2025 Event Attendees
The attendees were notified on Veterans Day of their selection to attend the upcoming Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt. The selected participants were chosen based on their service, volunteering in the community, and love of the outdoors: qualities that The Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation promote in honoring Andy and what was important to him. Below is some information on each of our participants.
Butch Adams
Butch is retired after serving in the Army from 1971-1992 as an Infantryman. He has served in a multitude of roles during his time in service to include that of Drill Sergeant and his most rewarding position as a First Sergeant. As a First Sergeant, he led his men of Alpha Company 3/7 INF of the 24th Infantry Division in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Butch retired from the military and entered civilian life working as an assistant manager for a Walmart Distribution Center where he retired in 2016. He is fully retired and spends most of his time with his wife (Jackie) fishing. He is the proud father of five adult kids, 13 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Keith Adams
Keith is a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Army. His first assignment was as a Military Policemen, then he volunteered and finished his career as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Soldier and Leader. During his 23 years, Keith deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and South America. He volunteered to serve in Iraq during the initial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was involved in the collection of information that lead to theater wide procedures to protect service members. Keith transitioned to civilian life to the Military Management Trainee program with Smurfit-Westrock. He has been progressively promoted and now is the General Manager for the Bradenton facility. Keith is the proud parent of two kids that constantly keep him on his toes.
Chris Behn
I was born and raised in Western NY. As a kid I enjoyed team sports like hockey and baseball. I began deer hunting with my father and continued hunting as I grew older. Currently I enjoy any hunting I can participate in with my retriever. When I was 18 I enlisted in the USMC. I deployed
around the world numerous times and served the final 20 years of my time in the Marines as an EOD Technician. I retired in December 2013 after almost 29 years of service.
John Bray
John Bray is a retired Colonel of the United States Army, having been commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in 1989 after completing his studies at Appalachian State University in Biology. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and served from 1990 until 2017. He transitioned to the role as a Army Force Manager in 2002 and undertook various assignments both stateside and overseas, including deployments to both Kuwait and Afghanistan (w/101st Airborne Division). Following his retirement from military service, John transitioned into a civilian role within the Army, where he served as a capability developer for both U.S. Army Forces Command and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He is currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University, pursuing a master’s degree in education with the goal of becoming a high school social studies teacher. John values his off time on the water and volunteers as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at Flotilla 12-10 in Georgetown, South Carolina. He is married and has four children, two of whom have also served in the Army.
Nathan Browning
Nathan was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina from infancy, where he attended primary school and was involved heavily with the Boy Scouts of America until achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 2015. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. He would go on to perform maintenance on communication, navigation, weapons systems, and other avionics on the Navy's 5th generation stealth aircraft F-35 Lightning II aboard VFA-101 Grim Reapers, formerly located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Nathan would then change duty stations in 2018 to VFA-213 Black Lions at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and work avionics and weapons systems on the F/A-18F Super Hornet. Nathan spent time underway aboard several US Navy Aircraft Carriers, including the 2020-2021 deployment aboard the USS Theodore Roosvelt to the South China Sea with the VFA-87 Golden Warriors. After his honorable discharge in 2022, he returned to North Carolina to follow his calling to higher education, and began taking college courses. In the Summer of 2023, Nathan was selected to deploy to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, where he would perform planning, supervision, and execution of fuels related maintenance during the Antarctic "Winfly" season in preparation for Antarctic summer operations. He was on ice from August through November of 2023. Since returning to North Carolina after a stint in Antarctica, Nathan has been pursuing a degree in Environmental Technology & Management at North Carolina State University.
Mike Burghardt
Michael Burghardt is a retired United States Marine Master Seargent, serving in the infantry from 1988 to 1991 after Desert Storm volunteered for explosive ordnance disposal and would serve as EOD technician until 2009. After retirement served as an counter IED subject matter expert for multiple countries, United States State department, and various companies.
LTC (R) JIMMY CARLSON
Jimmy Carlson is currently the Revenue Protection (RP) Supervisor for Georgia Power Company in their Corporate Security Section. He is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and performance management for Corporate Security’s RP team of Armed Investigators. He proudly served 25 years active duty in the US Army Military Police where he successfully completed 3 combat tours (Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan) and four tours in Operations Other than War (OOTW) (Panama x 2, Haiti, and Kosovo. He was a 2 x Battalion Commander (Korea, FT. Campbell) and 2 x Company Commander (Korea and Fort Bragg). He earned the Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.
Jimmy has a Master of Arts (MA) focused in Business and Organizational Security Management from Webster University. He has a proven ability to interact and collaborate with multiple levels of management at the Federal, State and Local Level. Skilled in Training and Security Operations, Government, Executive Protection, Law Enforcement, Crisis Management and Coordinating Special Events. He lives in Roswell, Ga. He is divorced and has four children – Emily, Alyssa, Taylor and Aiden.
Ed Dennis
Ed Dennis is a retired US Army Major commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1997. Ed served from 1989 to 2010 starting as a Private in the role of Military Policeman and finished his service as an EOD Officer serving as the Commander of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Element with numerous assignments stateside and overseas including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. He has always had a passion for volunteering ranging from coaching little-league sports to doing work for several nationally recognized Veteran Service Organizations. Upon retirement Ed worked in higher education assisting thousands of Veterans, Service Members, and their family members earn college degrees culminating as the Vice-President for Military and Veterans Affairs at a large college. He transitioned from higher education to the non-profit sector in 2024 and currently works as the Executive Director for the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation in a rewarding position that allows him to pursue his passion of serving others. He is divorced with two children, Eddie and Kayley, and his dog Milo.
Aaron Gagné
Aaron Gagné is a retired US Navy Lieutenant commissioned through the direct- commission program in 2006. With no prior service and in the middle of two active wars, at the age of 36 he decided to seek a 2 year age waiver and raise his right hand to demonstrate service-to-country first hand to his then 5 year old son. During his 9 years in uniform, he served two back-to-back deployments with USN Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One in Iraq, as well as other assignments including with the storied Navy Seabees. As a civilian, Aaron holds advanced degrees in urban planning and economics and over 30 years experience in community development and long term disaster recovery. He is the owner of College Fund Sportfishing in Charleston, South Carolina, a small business built around returning 100% of profits to veterans programs and allied causes.
Sam Gest
Captain Sam Gest is an active-duty Engineer Officer in the Army. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree at North Carolina State University through the Advanced Civil Schooling Program. He lives in Raleigh, NC, with his wife, Kate, and their chocolate lab. Outside of work, Sam has a deep passion for outdoor activities, particularly hunting, fishing, and exploring nature.
Sam's previous military assignments include Company Command in the 130th Engineer Brigade at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and Sapper Platoon Leader in the 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Carson, Colorado. He has supported various Operation Pathways exercises across the Pacific theater and numerous live fire training exercises.
Sam is a graduate of the Engineer Captains Career Course, the Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course, and Ranger School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech.
John Gronski
Major General John L. Gronski (U.S. Army, Retired) is founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is the author of two books, Iron-Sharpened Leadership, The Ride of Our Lives, and Leadership Sharpeners. John is an international and Fortune 500 speaker, leadership trainer, and executive coach. John holds an MBA from Penn State and a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
John is a decorated combat Veteran. Key assignments include Deputy Commanding General for National Guard at US Army Europe 2016-2019, Commanding General of the 28th Infantry Division 2012-2016, and Brigade Commander in Ramadi, Iraq 2005-2006.
General Gronski is a graduate of numerous Army schools including the United States Army War College, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School. His awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, and Iraq Campaign Medal. He has also received awards from the governments of Poland and Lithuania for his work with their armed forces.
Learn more about John Gronski at https://johngronski.com/
Charlie Hall
Charlie was born and raised in York, South Carolina. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and served on active duty for 10 years in both the Army and Marine Corps. After a combat deployment to Iraq in 2005, Charlie moved to Greenville, South Carolina and began work in the private sector at Harper Corporation – General Contractors and the USMC Reserves. Charlie then served on active duty as the District Injured Support Coordinator for the states of South Carolina and Georgia with the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Regiment from 2009 – 2014, while volunteering with Upstate Warrior Solution in its formative years. In addition to being the President of Upstate Warrior Solution, Charlie continues to serve in the US Marine Corps Reserves. He and his wife Elizabeth live in Greenville, SC and have three children.
Oliver Hartner
Oliver served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF III, 2004-2005) with the Louisiana Army National Guard as a Combat Engineer (12B). His unit, 256th Infantry BCT, 769th Engineer Battalion, Bravo Company, was engaged in route clearance, cordon and search, and EOD escort in and around the city of Baghdad for all their tour. He separated from service as a staff sergeant at the conclusion of his deployment and continued his education at the University of Mississippi where in 2007, he earned two undergraduate degrees in both English and Classics. He went on to earn a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2010.
He has lived in Columbia, South Carolina for the last 15 years, and in that time has married his loving wife Rebecca, and two years ago they welcomed their daughter Virginia into the world. He and his wife have served their community over the years as volunteers or board members of Historic Columbia Foundation, Columbia Opportunity Resource, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Forever, and the South Carolina Bobwhite Initiative.
As often as able, he escapes the urban environs accompanied by his Boykin Spaniel, "Fowler,” to explore and marvel at the beauty of creation within his beloved Palmetto State and beyond. He has published stories about various conservation topics as well as hunting and lifestyle articles in Covey Rise Magazine, USA Today, Shooting Sportsman, Ducks Unlimited Magazine, Quail Forever Journal, and the Tom Beckbe Field Journal.
Rob Healy
To sum up my military career and professional life after the military I have been dedicated to protecting and helping others. As a Security Policeman I stood guard while others slept, as a senior NCO I watched over the Airman assigned to me. After the military my duties in Veterans Services for a college was to ensure the Veteran students I came in contact with, whether they attended my school or not, got the full education benefits they’d earned. My program was recognized as the #2 in the nation by Victory Media as “Best for Vets”©. Now as an Veterans Administration Education Liaison Representative I continue that work ensuring schools and companies understand how to provide those benefits to their students and employees.
In 2018 I was introduced to Buffalo New York Veterans Odyssey. My oldest son and several of the students at my university were being taught to use a camera to reconnect with the civilian world. The goal of Buffalo Odyssey is to assist Veterans suffering from PTSD & Sexual Trauma to readjust to civilian life by using photographs to help share their life experiences and how they feel. In 2022 I was asked to go through the Odyssey workshop, the workshop helped to express my thoughts and feelings. My passion was to go outside and photograph landscapes and animals. I have found the skills I developed as a Security Policemen of sitting and watching have paid off in my ability to have patience and wait for sun to be in the perfect spot or for the wild to settle down and accept my presence. I just went over 10,000 photographs taken, my most successful photo is a double exposure that the Founder of Odyssey, Brandon Bannon, has used several times in advertising Odyssey to donors and upcoming classes. I now volunteer as a mentor to the current Odyssey group. Helping these veterans to use photograph to express themselves and reconnect with the community they live in.
Jon James
After graduating from The Citadel in 1988, I was commissioned a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army. During my 24-year career, I deployed to Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait), Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (three times). My jobs have ranged from managing the pollution prevention program at the U.S. Army Operations Support Command, which
managed all army ammunition plants and depots, to functioning as the group environmental science officer with both the 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups (Airborne). Since retiring from the army in 2012, I have conducted some independent consulting, as well as being a house dad. I am married to Susan James and have one son, Ayden, who is in college. I currently live in Virginia.
Anthony Johnson
Anthony Johnson retired after 30 years of military and government service. In 1990 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Operation Desert Storm (First Gulf War) and Mogadishu, Somalia as an infantry/reconnaissance Marine. After graduating from Bemidji State University in 1997 he received his commission. As an Infantry Officer he deployed with a Marine Expeditionary Unit before transitioning to the School of Infantry. He then deployed as a Force Reconnaissance Det. Commander to Iraq (Second Gulf War). Next, he served at Marine Special Operations School (MSOS), Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) at MARSOC’s inception. He deployed with a Joint Task Force as a Counter-Improvised Explosives Device (C-IED) Support Element Officer in Afghanistan. Upon completion of his military time in 2010, he transitioned to a USG organization where he deployed to multiple countries in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Middle East, East Africa, and Eastern Europe. He is an avid outdoorsman currently developing American Hunting Heritage. A podcast intended
to capture the love of the outdoors as well as support nonprofit organizations focusing on the betterment of our veterans and children through outdoor pursuits. He is married and his wife is an Air Force veteran and operational psychologist for the USG. They have three children, one who is an active-duty Marine.
Dick Jones
Dick Jones is a retired US Army Major commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1998. Dick served from 1987 to 2018 starting as a Private in the role of Cavalry Scout with the 3rd ACR. He deployed with the 82nd Airborne in Desert Shield/Storm, the 39th Infantry Brigade (AR ARNG) to OIF2, and the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan (NE ARNG) from 2010-11. Dick retired from Title 10 active duty with the Army National Guard Bureau in 2018 and moved his family outside of Boone, NC. There he loves to do outdoor activities, especially hiking and flyfishing. Dick has served on several boards for local non-profit organizations and is very active with his church. He began work on the Masters of Accounting online program with NC State in 2024 and plans to begin a second career in investment banking, eventually starting his own business.
David Jurado
David Jurado served in the ARMY with 25th Infantry Division Schofield Barracks, Hawaii from 2005 to 2009. Assigned with 1-21 Infantry “Gimlets” B CO 4th Platoon “Reapers” and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2009. During his deployment David participated in many combat missions as a Stryker Driver and Radio Telephone Operator throughout parts of Baghdad and Sadr City. David was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign star, and authorized to wear a “Gimlet stick” which is a high honor within his company and must pass physical, mental, and knowledge tasks as an Infantryman in Hawaii’s jungle terrain.
Upon his honorable discharge from active duty, David served in the ARMY Reserves with 371st Chemical Battalion in Greenwood, South Carolina from 2009 to 2012 and was medically discharged with rank of Specialist. Upon discharge David was an Executive Director with Companions for Heroes and connected shelter animals with veterans alongside his Service Dog “Willett”. He attended Argosy University and completed his Bachelors degree in Psychology. Currently David volunteers with Wounded Warrior Project as a Peer Mentor and has been for over 14 years. With the mission to honor and empower wounded warriors by hosting events and educating warriors on programs offered.
Before David’s military career he was a Police Officer with the Greenville City Police Department. Having moved from Oxnard, California to Greenville, South Carolina in 1999. David has been married 23 years to his wife Christiana and together they have two son’s Tristen and Tylor. His favorite hobbies are spending time with family and friends, cross stitching, collecting knives, fishing, and hunting.
Joey Lopes
Joey Lopes served in the U.S. Army from 2012 to 2024, holding various roles including Senior Maintenance Advisor, Company Operations, and Instructor. His first six years were with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, during which he deployed to Iraq in 2016 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, attached to a route clearance platoon. In 2018, Joey was selected to join the newly established 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) at Fort Hood, Texas. While with the 3rd SFAB, he deployed to Afghanistan, where he advised and assisted the Afghan National Army on logistical and operational challenges. Joey left the service in 2024 as a Sergeant First Class and transitioned to a career in higher education. He currently works as a Human Resources Specialist for Coastal Carolina University’s Auxiliary Enterprises Division. Joey is married to his wife, Georgia, and they have three children—Ella, Charlee, and Joseph—and two dogs, Sophie and Roxy.
David Mack
Dave Mack, a proud native of Cleveland, Ohio, dedicated 31 years of exemplary service to the U.S. Air Force. Enlisting in May 1993 and receiving his commission in 2006 from the Air Force Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, AL, he held the notable position of Director of Operations for the sole special tactics squadron in the INDOPACIFIC and commanded at both the squadron and deputy command levels. Dave deployed in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM-Afghanistan, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, RESOLUTE SUPPORT, and FREEDOM SENTINEL while also obtaining his Master Static Line and Military Freefall parachutist qualifications and was awarded Republic of South Korean and Colombian parachutist wings. Married to his wife Donna for 23 years, they now celebrate a legacy of family service through their son, who is now serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Dave is now working with Johnson Controls as a Senior Program Manager in Learning and Development, where he is able to continue to apply his extensive experience and passion for developing and growing others.
Worth Parker
Russell Worth Parker grew up in Athens, Georgia. After more than twenty-seven years as a U.S. Marine, Worth began freelance writing in 2016. Now he is the Editor in Chief for the Tom Beckbe Field Journal, a book author, and has been published in the New York Times, The National Interest, Garden and Gun Magazine, Outdoor Life Magazine, Backcountry Journal, and numerous other print and electronic outlets. Worth lives in Wilmington, NC with his family of humans and animals. He is a hunter and angler who fortunately knows his way to the grocery store, a sub-mediocre but enthusiastic surfer, and a notorious BBQ snob.
Ted Pease
Ted has served 15 years in the Navy between Active Duty and Reserve time. He commissioned as an officer through OCS in Newport Rhode Island. His Active-Duty tours included deployments on the USS Taylor and USS Coronado. He also served as the lead navigation and ship handling instructor for the Independence Class Littoral Combat Ships. He has served as the Training Department Head and Executive Officer for his current reserve unit supporting Europe’s Military Sealift Command. Ted purchased a non-skilled, in-home care company in June of 2023, and has been working hard to serve Veterans and Seniors in his area. He is an active member in his local American Legion and VFW Posts. He is married to his beautiful wife, Diana, and has two little girls, Isabella and Cecilia.
Josh Powers
LTC (R) Josh Powers retired from the Army in December 2023 and lives in Greenville, SC with his wife of 21 years (Meg) and their two kids (Nate 13, and Libby 9). He and his family enjoy being active outdoors, nature, traveling, and sports. He currently works as an independent project management consultant for Cisco Systems.
His military experience and highlights include serving 21 years as an Aviation officer and UH-60 helicopter pilot. He served as an Air Assault Battalion commander, Professor of Military Science at the University of Central Arkansas, Chief of Operations and Plans Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, and multiple deployments in support of the Global War on Terror as a commander/pilot.
Josh’s education includes a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Naval Post Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy.
His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal
Jason Rosa
Jason was born and raised in The Bronx, NY and in Passaic County, NJ. During his Junior year of high school he went to the recruiters' office and said "where do I sign to join", and was all set up to join the Marine Corps right after graduation of his senior year. Served as an infantryman guarding strategic weapons and deployed with Third Battalion Fourth Marines (3/4) in 2016 to Australia for MRF-D (Marine Rotational Force Darwin) as a collaboration effort with Australian forces. After leaving the military Jason graduated from Berkeley College Magna Cum Laude and was on the Dean's list. After college he served as a Forest Firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service in San Bernardino National Forest in 2020 during one of the most intense fire seasons in Southern California, with over 200 fires fought in 6 months. Currently he transitioned from being an EMT to a fully licensed Airframe and Powerplant Technician while also investing in real estate in Northern NJ.
Dave Rozelle
Colonel (Retired) David M. Rozelle is an inspiration and icon among Military Amputees over the last twenty years, and recently completed over twenty-six years of honorable service in the Army. David served primarily as an Armor/Cavalry Officer and led Soldiers in three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. David lost his right leg below the knee to a land-mine in Iraq in June of 2003, during his first deployment. Stationed at Fort Carson at the time, David found outdoor recreation to be the best therapy during his recovery and worked with several charities to improve opportunities for returning veterans. By returning to Iraq, he became the first military amputee to return to command on the same battlefield as amputation since the US Civil War. In 2005, David published a “NY Times Bestseller” book, Back in Action, which detailed his injury and return to command in the Cavalry. In 2006, while delivering the Military Advanced Amputee Training Center at Walter Reed, David further inspired the country by qualifying for and then winning his division in the Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Despite his retirement to South Carolina, David continues to serve as an executive leader for the State of South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs. In his free time, he remains active in supporting his fellow military injured.
Ken Seay
Ken Seay is a proud veteran who served in the USAF from 1970 to 1974. He spent 15 months in multiple locations in Southeast Asia. My father and older brother were both veterans and I was glad to support our country. Ken is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a MBA from Troy University. He retired from Michelin after 38 years primarily involved in leadership development. He taught Leadership and Ethics in the Clemson MBA program and Leadership Strategies in the EISEG MBA program in Paris. He co-founded the ReedyReels Film Festival in Greenville, SC now in its tenth year. We feature independent film and have showcased many patriotic films. He is married to Janie and has two adult children and one grandson. Ken lives in Greer, SC and has a farm between Greenville and the NC mountains.
Chris Smith
Christopher (Chris) Smith is a retired Navy Information Systems Technician Chief Petty Officer, serving from June 2003 to October 2023. During his 20 years of service, he deployed 7 times.
His deployments include ballistic missile defense, freedom of navigation, anti-terrorism operations, counter-narcotics operations, and anti-piracy missions, taking him to the Persian
Gulf, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic, and North Sea. His last duty station was the USS The Sullivans, DDG 68. After completing a 7 month deployment, within 55 days of returning home the USS The Sullivans surge deployed to the Baltic Sea in response to the war in Ukraine. USS The Sullivans was the first naval unit to respond to this conflict. While in service, Christopher completed an Associates Degree at University of Maryland Global Campus. He is the recipient of two Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, six Navy Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. During his service he dedicated over 5 years coaching youth baseball and was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer ServiceMedal. He has been happily married to his wife Emily for nearly 18 years. Emily, a veteran herself, is the Director of the Military and Veteran Engagement office at Clemson University.
They have three sons: Trenton, Brayden, and Maxwell. Their oldest son is currently serving in the Navy as a linguist. Christopher now works as a Network Administrator at the South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts and Humanities.
James Emerson Smith, Jr.
James is a Columbia, S.C. native, married to Kirkland T. Smith of Mt. Pleasant, SC. They have four children, a daughter Evie Emerson Smith, age 30, son Thomas Bridges Smith, age 28, son Paul Bradford Smith, age 22, and a daughter Shannon Elizabeth Smith, age 21. James is an attorney with 29 years in private practice. He began his military service in 1998 as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). After 911 and serving for eight (8) years as a JAG officer in South Carolina Army National Guard, James resigned then re-enlisted to pursue a commission as an Infantry Officer. James served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan with the 218th Infantry Brigade as Team Chief for PMT Viper where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, The Bronze Star and The Purple Heart. James is currently a Lieutenant Colonel and Commander of 4th Battalion 218th Regiment. James also serves as a Board Member in support of several Veteran Organizations to include the Patriots Point Development Authority, National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, The Big Red Barn Retreat – Warrior PATHH and the USS Laffey Association. James and his family attend the Downtown Church in Columbia, SC.
Eric Stetson
Eric W. Stetson is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel who graduated from Lafayette College and served on active duty in the Army from June 1991 until September 2015. His final military assignment was as the Professor of Military Science at the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign. Eric deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Qatar, Iraq, and Afghanistan in various leadership positions. Upon retiring from the service, he became a certified Ennea International Leader and Team consultant. He consulted in education, leadership, and team development before working full-time in the veteran career development arena with FourBlock, a national not-for-profit veteran support organization, as a region director and director of engagement and enrollment. Eric’s passion is people and specifically supporting fellow veterans, and he thrives in collaborative environments where he can help others realize their full potential. He consults in leadership and team development, and he is also a member of the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network and the Penn & Franklin AUSA Chapter. In 2000, he married his wife Nena, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and they have one daughter, an aspiring high school teacher.
Rob Thompson
LTC Robert Thompson, a native of Fredericksburg Virginia, commenced his military career in 2003 by enlisting as an 11B in the Virginia Army National Guard. In 2007, he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and subsequently commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry. LTC Thompson’s first assignment was with the 10th Mountain Division (10MTN), in Ft. Drum, NY, before graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) in the fall of 2012. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (3SFG), where he served as a Detachment Commander, Company Commander, and Battalion’s Operation Officer. LTC Thompson has also served in both the 1st Special Forces Command (1SFC) and the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS) where he is currently serving as the Commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company. LTC Thompson has multiple awards and decorations, combat and operational deployments to the CENTCOM and the AFRICOM AORs, and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He is married to the former Ms. Anne Vaughan, of Richmond Virginia, and they have three children - Virginia (9), Ainsley (7), and Tripp (4) - as well as a Labrador Retriever- “Bandit.”
Phillip Turner
Philip was born and raised in Charlotte, NC before moving to South Carolina. In 2021, he enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard where he currently serves as a 15Y (Apache avionics, electrical, and armament technician). Philip is an avid racer and loves to work on and race cars as a member of the CCR SCCA whenever he finds the time to do so. Otherwise, he enjoys reading with his favorite book being "The Count of Monte Cristo", or spending time with friends. Philip is the 2024 South Carolina Army National Guard Soldier of the Year and is attending Greenville Technical College for an airframe and powerplant certification to repair and maintain civilian aircraft. His Father and Mother live in Charlotte and Concord, NC respectively. His sister lives in Simpsonville, SC. He also owns a cat which he loves dearly.
Ricky Zambrano
Ricky Zambrano was born and raised in North Bergen NJ, was inspired to join the military after 9/11, during high school met with a Marine Corps recruiter and enlisted after graduating. Served as an infantryman with third battalion second marines (3/2) deployed in 2011 to Musa Qala Afghanistan. After leaving the military graduated from Berkeley College. Posed as one of the models for the National WW1 monument thats in Pershing Park in Washington DC. Currently a personal trainer/group fitness instructor. Actively competing in Hyrox and CrossFit competitions. Goal is to inspire other veterans to be the best version of themselves and pursue 1% better everyday!