007 and has served there as chemical operations NCO, Assistant Team Leader, and Team Leader before taking over as Detachment NCOIC in July 2021. He is currently serving as First Sergeant of Co A 372^nd DSSB since being selected in October 2023.

Baughman’s civilian education includes Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance and Master of Social Work. Military education includes primary leadership development course (PLDC), Basic Non-Commissioned officer course (BNCOC), Senior Leader Course (SLC) and Master Leader Course (MLC). He is also a graduate of Ranger School, Airborne School, USASOC Jumpmaster Course, Pathfinder, Air Assault, Basic Military Mountaineering Course (BMMC), Advanced Military Mountaineering Course summer (AMMC-Sum), and Exploitation Analysis Center Lab Manager.

His awards and decorations include:

Combat Infantry Badge

Master Parachutist Badge

Army Good Conduct Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M Device

Meritorious Service Medal

Army Commendation Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Army Achievement Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Cluster

Global War On Terrorism Service Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star

Valorous Unit Award

Overseas Service Ribbon

Baughman is a Federal Technician at Range Operations on Ft Harrison, MT and lives in Helena, MT with his wife Marieke, daughters Brooklyn and Ellie and son Tristan.

John Bell graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1965. He was drafted in November 1966 and sent to Fort Bliss for basic training. He was then sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia for advanced training. After AIT, He was sent to Fort Benning for parachute training and in May of 1967 was sent to Vietnam where he joined the 173rd Airborne. John spent 5 1⁄2 months in the jungle until he was wounded on November 18th in the battle for Dak To. After surgery at Tue Hoa, he was sent to Japan where he underwent several surgeries and a bad bout of Malaria. After two months in Japan, he was sent to Darnell Hospital at Fort Hood where he spent 8 months. John was discharged in September 1968 and became an electrician. He married his wife Kay and are celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this year. Kay and John have 2 sons and 4 grandsons. John is now retired and lives a Lake Palo Pinto

Brent served as a combat medic with the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. As a NCO combat medic, he was awarded Parachute Jump Wings, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Medical Badge and Meritorious Service Badge.  One of Brent’s greatest lifetime privileges was traveling the country alongside his hero, WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Woody Williams, who is also his grandfather.  Brent is the owner/operator of Valor Coins and Pins, a challenge coin business he started in 2017.

Michael was born in Grapevine, TX on July 16th, 1994. From a young age he knew he wanted to become a Marine. Michael earned the title of Marine in 2012 after graduating from boot camp in San Diego, CA. Shortly after completing the School of Infantry he was assigned to 2nd BN 3rd MAR located on the island of Oahu, HI. During the work up for deployment he was assigned the role of grenadier. His first deployment was a Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to Okinawa Japan. From there he forward deployed to Korea to assist in joint training with the Korean Military and other partner forces. Upon returning state side, he was assigned the role of team leader where he completed another UDP. Later Michael would join the cadre at the advanced school of infantry and the Marine Corps Martial Arts instructor program. 

Michael got out of the Marines in November of 2016. Later he would join a police department in the Dallas-Ft Worth area. He now serves on a SWAT team and accident reconstruction team. Michael enjoys hunting and skydiving in his free time and aims to become a skydiving instructor one day.

SFC Gerald DeMarzo was born New Jersey in 1968 and raised on the east coast of Florida during the 70’s and 80’s before enlisting in the Army in February of 1987. During his time in the Army he served with 1/509th Joint Readiness Training Center in Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas; 6th ID Long Range Surveillance Detachment in Ft. Richardson, Alaska; 101st Pathfinder Company in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; 4th Ranger Training Brigade in Ft. Benning, Georgia; 5th Special Forces Group in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; B/2/1st Special Warfare Training Group in Yuma Proving Gound, Arizona and 1st Special Forces Group in Ft. Lewis, Washington. The missions my units deployed on included Humanitarian missions in Central and South America; Joint Multi-National Drug Enforcement Missions in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean; Joint Combined Exchange Training, (JCET), in South Korea, Yemen, Nepal and Trinidad and Tobago; and combat missions in Iraq. 

He was fortunate enough to experience many memorable things during his time in service, the culture from many countries, while either training or providing humanitarian and rescue missions in several countries, flying a UH-60 helicopter in a third world country, jumping out of an aircraft at over 22,000 feet, representing some of my units in multiple competitions to include a biathlon in Alaska in -63 degree weather, and The Best Ranger Competition. He also had the distinct honor of aiding a family for one of their fallen brothers as the Casualty Assistance Officer, and of course the privilege of following, serving with, and leading some of the best men in the world in both peacetime and combat operations. Along the way he was able to earn the Special Forces tab, Ranger tab, my Military Free-Fall Instructor Identification number, as well as many other awards and decorations.

In January of 2015 he retired from the US Army and moved back to the Sunshine State of Florida where he currently resides. Gerald has held licenses as an insurance agent, a real estate agent, a financial planner, and an independent insurance adjuster as well as doing volunteer work for non-profit organizations for about ten years.

Roy enlisted in the US Navy delayed entry program in 1989, prior to graduating from Baker High School; Baker, Louisiana.  Upon successful completion of Navy Recruit Training, Orlando, Florida, Roy was assigned his first duty station, USS Dewey (DDG-45), Charleston, South Carolina.   He completed his first rotation in the Persian Gulf, escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, during the Iranian Silkworm Missile Crisis.  Assisted in the rescue and recovery operation of the crew of the U.S.-flagged Kuwaiti Tanker Surf City, after an explosion on the tanker took the lives of two of its officers, and the remaining crew abandoned the burning ship.  Upon completion of his first Persian Gulf deployment, 1990, the USS Dewey was decommissioned, and he was reassigned to VFA-195, CAG-5, Atsugi, Japan, after completion of Navy Personnelman Training, Meridian, Mississippi.   VFA-195 was attached to the USS Midway (CV-41), during Operation Desert Watch, and subsequently, Operation Desert Storm; and during the early hours of January 17th, 1991, F/A-18s from VFA-195 were some of the earliest to deliver ordinance in the liberation of Kuwait, from Iraqi forces.  He was honorably discharged in 1995.   After completion of his commitment, Roy had become a “Jack of All Trades”, building custom log homes in the mountains of Montana, running a fishing resort outside of Yellowstone National Park, wrangling buffalo for the Montana Department of Livestock, and eventually completing his Batchelor’s of Science in Sociology, with Criminology focus, from Montana State University.  He has been a Transportation Planner for the Montana Department of Transportation, for the past 12 years, and was recently appointed to the US Department of Transportation Motorcyclist Advisory Council.  He is a member of the Servants For Christ Motorcycle Ministry, is the lead singer and guitarist for the praise and worship band Soothing Souls, and is the announcer for Montana’s only Iron Horse Rodeo, the Beartooth Rally Iron Horse Rodeo, Red Lodge, MT.

Brian’s journey began when he joined the navy at 17, eager to explore the world. His service took him to Norfolk, VA and Alameda, CA, where he sailed through diverse locales like the Mediterranean, the Arctic, around Cape Horn, and through the Panama Canal.
After the navy, Brian joined the army reserve. His dedication led him to support the 12 th Special Forces Group. He continued his service in active duty, first as a medic and then as a nurse, earning his airborne and crew wings. His commitment to service saw him stationed at Fort Benning, GA, and Fort Bragg, NC. He also served overseas in Mogadishu, Somalia, Djibouti and Yongsan, Korea.

Today, Brian lives near Fort Knox, KY where he works as a hand-engraver and silversmith with his wife, Sonja. In this quieter phase of life, he enjoys the precision and creativity of his craft, a peaceful contrast to his years of service around the world.

Grant Giacomazzi grew up in eastern Washington State and after high school he joined the US Marine Corps. Grant’s first duty station was at the White House Communications Agency providing security and traveling abroad on presidential trips. Grant spent two years as a squad leader and platoon guide with 3 Battalion, 1 Marines, India Company, deploying to the Persian Gulf.  Grant exited the Marines as a sergeant after 6 years of active duty. Grant was hired by the Washington State Patrol as a trooper and retired as a sergeant after 25 years of service. He had the opportunity to serve in several specialty positions to include narcotics detective, SWAT operator and sniper, Marijuana ERAD team, and collision technical investigator. Throughout his life and varied careers, Grant’s love for the outdoors and hunting has remained constant. Whether hunting with bow and arrow, muzzleloader, or modern firearm, Grant enjoys educating and mentoring others on the ethics, safety, and skills of the hunt. He was able to meld his passion for the outdoors with his professional career when he was hired as a game warden with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Police two years ago. Grant has made his home in the east slopes of Cascade Mountains in Washington State with Tammy, his wife of 30 years. Tammy works as the athletic director of a local high school, and the two of them have three grown children, two of whom serve in the US Air Force.

SGT Morgan Foster was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on December 16th, 1985. He was raised on a beef cattle ranch about 20 miles east of Rapid City. Growing up he played baseball and football.  Most of his time was spent working on the ranch helping however he could. The summer between his Junior and Senior year he decided to join the Marine Corps. He entered into the MEPS program and left for boot camp in February of 2004 and graduated in May 2004.  

After boot camp he went through combat training and then into my MOS training which was for 0651 Data Systems Specialist. Morgan was sent to the 8th Communications Battalion on Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He was only at 8th Comm for about a month before they sent him to 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He deployed 2 times with the 26th MEU. Once in 2005 and then again in 2007. Both deployments the 26th MEU was aboard ships in the Mediterranean Sea as theater reserve. His unit spent a lot of time either training units in friendly countries, doing some humanitarian missions, and stopping at joint force bases in the area and installing or maintaining communication systems the Marines had installed as retransmission sights.  

After separation he began college in 2008. He completed 2 associate degrees from 2008 to 2013. One was for Mechatronic Systems and the other was for Biomedical Engineering Technician. After completion of those degrees, he began working in a hospital on medical equipment. He worked in that field from 2013 to 2024. He works on the ranch he grew up on in hopes of taking it overtaking over the family property.  He also works remodeling houses for people. He is married and has 3 daughters.

Kevin was born on July 6th, 1980 near Los Angeles, CA where he spent his first 20 years. In his teen years he was often racing dirt bikes in the Mojave Desert where he won back-to-back championships in ’94 and ’95. After backing off racing, he initially pursued a career in mathematics. Kevin earned a BS from UC Santa Barbara and then an MS from University of Nevada, Reno (both in Applied Mathematics). After about 5 years of teaching experience at various colleges and universities in CA, NV, and AZ, he turned to another lifelong dream of being a military pilot. He joined the US Army while in AZ through the Warrant Officer Flight Training (WOFT) program in Aug 2012 at age 32. During the first 2 years of training he married, had his first son, and earned his pilot wings for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter. From Alabama he went 3-1 Aviation Regiment of Fort Riley, KS. Here he spearheaded a coordinated helicopter observation mission of the first Army UAV flight outside of Army restricted airspace into US civilian airspace. In Dec 2015 the Hayden’s welcomed their second son. From August 2016 to March 2017, Kevin deployed to Afghanistan where he earned an Air Medal. There he planned and executed 8 deliberate operations of air assaults on HVTs, several medivac support missions, and many logistical flights. Upon his return he became an instructor pilot and went to the 12 Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, VA. By this time, both of Kevin’s boys had been diagnosed with Autism. After 3 years of assessing and training pilots in VA, he turned down a promotion to CW3 and exited the Army in Aug 2020 at exactly 8 years of service. His new mission is being a devoted husband and father, focusing on raising his 2 boys while residing back in CA.

Greg Holmlund is currently a Patrol Sergeant with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena, Montana where he was born and raised. He attended Capital High School, graduating in 1995. 

Greg joined the Helena Police Department in 1996 as a Volunteer Auxiliary Officer and became a sworn Reserve Officer in 1998. Greg maintained this position while raising his three children along with his wife of 25 years, Sabrina. While raising their children, Greg and Sabrina owned and operated two local businesses. After their children were older and the last business was sold, Greg still had a strong desire to serve his community and decided to pursue a full-time career in law enforcement.

In the spring of 2012, Greg applied with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office and was hired in August. Throughout his career, Greg worked in the Patrol Division, and then as a Detective investigating sex crimes and domestic violence. During this time, Greg promoted to the rank of Corporal. After nearly five years, Greg went to the Civil Division and after a short time, promoted to Sergeant in December of 2021. This promotion re-assigned Greg to the Patrol Division where he is still assigned.

During his career, Greg has been a Field Training Officer (FTO) and still currently manages the FTO program. He was the Search and Rescue (SAR) Liaison for nearly ten years, is an active member of a committee that manages over 100 patrol and specialty vehicles as well as a committee that writes and maintains the Sheriff’s Office’s Policy and Procedures. Greg is also on the Board of Directors for Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Montana and leads the team in Lewis and Clark County teaching crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to law enforcement and other first responders. 

On his off time, Greg enjoys travelling, camping, hunting, and spending time in Florida.

PV2 Justin Holt was born in Galveston, TX.  Joined the Army at 18 years old after the 9/11 attacks.  While in the Army, Justin served in the 2/5 Cav 1st Cav Battalion.  He deployed overseas to Sadr City Iraq in March of 2004.  His unit suffered heavy casualties in April of 2004 with 8 KIA, 40+ wounded in a rooftop battle.  Over the next year his unit fought in various engagements with the goal of returning home.  After Justin left the Army, he faced multiple challenges from facing civilian life after being a warrior to losing several close family members.  Justin’s service to others was proven further as he donated a kidney to an ailing uncle.  Justin is married with 4 daughters.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Mark J, Horn has served as the 36th infantry Division (ID)

CSM since July 2017. Jim is a native of Irving, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Kim. After spending 8 years in the United States Marine Corps, he joined the Texas Army National Guard in October 1990. He has held every leadership position starting as a Company Team Leader and culminating as the Division CSM.

His numerous leadership positions include 3-144th Infantry Battalion HHC 1SG, 149th Military

Police Company I SG, 236th Military Police Company 1SG, S36th Forward Support Jl. Battalion

CSM, 949th Brigade Support CSM, Joint Task Force 71 CSM , 56th Infantry “Brigade

Combat Team CSM, 36th Sustainment Brigade CSM, and Task Force Spartan CSM.

His deployments include Operation Spartan Shield, Operation Noble Eagle II and

III, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military education includes Primary’ Leader

Development Course-, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course, First Sergeant Course, and United States Army Sergeant Major Academy (Class #33). He earned an Associate of Applied Science from North Lake College in Dallas, Texas. CSM Horn’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the German marksmanship Badge( Gold).

Mark was raised in a small-town East of Cleveland Ohio. He attended Lake Erie College earning a degree in communications and joined the Ohio Army National Guard immediately after graduation in 2010. Mark Deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 to Shindand Air Base in support of the Air Force’s 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. Mark’s unit was tasked with sector security for the base training the fledgling Afghan Air Force. Mark’s primary job among many others was the primary radio operator in the command post earning the nickname “radar” from his platoon leader, for having the same clairvoyant scenes of the MASH TV character. Mark also got involved in Raven RQ11b drone operations being part of the first Raven team to live stream the hand thrown drone footage back to United States. After Afghanistan Mark served as a communication specialist in the 134th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 37th IBCT. Mark tool a job at his hometown’s local gun shop and was running the store in short order. After a decade in firearms retail Mark moved to firearms manufacturing at Ohio Ordnance Works. Mark established himself at Ohio Ordnance with his extensive firearms knowledge and experience and is currently working in their assembly division and the lead repair technician. 

Stephen (Steve) Lacefield has served in law enforcement for 19 years and currently works as a lieutenant within Major Crimes Unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department in Kentucky. Steve has held several assignments throughout his career to include SWAT, Narcotics, Violent Crime, Training (Firearms) and Major Crimes. In addition to his career as a police officer, Steve has worked and been involved in ranching, rodeo, and the equine industry from childhood to present day. He currently owns and operates a small horse and cattle operation and leather business that specializes in making handmade leather goods. 

SGT Richard Lambert was born in Connecticut on February 24th, 1982, and was raised in Danielson until 13 years old.  After moving several times with his family as at a young age, he ended up back in Danielson where he decided to join the military. He pursued his GED to join the Army.

His sense of service and dedication to the Country resonated with all while in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC.  His Basic Training unit removed 1 week to expedite training and move the Soldiers to AIT faster which was Ft. Sill, OK.  He was MOS qualified as Fire Direction Control for the MLRS launcher.  He took a chance for duty station of choice instead of a sign on bonus to get back to Texas. He Was stationed at Ft. Hood, TX where he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Arlie.  It was over letters from AIT and phone calls that he asked her to marry him.  They married 3 August 2002.  Richard deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 with the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery in 4th ID out of Fort Hood, TX. He functioned as Fire Direction for the MLRS system, though most of the time was spent on convoys, guard duty, and post radio operations. His unit was staged at Taji Airfield in Iraq where the Army started the buildup of the base.  After various head injuries, occasional blasts, and just standard life in that environment, he continued service. Symptoms of TBI did not start to surface for the first few years of being home.  

After the combat deployment, he left the military at his scheduled ETS date to attend school.  He returned to Active Duty in April 2006 under the same MOS. He was stationed with 1/21 FA at Ft. Hood.  He was then assigned to 1/94 FA in Strasberg (Idar-Oberstein), Germany.  His unit conducted training with Romanian and Bulgarian militaries, before closing the post and relocating the unit to Ft. Lewis, Washington.

At Ft Lewis, while working toward moving from MLRS to aviation, the medical issues were compounding.  PTSD and physical issues persisted. After several years of treating the migraines which had become debilitating.  He was medically retired by direction of the Army medical staff from Fort Lewis in 2009, due to the “length of time required to treat conditions” was expired. I returned to Texas where he currently lived with his wife and 2 daughters.

SGT Mark Lush is a Texas native. Born and raised in the small town of Weatherford, Texas. He had become a Police Officer in Springtown TX and then enlisted in the US Army where he became a Military Police Officer. During this time, he was stationed at Camp Carol South Korea and from there he deployed to Baghdad Iraq from 2006-2007. On July 5th, 2007, he was on foot when he was struck by incoming artillery. After completing his tour in Iraq, his unit redeployed back to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he became a K9 handler. His Military Working Dog was named Bo and he was a Patrol/Narcotics dog. During his time in service, he served in Korea, Iraq, and Hawaii. After getting out of the Army, he moved back to Weatherford to be around family. 

1LT Owens was drafted as a Private in 1969.  He started his Army training at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri.  He completed Advanced Infantry Training and eventually went to Infantry Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  After being commissioned as a 2LT, Bill went to Electronic Warfare school out at Ft. Huachuca, AZ.  Bill spent the majority of his Army Career in Germany totaling more than 39 months.  Bill was also the Company Commander of HHC Post at Ft. Leonardwood.  1LT Owens separated from Service in 1973 on an Honorable discharge and got into real estate.  He now resides in Shawnee, KS with his wife.  They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren.  

EO3 Ross Platt grew up in Jefferson, Ohio where he graduated high school.  He joined the Navy Seabees at 18 in 2008 where he did multiple combat deployments in Afghanistan 2009,2010 and 2012. He was attached to many different organizations such as the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Marines and Navy special warfare detachments. He earned multiple awards overseas and eventually earned my DD-214 in 2013 with an honorable discharge. I am a proud father to 2 boys.  He now works for Ohio Ordnance as a team leader and owns his own business called War-X that directly supports Operation Enduring Warrior where they honor, empower, and motivate wounded veterans and law enforcement officers.

Airman First Class Jose Reyes enlisted in the US Air Force at 18 years right after the September 11th terrorist attacks.  Jose attended Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base then Tech school at Sheppard Air Force Base.  At the end of his training, Jose was a 4N131 Surgical Assistant.  Jose worked in several hospitals before being stationed at Luke Air Force Base where he served the remainder of his enlistment.  Jose provided vital support to troops coming home that may have been injured and local medical support to the patients stationed at Luke Air Force Base.  Once Jose separated from the Air Force he returned home to Puerto Rico and completed training as an EMT Paramedic for the 911 services.  He currently works as a private contractor and is a Wildlife Management Agent for the past 3 years.

SPC Andrew Reynolds is a California native that was an adrenaline junkie from a young age, due to his older brother always pushing him to try things first. Reynolds grew up playing sports and waterskiing and all the other fun adrenaline sports. Went to college to play hockey, however, got injured and lost that path. Picked up flying from an ad his father gave him and became a flight instructor in Bend, Or a couple years later. While doing great with flying, his older brother, finishing up the Q-course in the Army, convinced him to join the Army as well. When the Reynolds brothers were young, they always talked about joining together, it just took a while. Joined the 18x program to follow the footsteps of his older brother in 2009. Got injured in the star course and fell back to infantry. In 2010, got picked up to join the LRS team in Ft. Lewis. Started training on a new parachute, the RA-1. From 2012-2014, did operational training all over the USA to implement this new parachute into the Army. After 6 years of service, Reynolds departed due to injuries, but pursued his career in flying again. Now he is the Director of Operations for a small charter company in FTW Texas, and calls Granbury, Tx home.

From an early age, Brian had a desire to serve his community and be a part of something bigger than himself. After receiving his education in Criminal Justice, Brian was lucky and acquired a Deputy Sheriff position with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office in June 2000. After attending the basic law enforcement academy, Brian was assigned to the Resident Deputy in Lincoln, MT. After serving the residents of Lincoln, Brian was transferred back to the Helena Valley. Once there, became involved in many different areas of the Sheriff’s Office.

Brian lives by the ideal that he should make the Sheriff’s Office a better place for the next generations. During his tenure, Brian has propelled the Sheriff’s Office into the digital age. He has spearheaded many projects that to this day improve the efficiency and safety of the deputies. Brian has had the opportunity to lead many of the extra assignments the Sheriff’s Office has to offer. He served as the Field Training Officer program supervisor, SWAT Team Squad leader, SWAT Team Leader, and SWAT Team Commander. Brian spent 21 years of his law enforcement career in the patrol division. The variety of the calls for service, and the ever-constant demand of shift work drove his passion for working the streets. In 2012, Brian was promoted to Sergeant, a role that he loved and cherished. As a Sergeant, Brian was able to be that influential leader and mentor to the next generation.

In December of 2021, Brian took a leap of faith and was promoted to Captain and was immediately assigned to operations. This role has been challenging and rewarding to say the least. Being the figure of an entire division, to set the example, and to do the job right is not a task to take lightly. Brian has always led by example and holds himself to the same standards as everyone else.

Most recently, Brian is focusing his efforts on improving the mental health resources to law enforcement officers in the Lewis and Clark County area. Mental health in law enforcement is a topic that few want to talk about. However, Brian is determined to reduce the stigma and improve access to mental health service to the law enforcement community.

SGT Kris Seales resides in Pinedale, WY.  He was an Army Infantry and Sniper qualified from 2002 – 2009.  After his time in service, he worked as Range Control at Ft. Carson, CO.  He oversaw ranges from small arms to advanced weaponry to include Abrams tanks and Apache Helicopters.  Kris continued his sense of duty working with Tip Top Search and Rescue team leader 2013-2022. Brought many dead, injured, and lost back to their families. He was fortunate to work with some incredible volunteers doing some amazing things in the Wyoming backcountry.

Kris is currently a Veterans Talking to Veterans and first responder’s coach where they are building teams of peers across the country, bringing them together where they can be themselves and guide each other along new paths. They host weekly zoom meetings to continue traditions of camaraderie.  

Kris is the founder and instructor of Overwatch6. A new non-profit dedicated to raising money to get vets and first responders the physical and mental health that improves their quality of life. Their vision is to attract the right customers to their unique shooting events. They are currently putting on the Runway Shoot for the Troops. They will be shooting on a 1.5-mile private runway on a 30,000-acre ranch in western WY. They brought together 6 military combat and special operations vets to instruct donors on long-range shooting out past a mile, along with close engagement pistol and carbine drills. He is married to his wife of 20 years, Shara with their 6 year old twins, Jackie and Jacob.

David Spencer, a courageous Army veteran, began his military journey under the Delayed Entry Program in January 2006. A graduate of Campton High School that same year, David entered the Army immediately after graduation, determined to serve his country. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was later stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
In 2007, SPC David Spencer deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where his life was forever changed. During a night maneuver, a mortar round struck the building he was clearing, causing a traumatic brain injury as he attempted to exit the roof. Despite the odds, David survived but sustained permanent brain damage. He is now 100% disabled and battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and short-term memory loss. Through resilience and determination, he relearned how to walk and speak, though he continues to face challenges with memory and decision-making.
David is the son of the late Jack Spencer, a veteran of the 82nd Airborne who also served in Iraq during his military career. Before his passing, Jack’s final wish was to ensure that David would be cared for, safe, and secure. Today, David resides in Oklahoma with his aunt, Jack’s youngest sister, who serves as David’s fiduciary with the Veterans Administration, providing him with the support and care he needs to navigate life’s challenges. David’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of a soldier, the love of family, and the strength to overcome adversity.

Jacey Shack (JC) was born and raised in Albany, Texas where he participated in multiple activities including Boy Scouts, Football, Tennis and Track. After graduating high school Jacey attended Sky Helicopters where he earned his commercial rotorcraft license. Jacey joined the United States Army in 2010 as a Kiowa Pilot and finely tuned his skills as an elite low level Scout Pilot. After completion of his 6 year commitment, Jacey returned to his home town and started S2 Helicopter Services. S2 is owned and operated by Jacey with the support of his wife and two kids. Since beginning the adventure of business ownership Jacey has had the opportunity to participate in many of activities but none compare to the Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation.

Michael Tachias was born in Glendale, California on June 3, 1959. He is the son of Roy and Ramoncita Tachias of Albuquerque, New Mexico. His Father, Roy Tachias, served in the US Army and retired in 1976 with more than 20 years of active service. As the son of a career soldier, Michael had the opportunity to live in Europe and numerous postings across the United States. Michael graduated from Estancia High School in 1978 and began his military service when he enlisted in the New Mexico Army National Guard in 1979. He served for six years as an enlisted soldier and attained the rank of sergeant while assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. After graduating from the American University in 1984, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Defense Artillery. His past assignments include Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader, 3rd Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. In 1987, LTC Tachias was transferred to the 111th ADA Brigade where he served as a Company Executive Officer. In 1988, he commanded the 200th Signal Company. Upon completion of his command, he was assigned as the Battalion Signal Officer. In 1992, he commanded an Air Defense Artillery Battery. During his command, his unit won the national Top Gun award for Air Defense units two consecutive years. Upon completion of Command, he then served as the Battalion S-1 and later as the Brigade Communications Officer. In 1997, LTC Tachias transferred to the New Mexico State Readiness Command and served as the S-3/ Operations Officer for three years. 

In 2002, LTC Tachias deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo and was assigned as the S-2, then later served as the Theatre Security Officer. LTC Tachias deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom V in Afghanistan as the CJ9 Civil Affairs Operations Officer to Combined Joint Task Force-76. He was re-assigned as the Joint Special Operations Liaison officer for the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). LTC Tachias served as Civil Military Officer with 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), LNO United Arabs Emirates (UAE) Special Forces Group, LNO French Special Forces Group (TG ARIES) in Kandahar and the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2005. 

In 2007, LTC Tachias was assigned to Central Command as a Civil Military Operations Officer located at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL. He deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom VIII IX as the senior LNO with the Intelligence and Security Command Helmand and returned in July of 2009. 

CPT Tyler D. Wakeley is a dedicated and accomplished nurse with a strong background in critical care and military leadership. A graduate of Norwich University in Northfield, VT, he earned his Commission as an Army Nurse Corps Officer upon graduation. After completing the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston, TX, in 2014, he began his career as a Cardiac Telemetry nurse at Fort Bliss, TX, serving from 2014 to 2017.

In 2017, CPT Wakeley completed the Critical Care/Emergency Nurse course, transitioning to work as a Critical Care nurse from 2017 to 2020. During this time, he deployed in support of two COVID-19 response missions, showcasing adaptability and commitment to patient care under challenging conditions. Following his attendance at the Captains Career Course in 2020, he assumed command of the 534th Surgical Augmentation Detachment for 23 months.

Under his leadership, the unit deployed in support of Operation Allies Welcome at Fort McCoy, WI, and Operation Inherent Resolve at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Captain Wakeley continues to pursue excellence in nursing and leadership, blending clinical expertise with operational experience to make a lasting impact in every role he undertakes.

SSG Ware entered the Army in April 1995. He attended Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He completed 91B/68W AIT at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. SSG Ware then followed on to Airborne School en route to 1/39 FA ABN. Utilizing reenlistment options, he returned to Ft. Sam Houston for Orthopedic Technician (P1 Skill Identifier). Following this school, he was assigned to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. While at Ft Jackson he became promotable and reenlisted for assignment at Landstuhl Hospital in Germany. He started his duty at Landstuhl in the Spring of 2001. SSG Ware was serving at Landstuhl as the hospital transitioned to care of those with combat injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan. As part of this assignment, he was selected as a Platoon sergeant for the newly formed DWMMC. At the DWMMC, SSG Ware handled accountability of a platoon of over 100 Officers and Enlisted. In late 2005, SSG Ware volunteered for a Military Transition Team (MiTT) assignment. He completed mobilization tasks at Ft. Sam Houston and then deployed to Iraq. While in Iraq, he served as a 1/3/5 MTT medic, to include supervising 16 Iraqi medics. During his 14-month deployment, he conducted 58 successful Air Evac missions and earned a Bronze Star. Following redeployment, he was assigned to Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston. He was the Phase II Site Director for the Orthopedic Technical Course while on this assignment. His next duty station was 121 Hospital in Seoul, Korea. SSG Ware completed his time in the Army at Darnell Hospital in Ft. Hood, Texas. He served as the NCOIC of the Orthopedic Clinic. At the same time, he completed his BS in Psychology. SSG Ware retired from Active Duty in November 2013.  SSG Ware’s medals include Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 stars, Bronze Star, ARCOM 6 Award, AAM 7 award, Army Good Conduct 6 Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon 3 Award. Following retirement, SSG Ware returned to Alabama where he and his wife own/run an organic farm.

Ryan Woidke was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. From a young age, he was intrigued with the military and military history and had been planning on serving in the military since early childhood. In 2014, after graduating from Cleveland State University with a Criminology/Sociology double major, he enlisted in the Army. Since he had been passionate about firearms for years, he selected the MOS 91F Small Arms/Towed Artillery Repairer. In his 9 years of active-duty service, he was stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Drum, NY, as well as multiple deployments to Iraq. During his time in service, he maintained an assortment of weapon systems ranging from handguns to artillery and provided armament support to an array of units ranging from light infantry and aviation to SOCOM and several foreign special forces units. Upon leaving active duty in October of 2023, he moved back to Cleveland, Ohio, and took a position in the assembly department at Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. where he continues to work on a variety of firearms.

Dana Bowman has astounded the nation and the world with his drive, determination, and will to succeed.  He is a retired Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army where he was a Special Forces Soldier and a member of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights.  Dana Bowman is a double amputee.  He lost his legs in an accident during the annual Golden Knights training in Yuma, Arizona, in 1994.

On February 6, 1994, Dana gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during the team’s annual training.  Aguillon died instantly. Dana’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee.  Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army.  This achievement is just one example of his many successes under adverse circumstances.

Dana retired from the United States Army in 1996.  He received his Bachelor of Science degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in May of 2000.

Dana has given more than 400 speeches in the last few years and has been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People and many more.  There have also been numerous television programs which focused on Dana and his story including Dateline, A Current Affair, Real TV, NBC Person of the Week, Day and Date and Extra.  Dana has been fortunate to have the opportunity to let his speeches touch so many from the physically challenged to the able-bodied.  He strives to show physically challenged people can still work and excel in today’s society and military.  Dana emphasizes the words amputee and uselessness are not synonymous.

Dana spends a great deal of his personal time working with other amputees and disabled or physically challenged people. As the founder and President of the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation, Dana continues his selfless work giving back to the brave men and women that have given so much of themselves for our country.  Dana jumps the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation Logo in to the many events he addresses annually and tells his audiences about our group and our cause.

SGT Josh Douglas enlisted in the U.S. Arn1y in March 2004 out of Wichita, KS. He started out in the Arn1y Reserves from 2004 through 2008, during which time he was activated once for OEF and sent to Ft. Belvoir, VA and completed service at the Pentagon. He returned from Active Duty and then Activated a year later and deployed to Iraq in 2007 with the 325th Combat Support Hospital in Al Anbar Provence, Iraq.  His service ended in Iraq, and he left the Reserves for Active Duty.  He completed time at two additional duty stations before he was Medically Retired at the rank of Sergeant out of Ft. Carson, CO February 2012 due to injuries sustained throughout his deployment and time in service. He served a few days short of 8 years honorably, before his retirement. He retired with 3 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Achievement Medals and other various awards/medals. SGT Douglas obtained his master’s degree in IT Security after his service for approximately 3 ½ years while working full time and caring for a child with cancer. His personal convictions and dedication helped to obtain optimal employment. He dealt with PTSD after there were less events in his life and things slowed down. After certain events, he decided to get involved in his community.  He now volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team, VFW Post 4746, other organizations for the Veteran community, Weatherford ISD Band, Safe Haven of Tarrant County and is the HALO Executive Officer. 

Chris Arredondo, a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas, TX., enlisted in the US Army in 1991 as an Infantryman.  In his 4 years Active Duty his responsibilities included: Rifleman, Machine-Gunner, Squad Leader, and Translator tasks.  His deployments include Panama/El Salvador/Honduras on RCAT (Regional Counter Drug Analysis Teams) missions, tasked with assisting in the elimination of drug cartel activity in allied nations in support of the War on Drugs.

In 1994, while assigned to the 2nd BN/16th Infantry RANGERS unit, he twice earned Division “TOP GUN” award scoring back-to-back perfect 1000 Score on Table VIII Gunnery competition for the BIG RED ONE 1st Infantry Division, which earned him the prestigious opportunity to represent the 2BN/16 Infantry during the 50th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy, France. During this ceremony he was selected to meet with, and present a Honorary Big Red One Division Coin to, then President and Commander in Chief, Bill Clinton. This ceremony took place on June 6, 1994, on the hallowed grounds of the Colevile Sur Mere American cemetery where over 5000 honored US Military are forever interred.

Arredondo’s Military awards include:  National Defense Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Good Conduct Award.

He currently is employed as a professional salesman to the Power Generation industry across the USA. He lives in Carrollton, Texas and is a very happy father to 2 typical teenagers:  1 son, Jessie & 1 daughter, Emma.

Thomas started his military career in college in ROTC. After three years in the program he decided to go on active duty as an Air Force medic and worked as an independent duty tech/physician extender in Athens Greece. After leaving active duty he continued his college education received a BA in History and Political Science, attended Graduate School and then Law school. During his final undergraduate studies he joined the Army Reserve and was assigned to the 11^thSFG(A) where he qualified as an SF Medic, then a 91B3S, now 18D series. After serving several years in that capacity with multiple worldwide deployments, he cross trained in both weapons 18B and communications 18E and requalified as an Intelligence Sergeant 18F before being accepted to and attending the 180A, Warrant Officer program in 1988. At the conclusion of his training and acceptance of his commission he was reassigned as the SF warrant/ODA commander on ODA 222, then on ODA 221 where he served as the ODA Commander. Upon completion of those tours of duty in 1990, he went back on active duty and served as the Group S-3 Warrant Officer for the 12^thSFG(A) until its inactivation in 1994. He was reassigned to US Army intelligence as a 350B and DIA instructor for several years before leaving active duty and returning to the reserve components and subsequent assignment to the J-3 operations training division of SOCCENT. He retired from service in 2001 after serving a combined 27 years active and reserve in the Air Force and US Army.  As a civilian, he has served as a PADI Divemaster, USPA Coach Course Director, USPA S/L instructor, USPA Safety and Training Advisor, attained credentials as a gunsmith, master firearms instructor, SWAT and Counter Terrorism Instructor, martial arts instructor and currently is the business owner of Eagle Tactical Systems.  Eagle Tactical Systems is a Class 7 FFL dealer and is currently located in Gurnee, IL and has been in operation since 2008 as a training, gunsmithing and retail operation in the firearms industry. Our website is http://eagletactical.us

ForAir Force Basemer Air Force pilot. Commissioned through the ROTC program at North Texas State University. Attended pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. Served as an Instructor pilot at the Air Force Academy flying T-41 aircraft and at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas flying T-37 aircraft. Completed F-4E training at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California. Assigned to the 337th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Fourth Tactical Fighter Wing flying F-4Es out of Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Participated in Red Flag, Maple Flag, and Ocean Venture exercises. Assigned to Detachment 19 in Spain. Flew functional check flights on European RF4C, F4E, and F4G aircraft, while serving as the Government Flight Representative for flight operations at Getaffe, Spain and Brendisi, Italy.  Separated from the service and went to work at Lockheed as a maintainability and reliability engineer, for mechanical systems on F-16 and F-35 aircraft. While at Lockheed joined the Anny National Guard serving with the 49th Armored division. Retired from the National Guard in 1998 and from Lockheed in 2013.

John entered the military on May 01, 1977 at Lackland Air Force Base. John’s training included C011T4A, Commander Tanker, Pilot KC-10, Instructor/Tanker and Bomber.
He was also a Instructor/Trainer Pilot T-38 for 3 years. His medals/commendations include
Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster,
Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster,
Air Force Training Ribbon,
Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon,
National Defense Service Medal,
Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Pistol,
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters,
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters,
Combat Headlines Medal. Military.

John’s Military Schooling included
Air Command & Staff College (05/84);
Squadron Officer School (09/82),
Quality Assurance Representative for Training Systems, 64 hours (12/92),
Chief of Safety Course (11/90),
Safety Program Management Course (09/09),
Flight Safety Program Management Course (04/90),
Curriculum Designers Course (07/89),
KC-10A Instructor Pilot Qualification Course (KC-10-19),
(10/89, KC-10A Supervisor Course (08/85),
UPT Academic Instructor Course, 3 Weeks (05/85).

Jacey Shack (JC) was born and raised in Albany, Texas where he participated in multiple activities including Boy Scouts, Football, Tennis and Track. After graduating high school Jacey attended Sky Helicopters where he earned his commercial rotorcraft license. Jacey joined the United States Army in 2010 as a Kiowa Pilot and finely tuned his skills as an elite low level Scout Pilot. After completion of his 6 year commitment, Jacey returned to his home town and started S2 Helicopter Services. S2 is owned and operated by Jacey with the support of his wife and two kids. Since beginning the adventure of business ownership Jacey has had the opportunity to participate in many of activities but none compare to the Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation.

In 2009, Mike deployed to Afghanistan as an Infantryman team leader to provide Protective Security Detail for Military Intelligence soldiers and worked as a Human Intelligence exploitation expert as a secondary role. Mike’s roles as a team leader were: machine gunner, Squad Designated Marksman, multimedia exploitation expert, UGS (unmanned ground sensors/cameras) emplacer/operator and was frequently attached to two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.

On July 10, 2009, while serving as a turret gunner and marksman with the 636 Military Intelligence and 19th Group Special Forces in Afghanistan, Mike’s vehicle was struck with RPGs and small arms fire severely injuring him in the gunner’s turret and his team members inside. Despite his severe injuries, Mike continued to engage the enemy, eliminated the threat and helped to get other injured comrades to safety. Mike suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal contusion, shrapnel and abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other injuries.

Mike recovered at Landsthul, Germany and Brooke Army Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and was medically discharged in 2010. In 2013, Mike underwent brain surgery to alleviate symptoms from the TBI in Afghanistan which contributed to the loss of use of both of his legs and feet. Mike is forever bound to a wheelchair now and is a paraplegic from the waist down.

He is the recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medals, and many others.

Mike has a Bachelors in Applied Sciences (Human Services and Psychology) from Wayland Baptist University and is now attending Texas Tech University seeking a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Communication Design. He aspires to continue to help other wounded veterans that are in a similar situation and loves to advocate for VA reform to better the health care of wounded veterans. Mike is an active board member and the Graphics and Media Director for HALO For Freedom Warrior Foundation. His hobbies include: Shooting, competing in marathons on his hand-cycle, volunteering with non-profits and his church, and more than anything: spending time with his family.