Program 2016 in PDF Online - Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend To

Transcription

Contents
Pg 1 Pg 2 Pg 3 Pg 4 Pg 5-6 Welcome Letter
About Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend To Remember
Sponsors
Adopt a Warrior Prayers
Maps
Pg 7 Pg 7 Pg 8 Pg 8 Lonestar Country Music Concert
5k/ Ranger Ruck / Gold Star Bike Ride
25 Mile Bicycle Ride
Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival
Main Public Events
Our 2016 Warriors & Gold Star Families
New Warriors- Pg 9-14
Pg 9
Air Force TSgt Mark Badger (Ret)
Pg 9
Air Force SrA Josh Brooks (Ret)
Pg 9
Marine LCPL Richard Caseltine (Ret)
Pg 9
Army CPL Joseph Childress (Ret)
Pg 10 Marine/Army SPC James Davis (Ret)
Pg 10 Marine Sgt Daniel Erlandson (Ret)
Pg 10 Army SPC Halsey Hinson (Ret)
Pg 11 Marine CPL Josh Hoffman (Ret)
Pg 11 Air Force SMSgt Paul Horton (Ret)
Pg 11 Marine CPL Todd Love (Ret)
Pg 12 Marine LCPL John MacNaughton (Ret)
Pg 12 Air Force MSG Adam McLeod (Ret)
Pg 13 Marine LCPL Ryan Meadows
Pg 13 Air Force SSgt Zac Ruttman (Ret) Pg 13 Marine LCPL Nick Siewert (Ret)
Pg 13 Marine Sgt Steve Thompson (Ret)
Pg 14 Air Force SMSgt Kevin Wallace Pg 14 Army SSG Stephen Valyou (Ret)
Ambassador Warriors - Pg 15-17
Pg 15 Marine Gunnery SGT Sam Deeds (Ret) Pg 15 Marine COL John Bates (Ret) Pg 16 Army SPC Ken Doyle (Ret) Pg 16 Army SSG Shilo Harris (Ret) Pg 16 Air Force MAJ Timothy O’Sullivan (Ret) Pg 17 Army SGT Matthew Pennington (Ret) Pg 17 Air Force MAJ Jason Regester (Ret) Pg 17 Marine CPL Mike Strahle (Ret)
New Gold Star Families- Pg 18-20
Pg 18 Fallen Warrior – Army SFC Ofren “AC” Arrechaga Pg 18 Fallen Warrior – Army SPC Jacob Dohrenwend
Pg 18 Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Adam Jones
Pg 19 Fallen Warrior – Army SPC Donald “Scott” Morrison Pg 19 Fallen Warrior – Marine Sgt Jeremy Murray Pg 19 Fallen Warrior – Army SGT James Robinson Pg 20 Fallen Warrior – Army 1LT Justin Smith Pg 20 Fallen Warrior – Marine LCPL William David Spencer
Pg 20 Fallen Warrior – Marine SSgt Mark Anthony Wojciechowski
Ambassador Gold Star Families- Pg 21
Pg 21 Fallen Warrior – Marine LCP Taylor Prazynski
Pg 21 Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Christopher “Tyler” Warndorf
Pg 21 Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Paul W. Zanowick II
Pg 22-25 Full Event Schedule
Pg 26-27 WWTR Planning Team
Welcome Letter
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember (WWTR) 2016
People often say the third time is a charm, in this case, every time has been awesome, and each time has only gotten
better. WWTR is purposely designed to involve hundreds of people in the planning and execution. The list includes
the honored Purple Hearts and Fallen Hero Families, sponsors, planning team, volunteers and 50,000 people via the
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival. Through this approach we create an incredibly fun, enriching and healing
experience for the honored guests and really everyone that touches the event.
This year we are pleased to host forty Combat Injured/Purple Heart Recipients and Fallen Hero/Gold Star Families,
this includes new warriors and returning ambassadors. Prior to this event warriors are contacted via many sources
to apply for the WWTR. After three years, word is getting out about WWTR and we are receiving more requests
than we can accommodate. The planning team has decided that the experience is more about quality over quantity
and has committed to keep the warrior list to forty. However, we do fold in many more warriors to other elements
of the event. This includes providing 500 VIP tickets for troops, Purple Hearts and Gold Stars to the Lone Star
Military Tribute Concert.
The back drop for the fun, enriching and healing starts with a motorcycle escort from the airport on Thursday to
check in at a brand new AC Marriot Hotel, then riding in Hot Rods to race Karts at Full Throttle. Friday kicks off
with a full day of shooting guns at Miamisburg Sportsmen’s Club and ending with a Jeep Ride/parade with Muddy
Buddies to a VIP Lonestar Military Tribute Concert at JD Legends. Saturday starts with a Warrior 5k Walk/Run/
Ranger Ruck and Bike Ride at Smith Park, followed by a full day at Start Skydiving riding in Hot Air Balloons, a
UH1H Huey, WW II Bomber and Fighter, Scenic Helo and Bi-Plane rides and of course tandem skydiving. All
throughout, our Warriors and Gold Star families will enjoy the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival and a
constant menu of awesome food.
Our small, community grass roots non-profit is now a legal 501c3. The name is “Blue Skies for Good Guys and
Gals Warrior Foundation” or “BS3G.” Yes, a mouthful indeed, but there it is. The entire project is grass roots and
volunteer, all proceeds benefit the WWTR mission. WWTR is the core giving back project for Team Fastrax™
Professional Skydiving Team, however it’s important to understand there are well over 100 people on the core
planning team, including many supporting non-profits, community groups and previous honored warriors who
have experienced the weekend first hand and want to give back. This event could be done with many less people, but
the significant positive impact wouldn’t be the same.
If you are an honored Purple Heart or Gold Star Family, enjoy the weekend, you earned it. Know that hundreds
of people have worked very hard for you to have an awesome experience and are praying for you to have a healing
weekend, including the many churches in our Adopt-a-Warrior/Prayer Warrior program. If you are a sponsor, know
that your contribution is making a difference. These warriors will leave with a life time of good memories and new
friendships. If you are a volunteer and or supporting group, thank you, thank you, thank you. The full awesomeness
of this event could not be accomplished without each and every one of you.
Blue Skies!
David & John Hart and the entire Core Planning Team!!!
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About The Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember
Held in conjunction with The Ohio Challenge (OC) Hot Air Balloon Festival, and organized by Team Fastrax™
Professional Skydiving Team and a large planning team, this event takes place July 7-10, 2016, at Smith Park/Hook
Field-Middletown Regional Airport (Middletown, Ohio). The Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember
(WWTR) is an exciting combination of activities meant to enrich the lives of our active-duty and veteran men
and women injured in combat deployments abroad, with priority given to Purple Heart recipients. Forty Combat
Injured Warriors and twelve Gold Star Families will participate throughout the weekend. They will enjoy a
combination of high energy and life enriching activities that are sure to put a smile on their faces. Many elements of
the weekend are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. For more info, visit our website: www.WarriorWTR.com
About Team Fastrax™ Parachute Demonstration Team
Since the inception of Team Fastrax™ Parachute Demonstration Team in 2002, the team has performed thousands
of exhibition skydives at every entertainment venue imaginable. Team Fastrax™ has performed in more than 25
nations. The team is approved to jump into highly-restricted airspace and is the only team to have performed over
Ground Zero on 9/11 in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA
and over the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They jump at balloon festivals, air shows, NASCAR, Indy
Race League, Formula One, symphony performances, golf courses, amusement parks, tennis courts, the Air Races
and their favorite, veteran support events. In addition, Team Fastrax™ has a Creed for all members to perform by. In
it they state that honoring our nation’s military men and women is their highest purpose.
Web: www.teamfastrax.org
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Primary Sponsors
Our sincere thanks to our sponsors and supporters. Without your generous support of time, talent and treasure, this weekend
would not be possible. A special thanks to the hundreds of others who have made financial contributions below $2,000.
Red Warrior Sponsor - $16,000 plus
Event Sponsored
Warrior
SELECTiON.COM®
SELECTiON.COM®
SELECTiON.COM®
SELECTiON.COM®
SELECTiON.COM®
White Warrior Sponsor - $8,000 plus
Halo for Freedom
Halo for Freedom
Halo for Freedom
Segue Technologies/Caring Village
Segue Technologies/Caring Village
Mr. & Mrs Tony Ryan/TD Datalink
Mr. & Mrs Tony Ryan/TD Datalink
Blue Warrior Sponsor - $4,000 plus
Combat Veterans to Careers
Evanhoe & Associates, Inc.
Halcyon IT
Hart Jr, John and Suzanne
Muddy Buddys
Opie Willis Fund Raiser
Quantrum
TekSouth Corporation
BISI Solutions
Tommy Tuberville Foundation
Total Quality Logistics
Tri-Cor Industries, Inc.
USO of Central & Southern Ohio
U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club- USVMCOH.com
Supporting Sponsor - $2,000 plus
Brian Callahan
Brixey & Meyer Community Outreach Foundation
Eagles, Middletown #528
Faurecia
Lang Financial
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Deidling
Ms. Gale Fogg
Northrop Grumman Xetron & Employees
RecruitMilitary.Com
SunCoke of Middletown
Tri-County Assembly
Walmart
In-Kind Sponsor Support
Cort Furniture
Fricker’s of Middletown
Full Throttle Indoor Karting
Patriot Project
JD Legends Entertainment Complex
Miamisburg Sportsmen's Club
Montgomery Inn
Sim-Trainer
Valor Vacations
VFW Post 3809
(PHA) Mike Strahle
(PHA) Sam Deeds
(PHA) Sam Deeds
VIP Dinner & Ohio Challenge
Event Sponsored
GS 25 mile Bike Ride
Command Post
Command Post
Night Bow Fishing
Night Bow Fishing
Event Sponsored
Warrior chill out area
WW II Bomber Warrior Rides
WW II Fighter Warrior Rides
Warrior Welcome Baskets
Jeep Convoy
Warrior Bonfire
Warrior Concert
Warrior Lodging Support
Observation Warrior Helo Rides
Warrior Shuttle Van Support
Warrior 5k Run, Walk & Ruck
Bi-Plane Warrior Rides
Warrior Concert
Motorcycle Escort
Event Sponsored
(PH) Todd Love
(PH) Joseph Childress
(GS) Seana Arrechaga
(GS) Teresa Dillinger
(GS) James Dohrenwend
Warrior
(PH) Mark Badger
(GS) Carolyn Hibberd
(GS) Kelly Jones-Collins
(PH) Joshua Brooks
(GS) Don Morrison
(PHA) Shilo Harris
PHA) Sam Deeds
Warrior
(PH) Richard Caseltine
(PH) Daniel Erlandson
(PH) Halsey Hinson
(PH) Adam McLeod
(PH) Paul Horton
(PH) John MacNaughton
(PH) Joshua Hoffman
(PH) Ryan Meadows
(PH) Zachary Ruttman
(PH) Nick Siewert
(PH) Steve Thompson
(PH) Kevin Wallace
(PH) Stephen Valyou
(PH) James Davis
Warrior
(GS) Murray Family
(GS) Murray Family
(GS) Shellie Smith & Family
(GS) Shellie Smith & Family
(GS) James Robinson & Family
(GSA) Prazynski Family
(GSA) Prazynski Family
(GSA) Herwick & Family
(GSA) Herwick & Family
(GSA) Zanowick and Family
Warrior
(PHA) Matthew Pennington
(PHA) Ken Doyle
(GSA) Warndorf & Family
(PHA) Shilo Harris
(PHA) John Bates
(PHA) Tim O’Sullivan
(GS) Lance CPL William D. Spencer
(PHA) Jason Regester
(PHA) Mike Strahle
(PHA) Sam Deeds
Warrior Travel
Warrior Food Planning
Night Bow Fishing
Event Sponsored
Warrior Furniture for Chill Out
Welcome Party Food
Welcome Party Racing
Warrior Care Station
Warrior Concert
Warrior Multi-Gun Shoot
Warrior VIP Saturday Dinner
Warrior Gun Raffle
Warrior Travel
Warrior Food Planning
Valor Vacations
VFW Post 3809
Tony Ryan
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Adopt a Warrior Prayers
The Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember Honors 40 individuals and provides a weekend of
enriching and healing experiences. Each Congregation adopts a single Purple Heart Warrior or Gold Star
Family. They offer prayers for the Warrior and Gold Star Families so that they have an enriching and healing
Warrior Weekend to Remember. Each congregation collects letters of encouragement to provide to the
Warrior and Gold Star family during the Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember and sends a care
packages directly to the warrior’s home after the Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember.
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Organization
Warrior
Fairfield West Baptist church
Adam McLeod
First Baptist Bellbrook "The Brook"
Todd Love
First Baptist Brookville
Richard Caseltine
First Baptist Church Union
Steve Thompson
Good Shepherd
Paul Horton & Jacob Dohrenwend
Miamisburg Christian Church
Daniel Erlandson
Mt. Enon Baptist Church
Ryan Meadows
Mt. Enon Baptist Church
Joseph Childress
North Dayton Baptist Church
Stephen Valyou
North Valley Baptist Church
Kevin Wallace
Operation: Thank You
James Davis
Operation: Thank You
Halsey Hinson
Royalmont Academy
Joshua Hoffman
Sharpshair Family
Justin Smith
St. John the Baptist
Josh Brooks
St. Margaret of York
John MacNaughton
St. Michaels
Mark Badger
Threshold Church
Nick Siewert
Tri-County Assembly in Fairfield
Zac Ruttman & James Robinson
Event Map
National Museum
of the United States Air Force
Dayton International Airport
3600 Terminal Dr.
Dayton, OH 45377
(Rain Out Option)
1100 Spaatz St.
Dayton, OH 45431
Warrior Multi-Gun Shoot
(All Day Friday)
Miamisburg Sportsmen’s Club
6300 South Union Road
Miamisburg Township. OH 45342
Lonestar Military Tribute Concert
(Friday Evening)
JD Legends Entertainment Complex
65 Millard Dr.
Franklin, OH 45005
MAIN EVENT
COMMAND POST
Aircraft Rides, START Skydiving,
VIP Dinner
(Saturday All Day)
(Night Bow Fishing Thurs-Sat)
Middletown Regional Airport Hook Field,
1707 Run Way
Middletown, OH 45042
Warrior/VIP Lodging
AC Marriott at Liberty Center
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival,
Warrior 5/10k Run & Gold Star Tribute
Bicycle Ride
(Saturday All Day)
Smith Park
7505 Gibson St.
Liberty Township, OH 45069
Warrior Welcome Kart Racing
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky
International Airport
(Thursday Evening)
Full Throttle Indoor Karting
11725 Commons Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45246
2939 Terminal Dr
Hebron, KY 41048
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Ohio Challenge Area Map
Primary Information Command Post Number - Active Only During the Warrior Weekend 513-601-3663
Start Skydiving Office
Drop Zone Hangar
First Aid, START Skydiving &
Night Bow Fishing (Thu - Sat)
Middletown Regional Airport
Hook Field, 1707 Run Way
VIP Dinner (Saturday)
Jet Hanger on Hook Field
VIP Parking Here.
Command Post
Selection VIP Tent for
Saturday Evening Fireworks
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon
Festival, Warrior 5/10k Run &
Gold Star Tribute Bicycle Ride
(Fri, Sat, Sun) - Smith Park,
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Map courtesy of www.ohiochallenge.com
Main Public Events
Lonestar Military Tribute Concert
Friday, July 8, 2016
Also featuring Mack McKenzie, Stephen Kelly
Hunt & Comedian Steve Mac.
Free VIP Tickets for Purple Hearts, Gold Stars and
Active, Guard and Reserve Military. Valid military ID
verification will be requested at the door for individuals
reserving the tickets for Active, Guard & Reserve
Military.
Doors for concert open at 5:00 PM
Dinner will be served (buffet style) starting at 7:00 PM
Steven Kelly Hunt and Comedian Steve Mac will kick of
the night at 7:15 PM
Lonestar will begin at approximately 9:00 PM
JD Legends is located at 65 Millard Drive, Franklin, OH 45005
Lonestar
Lonestar is known for merging their country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals. Lonestar, comprised of Richie McDonald
(lead vocals), Michael Britt (lead guitar & backing vocals), Keech Rainwater (drums), and Dean Sams (keyboards & backing vocals),
has amassed RIAA-certified sales in excess of ten million album units since their national launch in 1995, and achieved ten #1 country
hits including “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” and their crossover smash “Amazed” (which was also #1 on the Billboard Hot 100,
the first record since 1983’s “Islands in the Stream”, to top both charts). The band’s awards include a 1999 ACM Single of The Year for
“Amazed” (the song also won the Song of the Year award), and the 2001 CMA Vocal Group of the Year. With over a 100 dates worldwide per year, they are celebrating over 20 years together. Lonestar’s highly anticipated CD, Never Enders, features ten new original
Lonestar songs that bring the band’s trademark sound into the contemporary arena.
Presented By:
Warrior Weekend 5k Run/Walk & Ranger Ruck
Saturday, July 9, 2016- A fun, family friendly event. SMITH PARK provides a paved fitness course to
admire the natural landscape with the course located entirely inside the park to ensure a marked, level
terrain.
Check In:
7:30 am
Race Start:
9:00 am
Awards:
10: 30 am
Where:
Smith Park • 500 Tytus Ave. • Middletown, Ohio 45044
Format:
Run • Walk • Wheelchair
Cost: 5k & Ranger Ruck- $35 Adults • $25 for youths 17 & under
Ranger Ruck Info: A Ranger ruck is a 5k but with a 40+ pound ruck. Each participant will provide their own Pack and the combined weight of the pack and contents must be at least 40 pounds. For every 10 pounds over 40 they will receive 2 minutes off their
finish time. The person with the least amount of time wins.
All proceeds to benefit the Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation in support of The Team Fastrax™ Warrior
Weekend to Remember.
Presented By:
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Main Public Events
Gold Star Family 25 Mile Bicycle Ride Tribute
Saturday, July 9, 2016- The Gold Star Family Bike Ride Tribute honors and thanks Gold Star family
members for the tremendous sacrifices made due to the loss of their loved ones.
All proceeds will benefit the Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation in support of The
Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember.
6am
7:10am 7:20 am 7:25 am 7:30 am Check In:
Welcome, Race Directions and Thank You
Invocation and Warrior Pep Talk:
National Anthem (Team Fastrax™ Jump)
Start Bike Ride
Warriors award medals at finish line
Where: Smith Park • 500 Tytus Ave. • Middletown, Ohio 45044
Cost: $30
Presented By:
Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
Full festival information and schedule updates can be found at
www.OhioChallenge.com. The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of
southwestern Ohio’s premier family-friendly summer events. It is centered around a
sanctioned hot air balloon competition. The full festival atmosphere includes carnival
rides, clowns, crafts, a car show, Indian Village, festival foods, live music, skydiving
performances, mass balloon launches, balloon rides, balloon glows, laser light and
pyrotechnic shows and more.
This festival is organized and executed in parallel with the Team Fastrax™ Warrior
Weekend to Remember.
FESTIVAL BEGINS - FRIDAY - JULY 8, 2016
4pm-10:30pm
Park Opens – Full Festival
Balloon launches, glows & more
10:00pm Laser/pyro show
SATURDAY - JULY 9, 2016
7am-9am
Tethered Balloon Rides
8am-10:30am
Pancake Breakfast
4:00pm-10:00pm
Park Re-Opens – Full Festival
Car Show
Corn Hole Tournament
Balloon launches, glows & more
Warrior & Gold Star Ceremony
Evening ends with fireworks
Presented by Start Skydiving
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SUNDAY - JULY 10, 2016
7am-9am
Tethered Balloon Rides
Remote Balloon Launch
Fiesta Balloons & Special Shapes
No Festival Activity Sunday
New 2016 Warriors
Air Force TSgt Mark Badger (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) TSgt Mark Badger is a prior USAF EOD Team Leader. His last duty station was
Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, CO. While deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan 2010-2011 Mark was
involved in 2 IED detonations within a 3 day period of time while conducting dismounted operations with
an Army unit. Both were approximately 35-40 lbs of HME and they took heavy casualties including his
team member and team leader. Mark sustained multiple moderate TBI’s and has permanent brain damage
and a list of other injuries. He did everything he could to get back to his pre-deployment self for 2 years
before a med board was started. Mark was medically retired after 12 years in the Air Force on November
27, 2014. He loved his job as EOD and was going to stay in for the long haul, but had to change plans.
Mark still lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and two kids and has been devoting his time to them
and continuing medical appointments. In regards to the Warrior Weekend, he said, “I love to do most
anything to get the adrenaline pumping. This is one of the only events I have applied for because I love heights! I have yet to skydive, but
have been wanting to my whole life! I love helicopters and have always been fascinated by them.”
Air Force SrA Josh Brooks (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) SrA Josh Brooks is 30 years old, married with kids. He joined the Air Force out
of high school and went into Security Forces. Josh volunteered for a 365 ILO mission with the Army. That
took him to Baghdad in November of 2006. He was injured in an EFP attack 5/14/07, and they also lost a
warrior that day. Over twenty surgeries and extensive therapy have gotten Josh to where he is today. He
retired from active duty November of 2008, and now works for the government with the Social Security
Administration.
Marine LCPL Richard Caseltine (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Richard Caseltine is from Aurora, IN. He was raised by his mother and
grandparents. He Graduated from South Dearborn High School in Aurora, IN in 2004, and left for basic
training right after graduating. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune with 3rd BN 8th Marines. He deployed
to Karma, Iraq in 2005 and Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He was shot by a sniper in kevlar on April 6th, 2005,
while providing overwatch for an Iraq army patrol. He saw a person laying an IED, and then engaged the
person. After turning around he was shot in kevlar by a sniper. The bullet went into front of kevlar and
then traveled over his head and went down into base of neck stopping about an 1/8 inch from spine. He
was medically retired in 2009. He loves to be outdoors and enjoys life. He has two daughters Kayleigh
and Kylie and a son named Bryer. He is engaged to Bridget Hudson.
Army CPL Joseph Childress (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) CPL Joseph Childress joined the military in 2007 and went to basic training in
2008. He was in field artillery attached to 10th mountain 3-6 fa. Joseph was deployed to Afghanistan
in 2010 and suffered mTBI and other health related injuries and problems. He has suffered from Severe
PTSD and chronic pain and headaches since 2010. Joseph received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained
in Afghanistan.
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New 2016 Warriors
Marine/Army SPC James Davis (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) (SPC Ret) James R. Davis began his military career in the Marine Corps 1994 at
MCRD Parris Island and served at MCRD San Diego as a Military Police Officer. Later, he went to college,
met his wife, changed plans, and joined the IL National Guard. He then joined his second active duty
tour, this time in the Army with Alpha Battery 3-82nd Field Artillery, First Cavalry Division, 2nd Brigade
Blackjack Combat Team in OEF Nov 2001 in Kuwait/Iraq. While preparing the ground for OIFin 2002, a
British EOD team was clearing old Desert Storm Iraqi mines and forgot to check the area, the explosion
almost knocked them out of the guard tower, but the exposure to Type G Nerve Agent (according to the
chem alarm) is the cause of his seizures and other disabling neurological problems. James was medically
discharged in 2004, and since has been given 100% Total and Permanent by the VA. He was almost
permanently in a wheelchair this past July 2015, but thanks to the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes
and the Rocky Mtn. Hyperbaric Association, he is now able to walk with a cane and he has gotten his peripheral vision and balance and
some cognitive skills back. After his medical discharge, James was blessed to serve as a GS-12 Security Specialist at HQDA ODCS G-2 at the
Pentagon and later at NSWCDD Dahlgren for a total of 9 years before being medically retired from OPM. He now works from home and
serves as the Assistant Field Representative for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes and he is also a Call Representative in their Heroes
Thanking Heroes program.
Marine Sgt Daniel Erlandson (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Daniel Erlandson was born November 16, 1983 in Everett Washington. He is
married to Theresa Erlandson and they just celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary on January 7th.
Daniel has three sisters, one is older and two are younger. He joined the United States Marine Corps April
21, 2008. Daniel says joining the Marine Corps was a lifelong dream, and becoming a Marine is still one
of the proudest moments of his life. He served as a 0331 Machine Gunner and spent the majority of his
career with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines (Darkside). He deployed with 3/4 three times to Afghanistan: 2009,
2011, and 2013. On his second deployment in 2011, he was deployed to Upper Gereshk Valley in northern
Helmand Province. On May 31st, while operating as lead vehicle turret gunner, his truck hit an IED.
Everyone was OK in the explosion, but he did suffer a mild TBI. Three days later, on June 3rd, while on a
dismounted foot patrol, his squad was ambushed and came under fire. Eventually the enemy broke contact
and they headed back to their patrol base. Daniel recounted, “We were then commanded to go back out to the same area even though we
knew it was a bad idea and tried to deny it. Upon leaving again, we got close to the same area we came under fire the first time, and again
took fire. This time we were taking fire from multiple enemy positions. As I was trying to direct my machine gun squad, an enemy round
ricocheted off the wall where I was trying to take cover and struck the back of my shoulder. Quick Reaction Force came to pick me up via
vehicle to get me to a safe area to be picked up in a helicopter. One of the Marines in the truck that picked me up was Corporal Zanowick,
an incredible Marine. After dropping me off, Corporal Zanowick was then forced to go back out and ended up being shot and killed no
more than an hour after I was shot. I was taken out of the fight, and had to leave my guys for the rest of the deployment, and then to top it
off I found out we lost Zanowick. That took a very strong toll on me then, and still affects me to this day.”
Daniel did end up deploying one more time after that, but that deployment definitely has impacted him and contributed to the majority of
his PTSD. He said, “I will never regret what I did to serve my country, but as much as I’m proud of what I did, it unfortunately took a toll
that the loved ones around me have to live with. I am grateful of the opportunity to apply for this, and the fact that CPL Zanowick’s parents
want to give me the honor of being my sponsor.”
*Friend of Fallen Warrior Marine CPL Paul W. Zanowick II. See page 21.
Army SPC Halsey Hinson (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Halsey Hinson was born April 24, 1981 in Columbia, South Carolina. She joined
active duty Army in January 2003 and completed her Basic and AIT in Fort Leonard Wood. She reported
to her first duty station in May 2003 as a Military Police Officer and in November of 2004 received the
highly revered award of becoming a mother. One year later, Halsey deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with 258
Mp Company, 519th Mp Battalion. On August 9, 2006 her convoy was struck by IED totally disabling the
vehicle. She received minor shrapnel to the wrist and burns to the face and wrist which led to a Purple
Heart. All other team members in the vehicle also received minor injuries. She returned to duty the
following day. She returned home in October of 2006. In January of 2008 she returned home to South
Carolina and joined the National Guard for 18 months.
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New 2016 Warriors
Marine CPL Josh Hoffman (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) CPL Joshua Hoffman was injured on the battlefield of Afghanistan, August 6th,
2011. His primary job and responsibility as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan was to find any and all bombs
that would prevent infantry and follow-on forces from completing their mission. He was on what was
supposed to be his last mission when he found three bombs, and while determining the size of the third
bomb his foot inadvertently set it off. The blast blew his left leg off, broke his right knee and femur in half,
gave him a grade 4 concussion, severe short term memory loss, and extensive damage to the rest of his
body. He was then medically Retired from the Marine Corps after he rehabilitated in 2013 and has since
had his first child and bought his first home with his wife and son. Joshua said, “Every day is a constant
struggle, but with the support of my family, friends, and neighbors I always just bear down and carry on
through the day. Life is what you make it and I am trying to make my second chance count. - SemperFi”
Air Force SMSgt Paul Horton (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) SMSgt Paul Horton was born October 20, 1972 in Conroe, Texas. He graduated
high school from W. B. Ray HS in Corpus Christi and then attended Texas A&M from 1991-1993. He
joined the military right before his 22nd birthday.
After sustaining serious injuries when an IED exploded under his feet in 2010, Horton was stationed at
Peterson AFB, CO for his final assignment. He led a flight of 15 as MSgt and then became the 21st EOD
Program Manager as a SMSgt. He directly controlled the EOD assets and provided force protection to 5
military installations, the local community, and to the President of the United States. He was the 21st CES
SNCO of the Year in 2012 as well as the 21st Space Wing’s SNCO of the Quarter. His valor was highlighted
in the 2011 Chief of Staff ’s Portraits in Courage. His proven leadership and dedication to duty was the
cornerstone of the AF’s 2012 Recruiting Campaign, “Amazing Airmen.” His teams completed more than 1,500 combat missions, 65 Secret
Service Missions, 18 emergency responses, and destroyed over 68,000 pounds of enemy explosives. Three of his Airmen and NCOs were
injured in combat while heroically saving the lives of others. One of his Airmen paid the ultimate price.
He capped his career off by competing on Team USA in the inaugural Invictus Games in London. He also relentlessly pursued improved
care for Wounded Airmen, eventually resulting in the Air Force Surgeon General implementing his EOD Health Care Initiative Air Forcewide for all Battlefield Airmen. He earned multiple Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart Medals, Army Commendation for Valor, and Navy
Achievement Medals. Additionally, he was named one of 20 National Heroes by the President in 2009 for his actions on the battlefield.
Marine CPL Todd Love (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) CPL Todd Love was born in Atlanta, GA and joined the Marine Corps
immediately out of high school in 2008. He graduated the Basic Reconnaissance Course in 2009 and was
assigned to 1st Recon Battalion. He was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in May of 2010. Five months
into his deployment, on October 25th, 2010, while on patrol in Sangin, Helmand Province, Todd stepped
on an improvised explosive device (IED) and was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He
lost both legs to the hip and his left hand. Todd enjoys participating in extreme sports and has not let his
injury stop him. Todd can be found whitewater kayaking, skiing, skydiving, shooting guns, or competing
in Spartan Races.
11
New 2016 Warriors
Marine LCPL John MacNaughton (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) LCPL John MacNaughton enlisted in the summer of 2003 a week after he turned
18. He spent a year in the delayed entry program and upon graduating high school in June he left for
boot camp. John graduated on September 17th, 2004. After graduating from infantry training school he
checked into 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment on December 18th. He was deployed to Iraq less than a
month later. John was deployed again, this time to Ramadi, Iraq in March of 2006. His last deployment
was with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in July of 2007. He left active service after four years in June
of 2008.
On the night on March 20, 2005, at about 2030 hours, John’s squad led by SGT Deeds was conducting a
routine vehicle check point on Kandari Market Road just outside of Abu Grahib prison in Iraq. They had
set up a perimeter and he was posted on the machine gun mounted in the back of a High Back Humvee. John was scanning roof tops and
windows with a night vision sight when suddenly there was a massive explosion behind him and to his right. He was knocked unconscious
and thrown to the floor.
John said, “I remembered hearing and feeling the debris falling all around me as I regained consciousness. I jumped up and looked where
SGT Deeds had stood next to me but I did not see him there. I caught a glimpse of Doc Harerra dragging SGT Deeds around the front of
the Humvee. At first I couldn’t feel anything. My adrenaline was pumping and I was on high alert. Confused and disoriented, I checked
my sector of fire to see if there were any targets. Seeing nothing, I started to help with the med-evac. I grabbed the stretcher and tried to
open it but couldn’t. Then I felt something cold run down my back and start to drip. I wasn’t sure if it was blood but guessed I had been hit
and told Lance Corporal Dean to notify our command. I was in shock and didn’t know what else to do. I felt helpless and confused. “
After they loaded SGT Deeds into the back of the Humvee they rushed back into the prison, to the hospital. Once SGT Deeds had received
attention he asked someone to look at his back and they confirmed that he had been hit and was bleeding. Inside the hospital, X-Rays
confirmed John had shrapnel in his upper back and shoulders, but it was too deep to take out. Eleven years later one piece has come out and
another is still in his right shoulder.
Air Force MSG Adam McLeod (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Adam McLeod served nearly 18 years in the US Air Force. His first 12 ½ years
he served as a Security Police/Forces and a K-9 handler. He was honorably retired in 2010 as an E-7,
Air Force Master Sergeant. He has deployed 10 times, two of which were combat deployments while
in uniform. His final deployment was to Afghanistan as an advisor to Regional Command West (RCW) forces on improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Adam was assigned to Camp Bastion/Leatherneck
supporting US Marine Corps tactical units as well as other units assigned to and/or transient through the
base. His awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Purple Heart and Air Force Commendation
medals.
Adam has been married to his wife Jennifer for 20 years. She is also former Air Force, trained as a medic.
She spent over seven years in the service until they decided she should get out to raise their children. She was honorably separated as an
E-5, Air Force Staff Sergeant. They have four boys ages 18, 16, 14 and 12.
In 2007, Adam selected a voluntary deployment to Camp Fallujah, Fallujah, Iraq as an analyst assigned to a US Marine Corps explosive
ordnance disposal (EOD) detachment. He was tasked to conduct tactical exploitation and forensic analysis of IEDs. He used his analysis
to identify IED cells in the area, suggest countermeasures to tactical units and provide information to direct action units. It was during this
deployment where an already aggravated back condition deteriorated into his second back surgery in 2008. He lost a significant amount
of hearing, no doubt due to IED blasts. Following the deployment, he was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury as well as post-traumatic
stress disorder and ultimately medically boarded out of the Air Force three days prior to his 18th year military anniversary.
Since his retirement, he has continued to serve US Forces in a variety of positions, most recently as a sub-contractor assigned to an
intelligence unit supporting operations globally.
12
New 2016 Warriors
Marine LCPL Ryan Meadows
(Purple Heart Recipient) LCPL Ryan Meadows enlisted April 12, 2004. Following recruit training and
School of Infantry, he was sent to 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Kilo Co. In January of 2005 he was sent to
Fallujah, Iraq and spent the next 7 months in combat operations. July 17th, 2005 he sustained a traumatic
brain injury from an improved explosive device.
Following Fallujah, Ryan deployed to Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. They operated in Ramadi from March 2006 to
September 2006. Ramadi at the time was the most hostile area in Iraq and they stayed in sustained combat
daily.
Following Ramadi, he deployed with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). He did training operations
in Kuwait, Djibouti, Africa, and anti-piracy ops off the coast of Somalia.
In April 2008 Ryan was honorably discharged from the Marines.
Air Force SSgt Zac Ruttman (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Zac Ruttman is a 37 year old resident of Owasso, OK and a full-time student. He
is married, has a seven year old boy and loves both of them very much. He was part of the Tactical Forces
Group (Team 2) in Iraq 2004-2005. He was in a Humvee turret as the heavy gunner when their vehicle
took a direct hit from two IEDs followed by small arms fire. He sustained shrapnel to his back, neck, and
head and ruptured his right ear. Zac said, “Most of the injuries were superficial due to the outstanding
armor. After several surgeries and inpatient rehab, I am is about 80% recovered with minor limitations. I
feel truly blessed and very well taken care of.”
He was awarded (in his seven year career) over two dozen medals and ribbons including the Combat
Action Medal, the Commendation Medal with Valor, the Purple Heart, and Oklahoma’s ‘Outstanding
Soldier of the Year’ in 2006.
Marine LCPL Nick Siewert (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) LCPL Nick Siewert graduated high school in 2004 and served in the Marine
Corps from 2004-2008. He was deployed to Iraq as a Machine Gunner two times to Fallujah (2005) and
Ramadi (2006) in the 22nd MEU 2007. Since its activation in 1982, the 22nd MEU has been awarded two
Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, four Navy Unit Commendations, five Meritorious Unit Commendations,
the Marine Corps Expeditionary Streamer with two stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer with
two stars, the Armed Forces Service Streamer with three stars, the Southwest Asia Service streamer with
two stars, the Afghanistan Campaign streamer, the Iraq Campaign Streamer, the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary streamer and the Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer. Nick received his Purple Heart
in 2005 in Fallujah. He was assigned to the 3/8 and was attached to the Lima Company as a 0331.
*Friend of Fallen Warrior Marine LCP Taylor Prazynski. See page 21.
Marine Sgt Steve Thompson (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Sgt Steve Thompson served with John Prazynski’s son, LCP Taylor Prazynski in
3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, an infantry battalion out of the 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune,
NC. He was a Sgt Squad Leader with 3 deployments to Fallujah, Iraq, Ramadi, Iraq and the 22nd Marine
Expeditionary Unit.
*Friend of Fallen Warrior Marine LCP Taylor Prazynski. See page 21.
13
New 2016 Warriors
Army SSG Stephen Valyou (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Stephen Valyou is a Retired US Army SSG, EOD team leader, serving in
Afghanistan and Iraq. He conducted and mitigated over 100 IED threats. He was shot and paralyzed by a
sniper March 2007 in Diyala Province, Iraq.
Stephen is a single father of two great children. His son is 11 and his daughter is 3. He is a mono skier in
the winter, hand-cyclist in the MCM, PADI Certified Scuba diver, and is currently seeking to achieve his
AAF license. He uses his disability as motivation to try and accomplish new things to do.
He also uses his experience as reference and motivation to help other veterans to attempt to try new things
themselves. Stephen believes that PTSD and TBI can be treated through recreational activities and if by
showing others it can be done and helping at least one other veteran he feels it be a success.
Air Force SMSgt Kevin Wallace
(Purple Heart Recipient) SMSgt Kevin Wallace is the chief of Public Affairs at the 89th Airlift Wing,
Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. SMSgt Wallace is responsible for providing guidance and counsel to
the 89th AW commander, Presidential Airlift Group commander, subordinate commanders and wing
staff. He coordinates and communicates all media responses to the president, vice president, cabinet
members, combatant commanders, and other senior military and elected leaders as tasked by the White
House, Air Force chief of staff and Air Mobility Command. Additionally, he develops and synchronizes
communication tactics to gain informed public support of 89th mission, operations and roles.
SMSgt Wallace entered the Air Force in September 1997 and his background includes various duties in
EC-135, E-3, F-15, F-16, C-130, C-141, KC-10 and F-18 aircraft maintenance. He retrained into PA in
January 2007, and has led hundreds of enlisted PAs during four assignments and multiple deployments. He served an extended overseas tour
in Okinawa, an overseas tour in the U.K., and multiple deployments, including two combat tours in Afghanistan.
SMSgt Wallace is a warfighter, and was recognized by the Air Force Chief of Staff in his 2012 Portraits in Courage. He also garnered the U.S.
Air Forces Europe Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs award, the Idaho Red Cross Hero of the Year award, the Daryl G. Winters
Combat Camera award, and his combat images garnered top honors by the Department of Defense, FOX News and Maxim Magazine. After
one brutal combat engagement in Afghanistan, his Platoon Leader recalled “Wallace immediately returned fire, augmenting between camera
and rifle, firing 119 rounds and 190 photos.” After SMSgt Wallace and four others were hit with a rocket-propelled grenade, the Platoon
Leader recalled, “Wallace continued to fire his weapon and to call out enemy positions even after being thrown against a wall, knocked
unconscious and receiving burns to his neck. When I called for status south of our fighting position, disregarding his own life and personal
safety, Wallace willingly exposed himself to hails of heavy PKM (heavy machine gun) fire three times to verify no insurgents were flanking
the south, allowing elements to maneuver south to the CasEvac site without a single soldier being killed.
Some of SMSgt Wallace’s major awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, Joint
Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Army Combat
Action Badge, Army Valorous Unit Award, and multiple Air Force Recognition Ribbons. He has also won dozens of Air Force and Major
Command level awards and was recognized by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom with the Exceptional Community Relations
award for his work with Prince Harry for American and British Wounded Warriors in the UK. He remains active in community service, and
mentors and participates in many Air Force Wounded Warrior Program events, as well as Wounded Warrior Project, Boy Scouts of America,
and Lutheran Church events in Northern Virginia.
14
Ambassador Warriors
Marine Gunnery SGT Sam Deeds (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) During his Iraq deployment in 2005, Deeds came across an improvised explosive
device (IED) while setting up a vehicle checkpoint near Abu Ghraib Prison. When he saw two of his fellow
Marines approaching the area, Deeds turned back toward the IED to warn them of danger. Moments after
successfully warding off his comrades, the device blew. “It basically leveled me,” he said. His injuries set
him on a path of nearly 40 operations and procedures to date. For his actions, Deeds received a Purple
Heart, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon and the Military
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. The moment he put his colleagues’ lives ahead of his own may have
cemented his legacy as a military hero, but he wasn’t finished sacrificing his own welfare. In 2008, Deeds
was recuperating from one of many surgeries–this one to repair a high-incision hernia. The surgical area
was sutured and covered with a protective mesh. The doctors told him to avoid any strenuous activity for
eight weeks. Six weeks into his recovery, Deeds was relaxing with his family on a beach when a woman was carried away by a rip tide. The
woman’s husband and another man tried to save her, but all three were overcome by the current. “People were taking pictures and videos
with their phones, and nobody was going to do anything,” he said. “I couldn’t let the guy drown in front of his family.” Deeds plunged
into the rip tide and helped all three return safely to shore. The protective mesh and two sutures tore away, leaving a hernia so close to his
sternum he opted not to have any more surgery. He’s been living with pain ever since. Deeds medically retired from the marines in 2011 with
the rank of gunnery sergeant. Over the course of his injury-shortened career, he served Iraq, Japan, South Korea, and Haiti (twice). He also
has worked in Greater Cincinnati as a recruiter.
Marine COL John Bates (Ret)
(Three Time – Purple Heart Recipient) Marines Corps Colonel John Bates earned three Purple Hearts
in Vietnam, the first after surviving machine-gun fire to the chest. Of the sensation, Colonel Bates says,
“It’s like standing over home plate having Mark McGwire wind up and try to hit you out of the ballpark.”
The second commendation came after a hand-grenade explosion blasted shrapnel into his leg. “If you’ve
ever been hung up in barbed wire, that’s what it’s like,” says Colonel Bates. “Except it’s hot. Very, very hot.
A searing heat and you can’t get it out.” Both experiences pale when compared to the time he fell into a
pit and his left foot became impaled by a three-foot bamboo stake, the stake smeared with water-buffalo
manure to maximize infection. Colonel Bates’ military passion seeped into him through his bloodlines.
His father, Leland, who died two months ago, flew 51 combat missions during World War II. When the
Vietnam War heated up in the mid-1960s, Colonel John Bates enlisted. The machine-gun fire to his chest
didn’t deter him. After being hospitalized in intensive care for 23 days, Colonel Bates had been relegated to
mopping the hospital floor. “That wasn’t my intention for being in Vietnam,” he said. So he found a pair of boots, pants, and a blue hospital
gown, walked out of the hospital, hitched a ride to the airfield, caught a helicopter and despite still spitting up blood, rejoined his platoon.
“Everyone was glad to see me,” Colonel Bates says. “They needed more trigger-pullers.” Less than two years into his scheduled three-year
enlistment, he was discharged because of the injuries he received in combat. In the next seven years Colonel Bates earned a bachelor’s degree
and two masters. He worked as a substitute teacher, a railroad brakeman and a heavy-equipment operator. But his real goal was to rejoin the
Marines. Knowing he’d have to prove his fitness, Colonel Bates began training intensely. Unbeknownst to his wife, Stephanie, over a 2½-year
period he applied for readmission to the Corps at least five times. Finally, he was accepted. “Quite honestly,” Colonel Bates said, “I think
I wore them down.” Colonel John Bates has served throughout the world since then, including tours in Kuwait during Desert Storm, and
recently in Iraq.
15
Ambassador Warriors
Army SPC Ken Doyle (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Ken joined the Army in 2009 and after Basic Training and began his training as
an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. After that training was complete he was stationed at
FT. Bragg, NC until he deployed to Afghanistan Jan 2012 in support of 3rd Group Special Forces mission.
On August 15, 2012 he was injured while his team was neutralizing an IED in a local village. Doyle spent
the next two years stationed at Walter Reed hospital undergoing recovery and awaiting medical retirement.
He is currently retired and living with his wife and son in Marion, NC where he is trying to open his own
business in the community.
Army SSG Shilo Harris (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Shilo Harris understands the difficult challenges facing all soldiers returning
from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as how to overcome adversity. During his second combat tour in Iraq,
his armored vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion on February 19,
2007 killed three of his fellow soldiers and wounded the driver. Burned over one-third of his body, Shilo
spent 48 days in a coma followed by nearly three years of recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San
Antonio, Texas. Shilo credits his recovery to the courage and commitment of his wife and family, and the
dedication and expertise of the military medical community. Shilo’s mission today is to deliver a call to
action on behalf of wounded warriors, their families, caregivers, and the surrounding communities. By
offering hope, encouragement, and practical strategies for dealing with adversity, Shilo currently speaks to
groups around the country about his experiences. Owner of WIN Home Inspection Services and national
spokesperson for Helping A Hero, Shilo is a fierce advocate for today’s veterans. Shilo and his family were awarded a new home during
ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition December 2012. His book, Steel Will, is available through Baker Publishing Group.
Air Force MAJ Timothy O’Sullivan (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Major Timothy O’Sullivan entered the Air Force in October of 1991 completing
21 years of military service after being medically retired in December of 2013 due to related combat
injuries. Major O’Sullivan began his career in United States Air Force as an enlisted propulsion specialist.
In early 2000, he was selected for Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama where he earned a
commission in May of 2000. Following his commission he was assigned to Air Force Special Operations
as a contingency planner. Following the September 11th Terrorist attacks, Major O’Sullivan had then
deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Oman from Hurlburt Field as part of the initial Special
Operations Task Force, Joint Special Operations South/Task Force K-Bar and Task Force 11. In 2007, he
deployed in lieu of Army as an embedded combat advisor with British and Australian Forces assigned to
the Iraqi Army 10th and 14th Division in Basra Iraq. During this deployment, he endured nearly 1000
rocket attacks, 2 direct fire incidents, convoyed 500+ combat miles and was later injured on March 2nd
2008 during a convoy with British Forces by an 80lb explosively formed projectile. His injuries included a mild traumatic brain injury,
internal bleeding and two surgeries removing several bones related to torn ligaments. By April of 2008, he was transferred to his home
station MacDill AFB to receive ligament reconstruction, occupational Therapy and TBI treatments at the James A Haley Veterans Hospital
in Tampa. Upon recovery from his injuries, Major O’Sullivan continued his career at USCENTCOM HQ where he served as a principle
advisor to the Combatant Commander (General David Petraeus/General James Mattis) on Security Assistance and Security Cooperation
activities regarding Oman and Qatar. His distinguished awards include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Force Combat Action Medal,
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan
Campaign Medal and the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation.
16
Ambassador Warriors
Army SGT Matthew Pennington (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Raised in both Maine and Texas, Matthew Pennington entered into military
service at the age of seventeen; he had a robust career full of responsibility and leadership roles. Then at the
age of twenty three he was struck down by an ambush IED team in Iraq. Losing his left leg and receiving
severe damage to his right he was honorably retired and received the Purple Heart and the state of Maine
Silver Star among various others.
Matthew has starred in a short film “A Marines Guide to Fishing”. It is story that portrays an injured
veteran’s transition back into the work place as well as coping with his loss one year later on his alive day.
Prior to acting, Matthew gave a speech for veteran’s day in the town of La Plata, Maryland as well as
campaign videos for Senator Susan Collins. He has served on a panel for Secretary of Defense Gates at Walter Reed and received many of
other types of recognition for his service to America.
Matthew has worked alongside director Nick Brennan and Marjorie Pennington to perform screenings of “Marines Guide to Fishing” to
raise donations for charitable organizations serving veteran’s. It was creating these environments of entertainment and education that led
him to further his speaking career as a Keynote Speaker for the Brain Injury Alliance, Joining Forces, various Military-Civilian conferences
and Universities. Matthew has built a program that was endorsed by Congressman Mike Michaud and it has been replicated by the Vet
Center’s located within Maine and has been reported to have great success.
Currently Matthew is a part-time National Spokesman/Field Associate for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, it is a job he believes
in and also one that allows him to witness and hear about the positive impact made in the lives of the combat wounded. Matthew has been
married to his wife Marjorie Pennington for 12 years and looks forward to a life full of giving to and assisting those in need.
Air Force MAJ Jason Regester (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) Following a very long line of military service in my family Jason Regester enlisted
in the Air Force on Oct 7th 1993 and served 9-1/2 years as a Structures Specialist in Civil Engineering.
He was selected for Officer Training School in 2002 and received his commission on 27 June 2003 after
graduating OTS and then served as a Logistics Readiness Officer until retirement on May 1st 2014. During
his career he was deployed to Dhahran AB Saudi Arabia, Incirlik AB Turkey on two occasions; Soto
Cano AB Honduras for Joint Task Force-Bravo supporting counter narcoterrorism operations, Guam for
a humanitarian assistance mission following the devastation of Typhoon Chataan, and Baghdad Iraq as
part of the Multi-National Security Transition Command. Some of the decorations he has earned during
his career are the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal x4, Joint Service Achievement
Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal x6, Army Achievement Medal x2, Joint Meritorious Unit Award x2, Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award x6, and Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 2 service stars.
Marine CPL Mike Strahle (Ret)
(Purple Heart Recipient) CPL Mike Strahle joined the United States Marine Corps in the Fall of 2003 and
deployed to Iraq in January 2005 with Columbus based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines. On
May 11, 2005 while conducting combat operations during Operation Matador, his vehicle struck an IED
blast in the road, critically wounding him and fatally wounding six of his squad members. Mike would
recover from his injuries and was medically retired in 2007. He now carries on the legacy of 3/25 and all
service members by traveling The Eyes of Freedom: Lima Company Memorial all over the country. This
traveling tribute honors all who have answered our nation’s call; then, now, and tomorrow.
17
New 2016 Gold Star Families
Fallen Warrior – Army SFC Ofren “AC” Arrechaga
Seana and Alston Arrechaga are the widow and son of SFC Ofren “AC” Arrechaga, KIA 29 March 2011,
Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Ofren was born in Havana, Cuba, on December 22, 1982. He and his family
moved to Hialeah, Florida, when he was 14. In February 2001, at the age of 18, Ofren enlisted in the United
States Army. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 2-327 Infantry Regiment (No Slack), 1st Brigade, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault) where he remained the entirety of his 10 years in active duty service.
During Ofren’s career he was deployed four times, three to Iraq, once to Afghanistan.
Seana and Ofren met in 2006, married in 2007, and welcomed Alston into the world halfway through
Ofren’s third tour in 2008. During that same deployment Ofren became a United States citizen after serving
for seven years.
In April 2010, Ofren deployed to Afghanistan in what would be his hardest deployment yet. By the first week of July, 11 of his brothers had
given their lives. On March 29, 2011, the day after Alston’s third birthday, Ofren and five others would do the same. Their final mission and
sacrifices can be seen in the documentaries The Hornets Nest, and No Greater Love.
Ofren is best known among his men for his ability to boost morale. Even on the worst of days he could make just about anyone laugh, even
if they were laughing at him instead of with him. Ofren loved his job but he loved his guys more and that was evident in everything he
did. Shortly before his death Ofren received orders to be a Ranger Instructor at Fort Benning. He was beyond excited to have a few nondeployable years with his family.
Seana and Alston currently live in Amelia, Ohio. Seana is a spokeswoman for The Hornets Nest, No Greater Love, and Snowball Express.
She also does some advocacy work for Gold Star Families in DC. Alston is 8 years old and doesn’t know a stranger. He’s the spitting image of
his father but his personality is a good mix of both his mom and dad. He’s looking forward to starting third grade in the fall.
- Seana Arrechaga
Fallen Warrior – Army SPC Jacob Dohrenwend
Jacob Dohrenwend was a 2008 graduate of Milford High School. Spc. Dohrenwend was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley,
Kan. He died June 21, 2010 at Balad, Iraq.
- James Dohrenwend
Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Adam Jones
My son, CPL Adam D. Jones gave his life in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on April 27, 2011. He was on
his 5th deployment.
I have started a non-profit, 501c3 organization in his memory. Adam’s Hope sends items to deployed
troops. We send anything from microwaves to beef jerky.
- Carolyn Hibberd and Kelly Jones-Collins
For more information on Adam’s Hope, visit www.adamshope.com.
18
Fallen Warrior – Army SPC Donald “Scott” Morrison
On September 26, 2010, my son, SPC. Morrison, Donald “Scott” was KIA. This was his first deployment
during Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to deployment he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX to the 584th
Mobility Augmentation Company, 20th Engineer Battalion.
- Don Morrison
Fallen Warrior – Marine Sgt Jeremy Murray
Harold and Pam Murray are the parents of fallen SGT Jeremy Murray KIA 11-16-05, Haditha Damn, Iraq.
Jeremy entered the military in 1996. He joined the Army, Infantry, Airborne, Ranger training, left that in
1998, then went to the Marines. He was with 3/1 division on his third deployment when he died from an
IED. Jeremy was married to Megan and blessed us with his son Ian. Harold and I ride our motorcycle,
and belong to and are actively involved with Rolling Thunder. We attend and support many military
events.
- Harold and Pam Murray
Fallen Warrior – Army SGT James Robinson
James Christopher Robinson Jr. was born on May 24th, 1983 and was raised in Monroe, Ohio. As a
student, Jimmy took to soccer and the science club. No matter his team’s record, Jimmy saw the best in
his fellow players and always tried to keep an upbeat attitude. He was a graduate of Lemon-Monroe High
School in the class of 2001.
Jimmy enlisted in the United States Army in February of 2005, shortly after marrying his wife, Kate. He
had grown up with an appreciation for the military and a love for America. Both of his grandfathers were
in the Army and thus set the foundation of pride and honor within him. He was assigned to the Alpha
Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
(Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. SPC Robinson deployed for his first call of duty to Iraq in
2006. Thankfully, he came home to his wife, Kate, daughter, Emmy, and the rest of his family and friends. In September of 2007, Jimmy and
Kate were blessed with another daughter, Tori. One week after Tori’s birth, Jimmy deployed to Iraq for the second time. Again his family
was blessed that he came home safely.
On February 6th, 2010, Jimmy’s unit again deployed – this time their destination was Afghanistan. In April of 2010, Jimmy came home for
mid-tour leave. On August 15th, 2010 SPC Robinson was promoted to CPL in Afghanistan. Thirteen days later, CPL Robinson was killed
in action in the Bermal district, Paktika province, Afghanistan. In the early hours of August 30th, 2010, Jimmy was again on U.S. soil and
upon his arrival was promoted to SGT. On September 6th, SGT Jimmy Robinson came home for the last time as family and friends escorted
him. On September 9th, 2010, Jimmy was laid to rest as tears fell and goodbyes were said. However, SGT Robinson’s legacy was far from
over. In the months following his death, his family continued to honor him. Many took his attitude and love for life to heart and saw the
world how he saw it. Jimmy could make any moment memorable or more lighthearted by simply being himself. He was the kind of guy who
could make you smile through any kind of pain and the kind of person that would make you a better person just from knowing him.
Jimmy was a dedicated soldier who would do any job asked of him. He never complained about any task in front of him – and to those who
did, he would give his signature reply “SHABOOMS”. Jimmy didn’t see himself as a Hero, but to all who knew him he is nothing less than
that. To quote him, “Everyone has a job, being a soldier just happens to be mine. It’s a job. I just do it.” Ever selfless, there is no doubt that
Jimmy would do it all over again, without even a second thought. Family was the most important thing to Jimmy and that’s why he did the
job he did; He served to protect his family back home. His family also included his brothers at arms that he served with. His blood family
was with him in spirit; his Army family was with him every step of the way until he took his last. SGT Jimmy Robinson would have taken
the bullet for any of them before he would allow them to do so for him. It’s just how he was, so selfless and loving.
- James Robinson
19
Fallen Warrior – Army 1LT Justin Smith
On 7 November 2005, my husband, 1LT Justin Smith and his platoon were conducting a vehicle
checkpoint south of Baghdad. Their replacements were on the way and there were only a few vehicles
left to search. Unfortunately, one of those vehicles was packed with explosives and detonated, killing
Justin instantly. Three members of his platoon were also killed as well as their Iraqi interpreter. He was an
amazing man....in all aspects. Husband, daddy, son, friend and soldier. His smile could not be contained
nor ignored. He had a spirit I’ve never encountered before nor since and he is missed every single moment.
He is loved every single moment. And he will never be forgotten.
- Shellie Smith
Fallen Warrior – Marine LCPL William “Billy” David Spencer
LCPL William “Billy” David Spencer was born September 6, 1986. He started school at Murray State after
moving to TN. Billy met some friends in Paris, TN; and as a group the young men decided that to help pay
for college they would join the Marine Corps. The day after reporting to his reserve station, his squad was
activated to deploy overseas. Billy volunteered to go. He arrived in Iraq in September. One day when Billy
saw his squad leader wounded in an Iraq shootout, he did the only thing he could do: He tried to save his
commanding officer. He was killed in the process, hit by enemy fire on Dec. 28, 2006, in Al Anbar province.
Nearly two years later, Spencer was awarded the Silver Star — the U.S. Military’s third-highest honor — in a
ceremony at Nashville State Community College.
Billy’s parents love to share his personality with this story. Billy was a wonderful runner and a great athlete.
However, in high school Billy would get out of running laps in football practice by volunteering to read to elementary students. He loved
animals and just being around everybody.
“I’ve had people tell me that time heals all wounds,” David said. “I don’t believe that to be true, because my wound, I tend to it every morning
when I get up … I dress that wound every day.”
- David Spencer
Fallen Warrior – Marine SSgt Mark Anthony Wojciechowski (Tony “Wojo”)
(Purple Heart Recipient) SSgt Mark Anthony Wojciechowski (Tony “Wojo”) was born March 10, 1984 at
Wright Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton Ohio. Tony enlisted in the Marine Corp before graduating
high school and chose infantry and security forces for his primary and secondary MOS. After three
years and his first re-enlistment, he chose the elite Explosive Ordinance Disposal for his new MOS. After
graduating EOD School at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida on August 2, 2006, he served in Okinawa, Japan
and was then deployed to Iraq from February, 2007 to September, 2007. Tony also trained in the northern
mountains of California where he attended the SERE course. Tony was then stationed at Camp Pendleton,
California, and from there he deployed to Iraq again in February, 2009. SSgt Wojciechowski was killed
while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on April 30, 2009. Tony was 25 years old.
His awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, the Navy
Achievement Medal with a Gold Star in lieu of his second award, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National
Defense Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
- Teresa Dillinger
20
Ambassador Gold Star Families
Fallen Warrior – Marine LCP Taylor Prazynski
Taylor B. Prazynski, Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
Born at the Medical Center at Hill Air Force Base Utah 12 Nov. 1984. He graduated Fairfield High School,
Fairfield Ohio and joined United States Marine Corps 5 Nov. 2003. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris
Island South Carolina. 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, L Company, 4th Platoon, Squad Automatic
Weapon Gunner, MOS 0311, Infantry, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Served
in Operation Secure Tomorrow, Port Au Prince, Haiti March-June 2004. Served in Operation Iraqi
Freedom January 2005 – May 2005. He was killed in Action 9 May 2005, in Al Karmah, 16km Northeast
of Fallujah, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Awards Include: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy
Unit Commendation Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
Humanitarian Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, Site 8111.
*Friend of Marine LCPL Siewert & Marine Sgt Steve Thompson. See page 13.
Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Christopher “Tyler” Warndorf
Corporal Christopher “Tyler” Warndorf- Was born on July 15, 1985 and K.I.A. on August 29, 2006. He
proudly represented the United States Marine Corp. His bravery earned him several medals, awards, and
decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and
the Purple Heart. He was assigned to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, based in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was first deployed to Haiti. As a very naive young man the
conditions and how the children were force to scavenge for food appalled Tyler. He requested us to send
healthy snacks. He was known for his compassion, sense of duty and responsibility. He was only 9 when
his father passed away, taking on the role of “Man of the house.” He told me that about a week after his
father was gone. Saying, “Mommy you don’t have to ever worry, or be sad. I am now the man of this house
and I promise to help you with Nick (age 7) and Katelyn (age 2). He put his loving little arms around me
and I never felt so loved. Tyler had a way about making every single person he met feel as if they were everything to him. I never had to
tell Tyler what to do, he just did it. He was very determined, strong willed, and went after everything in life he wanted to achieve. He was
beloved by so many and continues that in death. I am so honored to call him my son.
To date he has 9 children named in his honor. I will say the past ten years have had it’s good and bad days with his existence gone…but,
whenever I need that extra reminder that he is not forgotten I will hear from a Marine. I have been fortunate to have their love, hear their
stories of how Tyler impacted their lives. It always touches and amazes me how truly wonderful he was. He certainly was an amazing young
man. He loved to serve God, Family, and Country. He did his job exceedingly well! In life…even the last moments leading up to his death.
He was taking his men water who were in the tower. As always making sure others were being taken care of. He noticed the vehicle at the
gate in Al Anbar Post was not being checked properly. I was told he grabbed the interpreter and took off running with no other thought, but
to stop them. It was because of his quick action that vehicle with its whole purpose to kill unsuspecting soldiers was stopped. He freely gave
his life in order to protect others. So when you hear this name, look at his picture, I only to leave you with one summation of the man he
was…the most SELFLESS human being I have ever known. Semper Fi, God Bless, and all my love! - Tina L. Warndorf
Fallen Warrior – Marine CPL Paul W. Zanowick II
Corporal Paul W. (Rocky) Zanowick, II was born in Miamisburg, Ohio on 31 December 1987. He enlisted
in the Marine Corps and reported for recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina on 21
January 2008. After earning the title, “Marine”, Corporal Zanowick reported to the School of InfantryEast, Camp Geiger, North Carolina to attend the Basic Infantryman program of instruction and the Anti
Tank Guided Missileman program of instruction graduating with a MOS of 0352. In October 2008, after
completion of MOS training, Corporal Zanowick reported for duty with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion,
4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground
Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. On 1 June 2009, Corporal Zanowick was promoted to
Corporal. On 4 October 2009, Corporal Zanowick deployed to Afghanistan with Regimental Combat
Team 7 and served for 7 months in Helmand province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 9
April 2011, Corporal Zanowick deployed a second time with Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines to Afghanistan in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned as a vehicle commander with Blue Section, Combined Anti-Armored Team Two. Corporal
Zanowick was mortally wounded while conducting offensive operations in the Upper Gereshk Valley, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
on 3 June 2011. Corporal Zanowick is survived by his wife the former Ryan Lynn Detwiler from Pennsylvania, his 2 year old son, Uriah
Zanowick of Twentynine Palms, California, his parents Paul and Nanette Zanowick, and his sister Nicole Zanowick
all of Miamisburg, Ohio.
*Friend of Marine Sgt Daniel Erlandson. See page 10.
21
Full Schedule
Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember 2016
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 & Thursday, July 7, 2016
Time
Activity
Location
9:00-5:00 PM
Ambassador Warriors AFF Skydiving Progression
Start Skydiving, Middletown, Ohio
9:00-5:00 PM
Pick Up Ambassadors at Airport
CVG Primary - DAY Secondary
6:00-8:00 PM
Final planning team meeting - Food and Drinks Provided for
everyone
All planning team, drivers, CP, Ambassadors
Food for planning team
Thursday
Time
Activity
Location
9:00-12:00 PM
Ambassador Warriors AFF Skydiving Progression
9:00-7:00 PM
All Warrior/VIP Transport, Registration, Hotel Check In, Food
and Orientation
9:00-10:00 AM
Set up and Staff Registration and Command Post Together at
Hotel
9:00-3:00 PM
Pick Up for all Honored Warriors, GS and VIP
11:00-5:00 PM
Patriot Pin Ups Greet Arriving Warriors in Lobby
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch at the Hotel for all Warriors, GS and Volunteers
3:00-7:00 PM
All Exhibits: 101st Exhibit, Lima Company, dogs, Patriot Pin Ups AC Marriott at Liberty Center
4:30-5:30 PM
Appetizers
5:00 PM
Hot Rods arrive and line up for parade.
5:00-7:00 PM
Warrior Weekend Orientation Briefing & Social (Planning team,
Ambassadors and Honored Warriors/GS)
7:00-7:30 PM
Parade/Transport Warriors from Hotel to Full Throttle via
Hotrods Opie and Gem City Classic Auto
7:30-11:00 PM
Warrior Weekend Welcome Reception (Honored Warriors, GS,
Sponsors and Planning Team)
Full Throttle Racing, Tri-County
7:30-11:00 PM
Racing for Warriors, GS and Sponsors
7:30-8:30 PM
Fricker's Catered Appetizers (No Alcohol at Race Track)
7:30-9:30 PM
Entertainment with Stephen Kelley & Steve Ream DJ
7:30-11:00 PM
All Exhibits: 101st Exhibit, Lima Company, dogs, Patriot Pin Ups Full Throttle Racing, Tri-County
11:00-11:30 PM
Transport Warriors & GS from Full Throttle
Late Evening
Night Bow Fishing with Tony Ryan
Great Miami River
22
Full Schedule
Friday, July 8, 2016
Time
Activity
Location
Morning
Breakfast
8:00 AM
Transport Warriors & GS to Gun Shoot
9:00-4:00 PM
Multi-gun Shoot at Miamisburg Sportsmen's Club (Honored
Warriors, GS, Sponsors and Active Military Only)
MSC, Miamisburg, Ohio
10:30 AM
Transport Warriors to Gun Shoot (Afternoon Group)
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch - All Warriors and VIP
4:00-6:00 PM
Warrior & GS Rest and Relax at Hotel
6:00 PM
Ohio Challenge Demo Jump - TFX Flag/Streamer Jumpers
Smith Park
6:00-6:30 PM
Muddy Buddies Transport to Warrior Concert
6:30-6:45 PM
Roadside Welcome Tribute - Jeep Convoy through Franklin
Location TBD - open to the public
Franklin, Ohio
8:15 PM
Ohio Challenge TFX Jump Big Flag at Ohio Challenge
(Warriors & GS at Concert)
Ohio Challenge, Smith Park, Middletown, Ohio
10:00 PM
Ohio Challenge TFX Jump - TFX Pyrotechnic Skydive at Ohio
Challenge (Warriors & GS at Concert)
Evening
Lonestar Military Tribute Concert (Honored Warriors, GS,
Sponsors and Active Military Only)
JD Legends, Franklin, Ohio
5:00 PM
Entertainment Starts
6:30 PM
Food Served, start on break between bands
7:00 PM
Honored Warriors & GS Arrive with Muddy Buddies
8:00 PM
Ceremony to acknowledge honored Guests and Warriors (Honor JD Legends, Franklin, Ohio
Guard/Bag Pipes)
11:00-11:30 PM
Transport Warriors & GS from Concert to Hotel
Late Evening
Great Miami River
23
Full Schedule
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Time
Activity
Location
Early Morning
Transport Hot Air Balloon Ride Warriors & GS, exact time TBD
Morning
Breakfast
Sunrise
Hot Air Balloon Rides
6:00 AM
Set up for 5k Walk, Run, Ranger Ruck and GS Bike
6:00 AM
Set up Registration Tables and PA Truck
6:30 AM
Open Registration for GS Bike Ride
7:00 AM
Transport Warriors & GS to Pancake Breakfast and Smith Park
Events
7:30 AM
Start Gold Star Bike (Open to the Public)
7:30 AM
Open Registration for Walk, Run and Ranger Ruck
7:30-8:00 AM
Warrior & GS Pancake Breakfast
8:40 AM
Welcome, Race Directions and Thank You
8:45 AM
Invocation and Warrior Pep Talk
8:50 AM
National Anthem
8:50 AM
TFX Jump US Flag, PH Flag and GS Flag
9:00 AM
Start 5k Run, Walk and Ranger Ruck (Open to the Public)
10:30 AM
Conclude Race - Warriors award medals at finish line
9:00-5:00 PM
Golf Cart Transport Available (Use Planning Team and TFX)
9:00-5:00 PM
Video Game Trailer at DZ
9:00-5:00 PM
Aarons Furniture Store provide Warrior/Command Post Chill
out Area Furniture
9:00-5:00 PM
"Aircraft Rides and Tandem Skydives (Honored Warriors & GS
Only)
Tandem Skydives, WW II Bomber Rides, WW II Fighter #1
Rides, Bi-Plane Rides, Scenic Helicopter Rides, UH1H Huey
Rides"
12:00- 1:00 PM
Lunch for all Warriors, GS and Sponsors
Afternoon
Optional, warriors can transport back to the hotel to rest before
5:00 dinner
4:00 to 10:30pm
Full Ohio Challenge Festival, Hot Air Balloons, Music and
exhibits
4:00-5:00 PM
Charity Car Show - Warriors Choice Judging 4:30 to 5pm (Open
to the Public)
Ohio Challenge (Stage left), Smith Park
6:00-10:00 PM
101st Airborne Living History Team Exhibit - On Display
6:00-10:00 PM
Lima Company Memorial - On Display
4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
TFX Jump - Flag/Streamer Jumpers
5:00-6:30 PM Private Warrior Weekend VIP Dinner (200 People)
Hanger, Hook Field, Middletown, Ohio
Guests arrive, get food (Buffet) and sit down
Welcome Prayer and Pledge, VIP, Warrior, GS, Sponsor and
volunteer acknowledgments
24
Diamond Jubilee Chorus Sing Patriotic Songs (15-20 Min)
Comments: Senior Leader, WPAFB, Ohio
Dinner Keynote: TBD
Full Schedule
Saturday, July 9, 2016 & Sunday July 10, 2016
Time
Activity
Location
Wrap up and proceed to Ohio Challenge stage
6:45-7:00 PM
Warriors & GS Convoy in Muddy Buddies Jeeps to Main Stage
7:00-8:00 PM
Public Warrior & GS Ceremony on Ohio Challenge Main Stage
All Comments and Warrior Awards and Presentation
7:00-8:00 PM
Ohio Challenge Mass Balloon Launch
Launch from Hook Field/Middletown Airport
7:00 to 9:00 PM
Ohio Challenge Fluff & Puff - Walk through inflated balloon;
8:15 PM
Demo - TFX-WW Tandems/Big Flag (Sing National Anthem)
VIP Tent, Smith Park, Middletown, Ohio
8:00 PM
Convoy Muddy Buddy Jeeps around inside perimeter of Balloon
Launch area to the VIP Pavilion
9:15 - 9:45 PM
Ohio Challenge Balloon Glow - Pair Warriors with Balloon
Pilots
10:00 PM
TFX Jump Pyrotechnic Skydive
10:05 PM
Ohio Challenge Fireworks Show
Evening
Warrior Bonfire Party
Evening
Transport Warriors & GS back to hotel as needed and request
Late Evening
Great Miami River
Time
Activity
Location
Morning
Warrior Farewell Breakfast and Wrap Up
Morning
Optional Church for Warriors who want to attend with the
Adopt a Warrior Churches
Morning
Check out from Hotel
9:00 - 3:00 PM
Shuttle to airport.
Sunday
25
Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember
Planning Team
This project has been a massive undertaking, it’s been organized 100% by volunteers within our communities. Our planning team consists
of more than 100 members, in addition to the several hundred event volunteers that make this a Weekend to Remember.
Team Fastrax™ has a team member involved in nearly every aspect of planning and execution. Each event has it’s own team that meets to
organize, plan, and execute their part of the event. The overall planning team has met every month throughout the last year, to ensure all
elements are taken into consideration. It’s worth a special call out to the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival and their willingness to
bend over backwards to accommodate the Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember
.
Command Post Main Number: 513-601-3663
Role
Name
Role
TFX Primary Event Director (POC)
David Hart
Gold Star Ambassadors Team (Local)
Command Post & Operations
Name
Gold Star Family Support
Paul Zanowick
CP Team Lead
Lori Hart
Carol Prazynski
CP Team Lead
Lisa Ruggiero
John Prazynski
CP Ambassador PH Warrior Support
Jason Regester
Tina Warndorf
Chris Herwick
Ohio Challenge Team
OC Event Director
Kathy Stites
Purple Heart Ambassadors (Local)
OC Event Support
Brad Short
Purple Heart Ambassador Lead
Sam Deeds
OC Liaison - Warrior Ambassador
Dan Sack
Purple Heart Ambassadors - AF
Tim O’Sullivan
OC Media
Jessica Burgess
Purple Heart Ambassadors - AF
Jason Regester
OC Website
Amy Askren
Purple Heart Ambassadors - MC
John Bates
TFX/OC Airboss
Kyle Sward
Purple Heart Ambassadors - MC
Mike Strahle
Purple Heart Ambassadors - Army
Ken Doyle
Shilo Harris
Matthew Pennington
Event Treasurer
Treasurer
Diana Nelson
Event Support & Transportation Team
Golf Cart Lead
Mark Russell
Multi Gun Shoot & Gnats Team
Muddy Buddies Jeep Wrangler Club
John Howell
Team Lead
Paul Stanford
Beth Hayes
Richard Mandas
David Hayes
Middletown Gun Club/Gnat Shooting
Adam Ralston
Operational Detail Planning Support
Teresa Macalolooy
Tailgating for Troops President
Joe Montgomery
Photos/Video Lead
Perry Davis
Athletic Event Team
Transportation Lead
Dan Prindle
Run Lead
Matt Harvey
Transportation Support
Derrick Creech
Ranger Ruck Lead
Sayre Payne
Video Support
Matthew Allaire
Bike Ride Lead
Gene Newsom
Volunteer Coordination Lead
Leslie Moore
Ranger Ruck PH Ambassador Support
Alec Ross
Volunteer Support
Claire Revalee
Bike Ride Support
Michael Bott
Bike Ride Support
Kim Bott
Sponsorship, Raffles, Graphics, PR Team
Team Lead
John P. Hart II
Air Operations Team
Graphics Support
Melissa Fleming
Air Operations Team Lead
Mike Ruggiero
PR/Marketing Support
Mike Stoff
Air Operations Support
Rich Easterly
SimTrainer 10th Anniversary 10 Gun Raffle
Jeff Pedro
288th Pathfinder Squadron Civil Air Patrol
Vanessa King
Sponsorship Support
Bruce Moyer
Sam McClung
Sponsorship Support
Deborah Gross
Richard King
Raffle Coordination Lead
Perry Davis
UH-IH Huey, Indiana Search & Rescue
Charlie Walker
Registration, Travel, Lodging Team
Bi-Plane Owner
Dewey Davenport
Team Lead
Rachel Prindle
Higher Ground Helicopters
Walt Edmundson
Air Fare Booking - Valor Vacations
Sandy Lombardo
WWII T-28 Fighter
Verlin McIntosh
Wed Registration (VFW Post 3809)
Janet Hall
WWII B-25 Bomber
Kenny Wiggers
26
Team Fastrax™ Warrior Weekend to Remember
Planning Team
Role
Name
Role
Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloons
Brian Trapp
Adopt-A-Warrior (Prayers)
Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloons
Laurie Givins
Team Lead
Mike Burke
Adopt-A-Warrior Support
Emily Mather
Jump Operations
Name
Start Skydiving Warrior Boogie Lead
Arianna Williams
Greater Dayton Association of Baptists
Steve Stiglich
TFX Tandem/AFF/Tandem Lead
Bud Prenatt
Chaplin Support, WPAFB
Lt Col Shon Neyland
TFX Support
Cheryl Compton
Chaplin Support, WPAFB
Theadore Wilson
TFX Support
Amy Fillion
Middletown PD Chaplain
Clark Helvey
TFX Support
Larry Compton
Halo For Freedom Support
TFX Support
John Garrido
Halo For Freedom Support
TFX Support
Shannon Woodbury
Patriot Project Support
TFX Support
Jay Stokes
Patriot Project (Chiropractic)
TFX Support
Rob Richardson
Community Support
TFX Support
Dan Paganini
101st AB Living History Team
Bob Traphagan
TFX Support
John Harth
77th Pathfinder Warrior Support
Cliff Rittenhouse
TFX Support
Paul Peckham
77th Pathfinder Warrior Support
Jim McCambridge
TFX Support
Shannon Harth
88th Airbase Wing, WPAFB Liaison
Danna Plewe
TFX Support
John Hart 3
A Troop 2-107th CAV RGT, OHARNG
Sam Sampson
TFX Support
Nate Moore
Author
Pete Telep
TFX Support
Zeke Allmon
Butler County CVB
Margret Gorman
TFX Support
Alex Hart
City of Middletown
David VanArsdale
City of Middletown
Doug Adkins
Combat Veterans to Careers
David Booth
Community Support
Mark Reboulet
Night Bow Fishing
Boat Owner, Bow Fishing
Tony Ryan
Indoor Go Cart Racing (Thursday)
Joanna Arnold
Tim Novelli
Team Lead PH Ambassador Support
Sam Deeds
Community Support
Frances Sack
Full Throttle
Aaron
Community Support
Rick Gibbs
Full Throttle
Joe Gorman
Community Support
Jordan Lawson
Community Support
Opie Willis
Dogs
Dogs Warrior Support
Tony Paletta
Community Support
Staff Ouderkirk
Dogs Spike's K9 Fund
Jill Cutter
Community Support - Sponsor
Jim Johnson
Meals & VIP Dinners
Dayton Convention & Visitor Bureau
Christina Combs
Food Lead
Regina Gaw
Diamond Jubilee Chorus
Marge Forrester
Volunteer Support/Stepping Down
Robin Heider
Franklin/Purple Heart Support
Jim Mears
Volunteer Support
Amber Paul
Medical Support Team
Amber Wright
Volunteer Support
Whitney Hale
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Brian Bost
Entertainment/Military Tribute Concert
Patriot Pinups
Trisha Clark
Team Lead
Steve Ream
Support (Shilo Harris)
Jamie Buckhorn
JD Legends Lead
Charlie Samaan
US Air Force Recruiting
Elsie Mavron
Wed Evening Guitar (Wed evening)
Stephen Kelly Hunt
US Army Recruiting
Chris Varga
Jackie Spector
USAF Leadership Liaison
Ken Moran
Sherry EMS
USMC Recruiting
Cody Meggs
Sue Ann Carroll
USVMCOH.com - Vet Biker Group
Kirk
CD Moore
USVMCOH.com - Vet Biker Group
Elmo
Concert Support
Joanne Allswede
Vixens4Veterans
Ashlie Porter
Concert Support
Tony Szelkely
Warren County Veteran Services
Andy Martin
Concert Support
Joni Ahlers
27

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