2026 Event Attendees
The Veterans and Service members below were notified on Veterans Day of their selection to attend the upcoming Andy Quattlebaum Warrior Hunt, and will travel from as far West as Texas and North as Pennsylvania. 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 the participants. They will all start at Camp Woodie where Veterans will enjoy an evening of camaraderie, a presentation of Quilts of Valor from the Myrtle Beach Shorebirds, and a wild game dinner the first evening. The next day they will participate in a sporting clay event, a pheasant tower event, and then the benefit dinner and auction at Whitehouse Farms. On the final day, participants will participate in duck hunting on one of 10 historic plantations in Georgetown, SC, followed by a luncheon to share their experience with other participants.
Brian Boyer
A native of Columbia, SC, Brian graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. While at West Point, Brian excelled in rugby outside of the classroom and was selected as the team captain his senior year. He led his team to the NCAA Final Four during his senior year. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, Brian completed the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course in Fort Sill, Oklahoma as well as Air Assault, Airborne, and Ranger Schools prior to his first assignment at Fort Bragg, NC. During his time at Fort Bragg, Brian was selected for the All-Army Rugby team and enjoyed representing the entire United States Army in military combined service tournaments around the continental United States. In the spring of 2000, Brian was selected for the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. Upon successful completion of the selection program, Brian was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment located at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia as a Ranger Rifle Company Fire Support Officer. During his time serving as the Charlie Company FSO, he deployed for combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Global War on Terrorism. After serving nearly 3 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Brian served his last year in the Army as a Brigade S-3 in a Combat Basic Training Support Brigade at Fort Jackson, SC. After completing his military service, Brian earned his MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. In 2010, he started Boyer Commercial Construction as the sole employee. Today, the company has 50 employees and builds office, retail, medical, senior living, and industrial projects throughout the Carolinas and Georgia. 15 of the company employees are military veterans. Brian and his wife, Suzanne, have 5 children ranging in age from 16 to 9. They are active members of Downtown Church in Columbia. Outside of work and family, Brian is an active member of YPO and serves on the Midlands Advisory Board for Synovus Bank as well as the Boyd Family Foundation Board. He enjoys coaching his children in their youth sports as well as hunting and fishing.
Peter Brookes
Dr. Peter Brookes is an award-winning outdoor and travel writer and field photographer, located in the Washington, DC area. Over the last seven years, he’s won 14 Excellence-in-Craft awards for his outdoor writings. Brookes is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. Prior to embarking on a second career in outdoor writing, Brookes worked in foreign policy and national security, serving as a naval intelligence officer; State Department officer; CIA operations officer; professional staff member on Capitol Hill; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense; Washington, DC public policy institute research scholar; and member of the congressional US-China Economic and Security Commission, appointed by two Speakers of the House of Representatives. He retired from the Naval Reserves with the rank of Commander. He received his education at the U.S. Naval Academy (BS), Defense Language Institute (Russian), Naval War College, Johns Hopkins University (MA), and Georgetown University (Doctorate). Brookes has taught at the National Defense University and the (now) National Intelligence University. He's married and the father of three, including an Army LCOL.
Nathan Browning
Nathan Browning was raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. Upon graduation from high school in 2015, he enlisted in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Upon completion of boot camp and Navy A-School, he would serve in the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II squadron, VFA-101 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. In 2018 Nathan was sent to VFA-213, where he would become a fully qualified technician on the F/A-18F Super Hornet and make the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. He would go on to deploy with VFA-87 in 2020-2021 aboard the USS Theodore Roosvelt. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in 2022, Nathan deployed to McMurdo Station, Antarctica in August of 2023 in support of the National Science Foundation fuels operations. Nathan is currently a Junior at North Carolina State University, studying Business Administration with plans to graduate in 2027.
Walt Boomer
General Walter E. Boomer joined the Marine Corps in 1960 after graduating from Duke University. His service included two tours in Vietnam, where he was a combat commander in 1966 and 1967 and an advisor to a South Vietnamese Marine infantry battalion in 1971 and 1972. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal twice for his actions in combat. In 1986, he was promoted to Brigadier General and named Director of Public Affairs at Marine headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1988, he was given command of the 4th Marine Division in New Orleans. During this assignment, he was promoted to Major General in 1988 and to Lieutenant General in 1990. Shortly after his promotion to Lieutenant General, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia as the Commanding General, U.S. Marines Central Command and First Marine Expeditionary Force. He led all Marines during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the largest single operation in Marine Corps history. In 1991, at the completion of his service in the Middle East, General Boomer was the Commanding General, First Marine Expeditionary Force/Commanding General, Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton, California; later that year, he was named Commanding General, Marine Combat Development Command at Quantico, Virginia. He was promoted to General and named Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1992 and held that position until his retirement in 1994.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Boomer was Executive Vice President of McDermott International and President of Babcock and Wilcox Power Generation Group. In 1997 he joined Rogers Corporation as President and CEO. General Boomer was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2002 and retired from the company in 2004. He remained a Director of Rogers Corporation until 2010. General Boomer was a Director of Baxter International for 15 years, serving as Lead Director for 3 years. Boomer was also a director of Cytec, a woman’s health care company, until it was merged with another company. He was a director of Paragon Medical Company until it was sold. He was a Director of Taylor Energy Company, and Past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, which built the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
A native of Rich Square, North Carolina, General Boomer holds a B.A. from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and a M.S. in Technology of Management from American University in Washington, D.C. He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College.
James Copobianco
Jim Capobianco is a retired Major in the US Army. He served two combat deployments to Iraq. His first deployment was in 2005 and his second was in 2007 as part of the “Surge.” He currently works with the Department of Veterans Affairs and serves as the Director of the Greenville Vet Center. He is a former Mental Health Program Manager for the VA and previously served as the Regional Director of Family Preservation Services in Rutherford and Polk Counties NC. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Counseling and Traumatology, a Master of Social Work degree, and a Master of Arts degree in International Studies. His military education includes Primary Leadership Development Course, Officer Candidate School, Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Captain’s Career Courses, Counter Insurgency Leaders Course, Defense Intelligence Agency’s Intelligence Collection Management Course, Defense Language Institute’s Chinese Mandarin Basic Course, and the Far East Asian Cryptologic Linguist Course. His commendations include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He authored seven articles pertaining to counterinsurgency warfare and intelligence operations published in Infantry Magazine, Armor Magazine, and the Center for Army Lessons Learned.
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 dogs Milo and Oak.
Joe Fancher
Joseph L. Fancher, raised on a farm in upstate New York, is a distinguished leader and entrepreneur. He served in the U.S. Army for over 32 years, with a notable career in Special Forces that included numerous roles and global deployments. Fancher's military service culminated in his position as Command Sergeant Major at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Beyond his military service, Fancher is a Director for Oak Grove Technologies, the Owner of Southern Style Farms in North Carolina, the Founder and CEO of Oak Ridge Charity and Outdoor Adventures, and a Board Member of the Green Beret Foundation. He also serves as a Special Advisor to the Cornell University Innovation Hub. Fancher holds a Master's in Business Management and Leadership. His commitment to leadership, education, conservation, and community service is reflected in his diverse roles and dedication to excellence. He is married to Nayda Fancher, and they have two children.
Heath Freeman
Heath hails from Yadkin County, North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Animal Science. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 1996 and commissioned in 1999.
Throughout his 27 years of active and reserve duty, Heath was fortunate enough to have served with the finest men and women on Earth. Upon completion of recruit and specialty training, Heath served for three years as a Supply Administrator in Raleigh, North Carolina. After commissioning and basic training, Heath earned the title of Combat Engineer officer and embarked on a career that saw employment in 13 different organizations across the Marine Corps. A highlight of his military service was returning to Marine Corps Engineer School, to retire where he earned the title Combat Engineer. Heath’s career boasts seven promotions, six deployments, and dozens of personal and unit awards. But none of the accolades compare to the privilege he was given to both serve and lead Marines, Sailors, and Civilians in garrison and combat.
Upon retirement in 2023, Heath and his family relocated to Easley, South Carolina where he currently works in commercial construction as a Project Manager while continuing to seek the next passion project. He joined Harper General Contractors and worked in the Environmental Systems Division for two years before moving to Ajax Building Company’s commercial division, currently building the new Forestry and Environmental Conservation Building at Clemson University.
Heath is married to the beautiful Callie Anne of Lexington, Kentucky, and they have two children, Emerson Paige and Everett Hudson. A self-proclaimed ice cream addict and bad golfer, Heath spends most of his free time either mowing the lawn or watching his children in martial arts and swimming.
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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.
Elijah Garrett
My name is Elijah Garrett. I was born and raised in upstate South Carolina and am still a southerner at heart. I signed up for the Marine Corps on my 18th birthday and served five years as an infantry Marine. I spent two years in Washington , D.C, in the presidential support program and the other three years in an infantry unit doing two different deployments. Currently, I am a civil engineering student at Clemson University, on track to graduate in May 2026. I am married, and my wife and I run a small farm together. When I am not working on the farm, I am either hunting, fishing, lifting weights or being involved with my church. I am an outgoing person and love fellowshipping with other men and veterans.
Miles Gilster
Miles Gilster was born and raised in the great state of Texas, where he spent a majority of his childhood bass fishing local waters, playing sports, and learning the meaning of service from the many Marine veterans who neighbored him. Their stories and patriotism shaped his own sense of duty from a young age. In 2019, Miles enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee, working as an Equipment Operator Second Class. His four-year military career took him across the country from San Diego, California to Panama City, Florida, where he was selected to attend Navy Dive School. An injury before graduation ultimately led to being medically dropped from training and a final year stationed in Ventura, California. Then in 2023, Miles honorably completed his service. After transitioning out of the military, Miles chose a new path. He moved to Greenville, South Carolina to be with his girlfriend he met during dive training in Florida, and soon began pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Clemson University where he is a current student and involved in the Student Veteran Association. When Miles isn’t studying, he can be found fishing rivers, coyote hunting, planning cross-country duck hunts for over Christmas break, or chasing his true love, public land whitetail deer. The outdoors was important to Miles’ childhood and now more than ever has become a powerful form of therapy for him. The woods have helped guide his transition into civilian life and been a pure source of peace for his journey. From Texas, to Navy bases, to the mountains and rivers of the Southeast, Miles carries with him a lifelong respect for hard work, service, and the freedom of the outdoors.
Webb Gillespie
Coming Soon
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.
Gerald Harmon
Major General Gerald E. Harmon (U.S. Air Force, Retired) epitomizes the concept of the Citizen-Soldier. Prior to retirement he served as the Air National Guard assistant to the surgeon general, United States Air Force, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. He served as the principal adviser on Air National Guard medical service matters to the surgeon general. His responsibilities included coordinating medical policies, plans, and programs for the Air National Guard. Currently, Dr. Gerald Harmon is a decorated South Carolina physician who began his appointment as interim dean at the School of Medicine Columbia on Aug. 1, 2023. In his interim appointment, Harmon maintains relationships with the school’s clinical partners, including Prisma Health, as well as keeping a steady focus on high-impact research and improving the health of South Carolinians. Harmon works with leadership to ensure that all graduate programs within medicine are represented and that the upcoming accreditation process is seamless. He also hopes to set up for success the future dean in the launch of the new home for the School of Medicine at the BullStreet District. Harmon is the immediate past president of the American Medical Association, and he currently serves as vice president of medical affairs at Tidelands Health as well as a family physician at Tidelands Health Family Medicine.
Chris Hart
Chris Hart is a retired Army Master Sergeant that served from 1997-2026 as a 12B Combat Engineer through Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom conducting route clearance operations. He grew up in Arkansas hunting, fishing, and playing sports. He has coached girls’ competitive volleyball and high school soccer. He is currently transitioning to run and electrical contracting business and will enjoy spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.
Tucker Hearon
Tucker was raised in Ridgefield, Connecticut. After earning his undergraduate degree from Loyola University Maryland, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, where he commissioned as a United States Navy Surface Warfare Officer. Over the course of four years, he completed multiple deployments while stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, aboard the USS Monterey (CG-61), and in Jacksonville, Florida, aboard the USS Ramage (DDG-61). His roles included serving as a Gunnery Officer, Force Protection Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Funds Custodian. In these positions he managed weapons systems, led sailors in maintenance and operations, coordinated security across multiple commands, and revitalized his ship’s MWR program from near failure into a highly successful program that supported morale across the crew. After completing his active naval service in 2025, Tucker transitioned to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he continues to serve as an active Navy Reservist while pursuing his MBA at North Carolina State University’s Jenkins Graduate School of Management. He is preparing to continue his career in business leadership and technology while staying engaged with veteran networks and his local community.
Jim Hutchison
I was born and raised in Chillicothe, OH and attended Ohio University receiving a BS and MBA degree. While in college I was a member of the Ohio National Guard and ROTC program. Upon graduation I was commissioned active duty as a Field Artillery Officer. I completed Airborne, Air Assault and Ranger School during my assignments to the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. After active duty, I continued to serve in the Ohio National Guard as an OCS Instructor. My civilian career gave me the opportunity to transfer to South Carolina and then later to Clemmons, NC where I have resided for the past 18 years with my wife of 28 years and 2 daughters. My oldest daughter is a senior at the University of North Carolina and my youngest is a junior in high school. I am currently serving as the Vice President in the Mid-Atlantic region for Smurfit Westrock. My hobbies include hunting, fishing and hiking.
Chris Jacobsen
Chris Jacobsen is a native of Northern Minnesota and proudly answered the call to serve his country after the events of September 11th, 2001. He served in the U.S. Army for over 16 years, with a notable career in Special Forces as a Medic that included numerous roles and global deployments. Post service, he discovered a passion for helping veterans and he continues a life of service in the veteran community. He currently works with the Travis Manion Foundation, investing in and helping to empower veterans to become leaders in their communities across the country.
Frank Kessler
LTC Frank Kessler is an active-duty U.S. Army infantry officer serving at Fort Bragg, NC. Frank began his career as an Infantry Officer following graduation from the University of Maine, leading Paratroopers in multiple assignments from the platoon to Corps level. Over nearly 15 years of service, he has held key command and staff positions across XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division with three combat and operational deployments to the Middle East and Eastern Europe. A Master-rated Jumpmaster, he has completed over 130 static-line parachute jumps. A devoted husband and father, Frank and his wife, Falon, are proud parents of Kylie and Colton. An avid outdoorsman, he finds purpose in sharing the outdoors with his children, fellow veterans, and their families—rekindling camaraderie, healing, and connection through the shared pursuit of adventure in the great outdoors.
Pete Klimek
Pete Klimek commissioned as an Armor Officer in the United States Army through ROTC upon graduating from the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He was an honor graduate of the Army Reconnaissance Course and went on to be assigned to First Cavalry Division in then named Fort Hood, Texas. While assigned to First Cavalry Division, Pete served as an Abrams Platoon Leader, Maintenance Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Battalion S-4 while serving in rotational deployments to South Korea and Poland. Upon being honorably discharged, Pete moved to Georgetown, South Carolina with his wife and daughter and is blessed with another daughter on the way. Pete works for Altec as an account manager in their auction subsidiary, JJ Kane Auctions, and is pursing an Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Giovanna LaMaestra
Giovanna LaMaestra is a U.S. Air Force veteran and proud single mother to a daughter who is a 4th generation military service member currently serving in the AF. During her 12-year Air Force career, she served as a Radio/TV Broadcaster and Combat Aerial Videographer, documenting military operations and telling the stories of service members worldwide. Currently she is fully transitioned to civilian life to pursue a degree & career in health care, drawing on over a decade of military experience in Public Affairs, Combat Camera & CENTCOM operations to pursue a Bachelors in Nursing Science.
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Alex Lassoff
Alex Lassoff enlisted in the Army in 2010 as a Human Intelligence Collector. While on active duty, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Temple University and was commissioned as an Armor Officer. Over his eight-year career, Alex deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Spartan Shield. Outside of the military, he continued his education, graduating from Drexel’s Kline School of Law in 2022, and is now pursuing a career in civil litigation. He is also the founder and president of Delta 22 Solutions, a staffing company that donates part of its profits to veterans' mental health non-profits. Alex stays active in the veteran community, serving as the Director of Policy for Team Foster and as Senior Vice Commander of his local VFW. He is also a member of the Flyers Warriors, an all-disabled Veteran hockey program that plays in tournaments nationwide. His greatest accomplishment is his son, whom he enjoys helping with his high school technology competitions as a parent volunteer.
Jake Lunsford
Jake Forrest Lunsford is a soon-to-be retired Marine officer from Camp Lejeune. He enlisted in the Corps in 2004 from his home state of Georgia, and commissioned as an infantry officer in 2012. With multiple tours and much time spent trapped in the bowls of naval vessels at sea, he is looking forward to planting roots someplace peaceful. The time he spends out of uniform is mostly with his four sons hunting the game-poor and swampy public ground around his home in North Carolina with their fully-loaded, half-cocked, springer spaniel, Tucker. He sometimes writes about their misadventures in publications like Garden and Gun, Backcountry Journal, Tom Beckbe Field Journal, and others.
Chris Marsh
Chris Marsh retired from the Marine Corps in September of 2020 after 20+ years of service. Before receiving his commission from the Citadel as part of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, he attained the rank of SSgt. After receiving his commission, he served in a multitude of billets, deployed to combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and deployed to 22 other countries across 3 combatant commands. He was promoted to his final rank of Major in 2018 while deployed to Kuwait, and finished his career at 2d Marine Division as the Current Operations Officer. He has been married 24 years to his wife Kimberlee, and together they have 4 children, ages 10-21. After retirement he was hired by Michelin, where he now works as a Business Unit Leader and Supply Chain Planner at Michelin’s US1 plant in Greenville, SC.
Charles "Maz" Masaracchia
Over the course of more than 30 years in the Army, he had the privilege of serving in Light, Airborne, and Ranger units. In a career-broadening assignment, the Army selected him to command an Armor Brigade in El Paso, Texas. Following brigade command, he served as the Chief of Staff for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. Promoted to Brigadier General, he was honored to stand up and command the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) at Fort Hood, Texas, where he led the effort to recruit, train, certify, and deploy 880 Soldiers in just 13 months to combat operations in Afghanistan. His final assignment was serving as the Director of the Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Across his career, he deployed nine times to Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating as the commander of Train, Advise, Assist Command – East (TAAC-E), responsible for operations in eastern Afghanistan. Today, he resides in Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife of more than three decades. Together, they have three grown children—including a senior Captain in the Army—and two grandchildren. In retirement, he serves as the Director of Operations for a commercial construction company in Columbia. He also continues to support the Army as a Senior Mentor for the Mission Command Training Program, where he helps validate units during large-scale training exercises.
John Matheson
My name is John Matheson I was in the US Navy for 5 years and am currently studying as an undergraduate in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. I was an Aviation Electrician’s mate, night shift supervisor of the aircraft line division and integral member of the integrated weapons team. I was deployed three times, once on the USS George H.W Bush and the last two deployments on the USS Theodoore Roosevelt attached to the squadron VFA-31 ‘Tomcatters”. I owe the Military for them distilling within me attention to detail, flexibility, leadership and organizational skills. I am forever grateful for the Navy in teaching me discipline, respect and impenetrable work ethic. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading history, Golf, the gym and I am currently exploring cooking recipes. My family has a yearly hunting trip in western North Carolina and enjoy engulfing myself in the peace that is nature. I recently made a Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta bake, and it was my best work yet. An interesting fact about me is my squadron and name on a jet and it is in the movie Top Gun: Maverick.
Todd McCaffrey
Coming Soon
Clebe McClary
First Lieutenant Patrick C. “Clebe” McClary III, USMC (Retired) Professional Speaker and Author, Clebe McClary Inc. Spouse: Deanna “Dea” 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 Lowcountry native was serving as a platoon leader in the First Reconnaissance Battalion. On the battalion’s 19th patrol, the unit was attacked by the Viet Cong. Lieutenant McClary was seriously wounded, losing his left arm and left eye, yet he continued to lead his men. The numerous surgeries 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.
Bob McVey
Robert McVey is a retired Colonel and currently works as a Business Strategy Analyst for USAA. Prior to USAA, Bob served in the U.S. Army - initially as an Enlisted Combat Medic in the Army Reserve, and later, after graduating from Loyola University Chicago, as an active duty Infantry, Logistics, and Foreign Area Officer. Robert led diverse, cross-functional teams across several geographic regions: North America, Europe (Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania), and the Middle East (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, UAE, and Bahrain). He culminated his Army career as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General (United States Army Central). Bob has earned a Master of Arts degree in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and an Associate of Arts in Russian. Bob enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Marie, and their four grown children. Their hobbies include hiking with their two Labrador Retrievers, all things Jeep, any outdoor activity, and cheering on their favorite sports teams - the Chicago Bears, Indiana Hoosiers, and University of South Carolina Gamecocks.
Walt Melnyk
Walter enlisted in the US Army Corps of Engineers directly out of high school and served during Desert Storm / Desert Shield. After his time in the military, Walter used his GI Bill funding and obtained his undergraduate in Accounting at the University of South Florida, Masters in Taxation at Seton Hall University and his CPA, where he worked as a Tax Director at PwC for over 25 years. Although no longer in the military, Walter always believed in giving back and helping others who transitioned out of the military into civilian life after their miliary careers. This included, but is not limited, to leading the PwC Philadelphia Veterans Affinity Network, being an active coach for American Corporate Partners and FourBlock, and partnering with the USO to teach financial education at various military installations. Walter is also a board member on Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network (GPVN) who are dedicated to helping veterans throughout the entire lifecycle on their professional careers. Walter has received several awards and has been recognized for the volunteer work that he’s done to help veterans transition out of military into civilian careers. Walter is a big believer in a 2nd level of volunteering – volunteer to serve in the military and then volunteer, successfully transition out of the military and then volunteer to help others successfully transition out of the military and into civilian life and careers. Walter is married to his wife Roberta for over 26 years; they have three boys, a 14-year-old beagle and a 5-year-old rabbit. Walter and his family have lived in several cities both domestically within the US and internationally. Walter and his family regularly volunteer their time assisting local animal shelters and organizations. In his spare time, Walter is an avid hiker that hikes almost every weekend. Some of his more epic hikes included Mt. Everest Base Camp, rim-to-rim Grand Canyon and the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Eric Montalvo
Eric served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. He served as a Supply Officer in 2nd Marine Division, completed a tour on recruiting duty, and was subsequently selected for the Law Education Program where he spent his last 10 years on active duty as a Judge Advocate. Eric deployed twice during his career as a Staff Judge Advocate. First to Afghanistan with Regimental Combat Team 8, and his second deployment was with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Mediterranean and Middle East. He also served as a trial counsel (prosecutor) and Staff Judge Advocate for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. His last assignment was as the Chief of National Security Law for U.S. Special Operations Command. After retirement, Eric was selected by Amazon to be a Delivery Service Provider (DSP) in Greenville, SC. He and his wife run Next Phase Logistics, which employs more than 100 people and has completed 80,000+ routes and delivered more than 16,000,000 packages over the last 6 years. In addition, Eric practices law by representing criminal clients in state court and conducting residential real estate closings as an attorney with Whalen Montalvo, LLC. In 2022, he was selected to be a member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s flagship leadership program, Leadership Greenville, Class 49. Eric holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina, an MBA from Boston University, a Law Degree from the University of South Carolina, and a Masters in National Security Law from the Army Judge Advocate School. He has been happily married to Holly Montalvo for 24 years, and they have 3 wonderful girls. He enjoys playing golf, being on the lake with his family, and traveling.
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 16 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.
Tucker Polk
Tucker Polk is a Charleston native who served six years in the United States Air Force as an F-16C/D Integrated Avionics Specialist. During his service, he was frequently recognized as a superior performer while stationed at Eielson AFB, Alaska, and Holloman AFB, New Mexico, with deployments that took him to Guam and Australia. Transitioning from military service, Tucker returned home to pursue higher education. He is currently an undergraduate student majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Studies. He is focused on stepping into a career dedicated to renewable energy initiatives. A lifelong outdoorsman, he was born and raised fishing and hunting the Lowcountry with his father. While his outdoor pursuits have recently slowed, he is dedicated to reigniting his passion for the sport. His diverse hunting experiences include successful trips in Alaska for species such as Bighorn Sheep, Moose, Wolf, and various birds. He also currently supports the veteran community as a member of Warrior Surf and is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation
Jesse Reyes
Jesse Reyes was born and raised in Texas. Having graduated from high school in the spring of 2001, he was one of many to enlist after the events of 9/11. He was trained by the US Army as a medic at Fort Sam Houston and upon completion assigned to Fort Hood and the 1st Cavalry Division. He deployed twice to Iraq. He served as a platoon medic for F Troop 9th US CAV from March 04- March 05 and again from September 06- November 07 in Diyala, Province where he served as the senior medic for B troop 6/9 ARS.
Jesse was discharged from active duty in March 2008. He was hired by the Dallas Fire Department in October 2009 where he has worked for the last 16 years as a Paramedic/Firefighter. Most recently he has served as the Engineer at Station 40 "Cowboys Of The Cliff" in the South Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas.
J.E. "Doc" Reyes is husband to Lindsey Reyes and father to Isabella, Sophie, and Eduardo. In his spare time he enjoys hunting the uplands with his two dogs, Gus and Woodrow, at a nomadic camp of family and friends which any man would consider himself blessed by God to know. Jesse remains in close contact with the troopers he deployed with, considering himself fully their "Doc" for life. He and his wife host an annual reunion every November which has recently seen even grandchildren attend.
David Rocha
MSG Rocha, David G. was born in Galveston, Texas, and raised on the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17 and has served for 17 years as a combat engineer and special operations engineer. He began his career with the 27th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, conducting route clearance operations in Afghanistan as a Private, Team Leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. After two combat deployments in the conventional Army, he transitioned to the Special Operations community, where he completed seven additional deployments across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and the Mediterranean. David currently serves as the Troop Sergeant Major for an Engineer Troop under the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, leading a joint team of Active Duty Engineers, GS civilians, and contractors responsible for global infrastructure and facility support. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a graduate student at North Carolina State University pursuing a Master of Engineering Management. David has been married to his wife, Amy, for 16 years, and together they have two daughters.
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.
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.
Ryan Sulier
Ryan M. Sulier is a former U.S. Army Chemical Officer, commissioned as a second lieutenant through ROTC at The University of Toledo (B.A. History, 2000) and completed Basic Airborne Course (1998). He served with the 1st Infantry Division in Germany (2000–2003), serving as a battalion chemo with 1-26 IN "Blue Spaders" and a decon platoon leader with 12th Chemical Company. After transitioning, he worked in corporate and medical device sales in Northern California, earning Rookie of the Year and President’s Club honors. With an MBA and Decision Analytics Certificate from North Carolina State University Jenkins Graduate School of Management (2017), he moved into data analytics and finance at Credit Suisse, Vanguard, and now Wells Fargo, where he serves as Vice President of Financial Crimes Analytics Monitoring Surveillance. Ryan has mentored veterans through American Corporate Partners and Wells Fargo programs, actively supports his church and community, and lives in Fort Mill, SC with his wife of 20 years and their two sons.
Chase Smoak
Chase Smoak served in the Marine Corps from 2009 to 2013, including a deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2011 as a rifleman and bomb dog handler. After leaving the Marines, he earned a degree in horticulture from Clemson University and now works as a hunting and camo goods buyer for retail stores.
Chase is an avid hunter who enjoys spending time outdoors with his black lab, Sue. He’s active in his church and finds purpose in helping active-duty service members and fellow veterans get involved in hunting. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids on their farm in Pinewood, 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.
David Underhay
David served in the United States Army as an Early Warning Systems Operator with the 82nd Airborne Division, and then as a Psychological Operations Specialist. He deployed to Al Anbar province, Iraq in 2003 with the 82nd, and returned to support combat operations as a member of a Tactical PSYOP Team in Baghdad in 2006. Post his time in the Army, he continued to support the war efforts as a contractor and a Department of the Army Civilian with multiple additional deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After his time serving his country, he went on to work in the technology sector specializing in operations management as part of the testing, development, and deployment of some of the world's first self-driving vehicle fleets. He is now attending the College of Charleston pursuing a BS in Commercial Real Estate Finance and plans on attending graduate school for his MBA upon completion of the program. Currently he lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife Stacie and his two dogs Sidney and Mavis.
Pete Warner
Pete Warner is currently an instructor at the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, where he specializes in firearms restoration and building 1911 pistols. Before entering the civilian world, Pete spent 13 years in the US Army serving as a Joint Fire Support Specialist. During his time with the US Army, he served with 82nd Airborne Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and 25 Infantry Division, deploying three times(2 OEF, 1 OIF). He left the Army in 2017 as a Sergeant First Class. After military service, Pete decided to pursue his passion for firearms by attending the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, where he graduated with high honors. Upon graduation he started his gunsmithing career at Cabot Guns, a world-renowned manufacturer of luxury 1911 and 2011 pistols. Pete decided to return to his alma mater to help grow the profession, while helping aspiring gunsmiths to realize their passion and creativity. Pete lives in western Pennsylvania with his wife Emily, and daughters Ellie and Mirren. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping in his spare time. Pete believes that it is his love for the outdoors that has helped him transition from military to civilian life, providing him peace and a sense of purpose.
Craig Wiggins
Craig Wiggins served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of Captain after a career defined by adventure, leadership, and service across the globe. A native of Reelsboro, North Carolina, Craig joined the Marines seeking challenge and purpose—and found both in abundance. He began his career as an Avionics Calibration Technician, mastering the precision and discipline required to keep aviation systems mission-ready. His curiosity and drive for growth led him to commission as a Communications Officer, where he commanded teams and built critical infrastructure in complex operational environments. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Craig led large-scale network and technology operations supporting thousands of service members. Later, as part of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group in Frankfurt, Germany, he oversaw operations, logistics, and inspections for 19 U.S. embassies across 15 countries—helping safeguard American personnel and facilities worldwide. After retiring from active duty, Craig transitioned to the private sector as an IT Infrastructure Operations Lead at BMW Plant Spartanburg and now is a construction project manager building the newest battery plant. There, he applies his project management and leadership expertise to improve systems reliability, optimize operational performance, and mentor future technical leaders in a global manufacturing environment. Craig is also the Founder and President of Heel & Toe 4 Heroes (HT4H), a veteran nonprofit that uses motorsports to honor service, build camaraderie, and support healing through teamwork and adrenaline-fueled purpose. Through racing experiences and veteran engagement, HT4H empowers those who served to find connection and strength—on and off the track.
Greg White
CSM Gregory White began his military career in 1989 upon enlisting in the U.S. Army attending Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill Oklahoma and then being assigned to A Battery 3rd Battalion 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart Georgia. CSM White deployed with the 24th ID in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1990-1991, Operation Noble Eagle with the 2-142 Field Artillery Battalion in 2002-2003, and with Bravo Battery 2-142 Field Artillery Battalion as a platoon sergeant in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006-2007. After serving three years in the Active Duty Army, CSM White transitioned into the National Guard and has served over 32 of his 35 years in uniform with the Arkansas Army National Guard. He has held various assignments and leadership positions within the State to include 2-142 Field Artillery Battalion Master Gunner, Director of Military Support Plans and Operations NCOIC, 875th Engineer Battalion Command Sergeant Major, 87th Troop Command BDE Operations Sergeant Major, Arkansas Army National Guard Operations Sergeant Major, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sergeant Major, and Command Sergeant Major for the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the nominative Senior Enlisted Advisor position in the office of the Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Arkansas National Guard.
Nick Wolcott
Nick is a 12-year army veteran, spending most of his time with 1st Special Forces Group as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant. He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Pacific Eagle, and others. As a team member on an ODA, Nick received training in leadership, communications, cybersecurity, tactics, and free fall operations. After medical retirement in 2022, Nick attended North Carolina State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. His goal is to become a ruminant nutritionist for beef operations across the United States. Nick also has a background in cybersecurity and is currently finishing his Bachelors in Cybersecurity Management. Nick spends his free time with his family and dogs. He enjoys hunting, lifting weights, football, and a fascination for anything that flies or drives fast.
Jessica Wilkes
Jessica Wilkes is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served as a combat camera videographer. She enlisted after an early attempt at college left her seeking greater purpose and direction—something she found through service. During her 12-year active-duty career, Jessica deployed twice to Iraq to support and document combat operations alongside joint-service partners. Her work captured the realities of life in a combat zone and the courage of those serving under difficult and often dangerous conditions. These experiences strengthened her commitment to teamwork, adaptability, and service—values that continue to define her leadership today. Her professionalism, composure under pressure, and creative eye earned her recognition throughout her assignments both stateside and overseas. Following her honorable discharge, Jessica pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and later a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. She is now a Licensed Social Worker and serves as the Director of Veteran & Military Student Services at the College of Charleston. In this role, she leads initiatives that support veterans, service members, and military families through their academic and personal transitions. She also oversees the Veteran Peer Advisor program and facilitates Green Zone Ally Training for faculty and staff, fostering awareness and inclusion for the military-connected community. In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring the Lowcountry with her daughter, and continuing her lifelong commitment to service and the veteran community.
Jonah Williams
Jonah Williams is an Army veteran who served as a Mortarman with D Co, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. During his service, he completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Ranger Small Arms Leader Course. He deployed for crisis response operations in 2022 and spent the rest of his time as a 60mm Mortar Team Leader. Jonah worked closely with multiple allied and U.S. special operations forces providing fire support, which strengthened his leadership, adaptability, and high stress problem solving at a young age. After completing his contract, he transitioned to the College of Charleston, where he is pursuing a degree in International Business with a minor in Global Logistics and Transportation. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA, he plans to continue serving the nation in a federal capacity following his graduation in 2027. In his free time, Jonah enjoys traveling, exercising, marksmanship practice, and spending time with the close-knit veteran community at the College of Charleston.
John "Woo" Woods
John “WOO” Woods was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1999 and took his commission in the United States Air Force. John served for 25+ years in both active duty Air Force and Air National Guard, and amassed over 5000 flight hours in both manned and unmanned aircraft. John retired in July and relocated back to Greenville, SC. He is currently researching civilian job opportunities and volunteering his time at Upstate Warrior Solutions. His passions are his family (wife and 3 children), hunting and aviation.
Sam Whitehurst
Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst served over 29 years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army in the U.S. and overseas. He has led Soldiers in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan and has a deep understanding of the issues impacting our service members, veterans, and their families and the sacrifices they make in service to our country. He now serves as the Vice President, Programs & Services, at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, where he continues to advocate for service members, military veterans, their families, and the families of our fallen.