Ambassadors

Jason Ash

Jason joined the United States Navy in July of 1999 as an Engineer where he was stationed aboard the USS Boxer (LHD-4) from October 1999 – December 2002. From there he was deployed when the attacks of 9/11 happened and then re-deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jason then went to Submarine School in Groton CT after which he was stationed aboard the USS Helena (SSN-725) as a Torpedoman from October 2003 – March 2006 and made numerous deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jason finished his tour at the Weapons Depot on Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, CA until his discharge in July 2009. Jason currently is a member of VFW Post 9167 in Princeton, Texas and serves as a board member for the Princeton Community Development Corporation. His passion for the organization, to help others and share their stories is what drives him to dedicate as much time as he can to furthering the mission of Carry The Load.

Bradford Adatto

Bradford E. Adatto decided to become a lawyer during sixth-grade Career Day, when he promised to represent his best friend, a future doctor. A few decades and many miles later, he started his own law firm that focused on representing health care and corporate clients. And yes, his best friend from sixth grade is among them. Brad’s background is in regulatory, transactional, and securities law. Having worked in health care law his entire career, he has an in-depth knowledge of the “ do’s and don’ ts” of this heavily regulated industry. As the son of a medical doctor and grandson of a medical doctor and dentist, Brad has the health care industry in his blood. He enjoys helping his clients build successful businesses by showing them how to avoid legal problems, create new opportunities, develop new partnerships, and form new entities. “ I knew this is what I wanted to do. To me, it’s about helping people create something they are proud of and to ensure they achieve it.” Brad enjoys reading, biking, and spending time with his family. He is active in the health care community and often speaks at conferences, associations, and educational events. He is also actively involved in various community and philanthropic associations and services. Brad has been a key member of Carry The Load since its second year, 2012.

Danielle Applegate

Danielle Applegate is a fifth-generation veteran with dual-military parents, Danielle served on active duty in the US Army and the National Guard; her duty included a tour in Korea. Due to service-connected injuries, she left active duty and earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and a nonprofit executive certificate from Georgetown University. A published military and veteran community subject matter expert and advocate, she serves on the Board of Directors for PsychArmor Institute as the Governance Chair, the Board of Directors for the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, the Board of Directors for Hesperus, the National Physical Activity Alliance, the Camp Lejeune Community Action Panel, and the American Legion’s Small Business Council. She served as the Director of Veteran and Military Family Engagement for Cerner Government Services. Prior to joining Cerner, she was the Vice President of VetsFirst, an accredited Veteran Service Organization, and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans, where she created and led groundbreaking women veteran initiatives and nationwide VA programming. She lives in Northern Virginia where she is being raised by two delightful middle schoolers who enjoy volunteering with Carry The Load as much as she does.

Cody Bandars

Cody Bandars grew up in Omaha, NE, enjoying all the pastimes of the Midwest: Hunting, Fishing, Football, and stomping through the woods. Nearing the end of high school he gave serious thought to joining the Marine Corps with a few close friends. They did – he didn’t. Our nation wasn’t at war but things were boiling internationally. Instead, with the suggestion of his parents, he chose the safe option – College. While Cody was attending the University of Nebraska, 9/11 unfolded. After graduating college with an engineering degree, Cody relocated to Dallas, TX to start his professional career. Still holding the heart to serve his country, he made the decision to enlist in the Navy and pursue a contract to become a SEAL. He served seven years in the Navy as a SEAL. Cody currently lives in Dallas serving as an Ambassador for Carry The Load.

Chris Board

Christopher Board graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1989, where he earned a degree in General Engineering. Chris was commissioned as an Army Field Artillery Officer. In 1990, as a Platoon Leader for an 8-inch Howitzer Battalion, he deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield. When things changed to Operation Desert Storm, Chris’s unit was part of the very successful efforts of the 7th Corps Artillery. Upon return, Chris served as an Aide-de-Camp, served in an MLRS Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and then in a Paladin Battalion in the First Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. After leaving the Army, he joined Raytheon Technologies as a Quality Engineer where he has remained for twenty-one years. Chris is the Gold Star Father of Army PFC Cody A. Board was Killed in Action on October 4, 2010, in Afghanistan. Cody’s younger brothers, Aaron and Tyler, followed in their father and brother’s footsteps and both served in the Army, with the youngest, Tyler, still serving as an Officer in the Military Police. Chris has been active in Carry The Load events since 2014 and lives in North Texas.

Sean Bulmann

Sean Bulmann was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1996 as an infantryman and served with Alpha Company at Marine Barracks 8th & I and with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines. Sean left the Marine Corps in 2001 and attended DePaul University in Chicago,IL and owns a civil construction company in Phoenix, AZ where he resides with his family. He has been serving as an Ambassador for Carry The Load since 2017.

Alissa Dare

Alissa Dare graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Biology. Coming from a family of Air Force, Army, and Navy veterans, she entered the Army as an Engineer Officer and was the first female officer assigned to a mechanized combat engineer unit. After serving 4 years in various leadership roles, she left the Army to return to school and become a physical therapist. While attending PT school in Virginia, she was activated from the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR). She served in Afghanistan in a Civil Affairs unit where she oversaw the construction of hospitals and schools. Upon returning from her deployment, she moved to Texas where she worked as a Program Manager in the construction industry. She is married with two kids. When she is not teaching kids’ science as part of their co-op, she is working with Carry The Load as a volunteer.

Jimmy Carnes

Jimmy Carnes a third generation Army soldier who followed in his father’s and brothers’ footsteps into the Military Police Corp. Jimmy enlisted in 1990, while living in Berlin, Germany, shortly after the fall of the Berlin wall and was assigned to the Berlin Brigade in Berlin Germany. Jimmy graduated from K-9 school in Ft Sam Houston, TX, on his second enlistment and continued to Ft Carson, Co as a Patrol Dog Handler and assigned to the Drug Suppression Team under the Criminal Investigation Division. Jimmy continued his enlisted in Wiesbaden Germany and deployed to Bosnia during Operation Joint Endeavor with NATO. Jimmy is currently an Executive Director of Banking at JP Morgan Chase Bank and serves as the Co-Chair for the California Veterans Business Resource Group. Jimmy has led the Carry The Load campaign in California since the West Coast routes were established in 2016.

Nate Cavender

Nate Cavender grew up in Mesquite Texas. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 2006 with a degree in Finance and received a commission out of the ROTC program. Shortly after, he attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio Texas where he earned his wings and an assignment to fly C-17s. During his service, Nate became an instructor pilot with over 2,000 hours in the C-17. He flew missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with over 650 combat hours. He separated in 2014 after 8 years of service as a Captain and moved back to Dallas. He is now a Managing Director for WebMD Health Services selling corporate well-being programs to public and private employers. Nate is a passionate advocate for Carry The Load and its mission.

Nathan Crocco

Nathan Crocco was born and raised in Chicago IL and enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in 2008 serving as a Paralegal Specialist (27D). Nathan served one tour of duty in Afghanistan deployed near Bagram Air Force Base during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 308th Military Police Company before receiving an honorable discharge in 2016 as a Sergeant (E5). Nathan joined JP Morgan Chase in 2009 and is currently a Vice President and served as Co-Chair-Emeritus for the JP Morgan Chase VETS Illinois Business Resource Group. Nathan helped plan and coordinate the first Carry The Load walk in Chicago Illinois and also helps in leading Carry the Load’s VA National Cemetery beautification on Patriot Day (9/11). Nathan is married and a proud father to three sons and one daughter and lives in Richmond Virginia.

Glen Dare

Glen Dare graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1996, where he earned a degree in systems engineering. As an officer in a Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion, Glen was deployed on multiple national and international missions. After leaving the Army in 2001, he joined Raytheon as a manufacturing engineer before being called out of the Inactive Ready Reserves (IRR) in 2006 to deploy to Iraq. There he worked with the Multinational Security Transition Command and the Department of Homeland Security to help secure Iraq’s ports of entry and borders. He returned to Raytheon in 2008 and is the former Global President for Raytheon’s Employee Resource Group focusing on veterans both inside and outside of the company. Glen’s wife, Alissa, is an Army combat veteran who served in Afghanistan. He and his family live in North Texas and have participated in Carry The Load since 2012.

Joshua Davis

Joshua Davis is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned his psychology degree and played football. In 2004, Josh was commissioned as a field artillery officer and in 2007 served as a battery commander. He deployed to northern Iraq in 2008 for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the fire support officer for an 11-man military transition team. He completed his MA in Economics at the University of Oklahoma in 2009. Josh served as the Carry The Load National Relay Chair for three years and is an on-going corporate team leader. Josh lives in the Conneticut.

Andrew ‘Drew’ DeLeon

Drew DeLeon was born and raised in Dallas, where he attended Skyline High School. He joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and served for eight years. He was stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, with MALS 14 and then with the 14th Marines HQ Battery at the JRB in Fort Worth. Drew joined the Dallas Fire Department in 2014 as a fire prevention and inspection officer. In 2017, he reenlisted in the Air Force Reserves and is a staff sergeant with the 489 MXS Bomb Group out of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. Drew is part of Carry The Load’s relay team and he carries his fellow Marine Sergeant Thomas Callahan (KIA 2006) and his father, Alex, who passed away in 2008. Drew lives the Dallas area.

Gary Duff

Jesse Dunlap

Jesse Dunlap grew up in Lubbock, TX to a family of Navy & Army veterans. He joined the US Coast Guard after graduation and served in various Command & Control functions at Coast Guard units in New Orleans, Honolulu, and finally Houston, TX. During his time in the Coast Guard, he was involved in setting up and managing communications facilities and Command & Control infrastructure supporting rescue operations after the ’89 earthquakes in San Francisco and the Colonial Pipeline oil spill in Houston, TX that occurred during a major flooding event. Additionally, managed communications teams supporting rescue operations during the flood. After exiting the military after 8 years, Jesse is currently working at JPMorgan Chase & Co., for the last 20 years in Houston and leading the Houston chapter of their Veterans employee group. The VETS group supports the Veterans Jobs Mission and many veteran non-profits in the Houston area. The team has supported Carry The Load Relay since 2015 when the first West Coast Rally was announced and continues an ongoing collaboration with Carry the Load.

Steve Dunnahoe

Steve Dunnahoe is a native Texan, born in Corpus Christi and raised in North Texas. He served six years in the US Coast Guard with duty stations in Texas, California, Alaska, North Carolina, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Utilizing the leadership and logistic training he received in the Coast Guard, Steve has gone on to have successful and multifaceted careers both in aerospace – with assignments in Singapore, Australia, and Panama – and the water industry. Steve is the Utilities Consultant for Hakuna Matata Investments and organized support for Carry The Load by providing water for participants in the national relay. He is a passionate and vocal advocate for veterans and first responders. Steve lives in Fort Worth, TX.

Justin Ellis

Since Justin Ellis was a child, he knew he wanted to be a detective. He began his career in law enforcement in 2004. In 2016, he had just passed the detective entrance test when, serving as Dallas Area Rapid Transit police officer, he was in a life-altering incident while on his patrol motorcycle. Critically-injured, his journey to recovery was long and difficult. However, Justin persevered is back where he always dreamed he’d be, working as a detective for DART. He is a true inspiration to everyone he meets. In addition to his detective work, Justin is a member of the Assist the Officer Foundation, vice president of a local police association board. He has also earned his master peace officer’s license. Justin lives in the North Texas area.

Michael Flowers

Michael Flowers is the Founder and CEO of Indco Partners, a commercial real estate development and brokerage firm headquartered in Dallas, TX. Since launching the company in January 2024, Michael has leveraged his experience from previous roles at Stream Realty, Prologis, and Jackson Shaw.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Michael is committed to making a positive impact in his community. In 2022, he founded the Carry The Load Scholarship Fund, through which he has raised and awarded over $50,000 to support children of fallen Gold Star heroes. His dedication to service is also evident in his volunteer work as a youth baseball coach and his involvement with his alma mater, Woodrow Wilson High School.

Michael’s journey of leadership and service began in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he enlisted in 2003. He went on to complete two tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In his free time, Michael enjoys saltwater fly fishing, duck hunting, riding dirt bikes, snow skiing and playing golf.

Rod Gregg

Rod Gregg is from Mesquite, Texas. He started his police career at the Garland Police Department in 1982. During his tenure, he served as a detective, rescue diver, hostage negotiator, and investigations supervisor. He retired as a lieutenant in 2003 while assigned to an FBI task force for computer forensics. The next day, he was sworn in with the FBI at the Dallas Division assigned to the North Texas Regional Computer Forensics Lab as a digital forensics examiner specializing in digital and video forensics, having investigated notable cases, including Enron and 9/11. He traveled extensively as a national instructor for the FBI. He left the FBI as a senior forensics examiner in 2008 to work in the private sector for an international forensics firm and later for the Department of Justice as a contractor writing training curriculum. Afterward, he worked as a private investigator on digital forensics cases notably involving a New Orleans PD kidnapping investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of the suspect. He lives in Rockwall, Texas with his wife and works from home as a graphic artist specializing in military and law enforcement designs and custom logos. A friend convinced him to attend an event at Reverchon Park in 2013. The following year, he became a participant with Carry The Load in 2014 and has been a Load Master every year, captaining a top ranking team since 2018.

David Haas

David Haas was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas. He enlisted in the Navy in 1982 and served for four years in various roles, ultimately being forward-deployed out of Guam and participating with allied naval forces in joint exercises throughout Indonesia and the Indian Ocean. David currently serves on Carry The Load’s Operations Committee and lives in Lewisville, TX.

Chris Harding

Chris Harding graduated from West Chester University with a BA in Political Science and an MBA in Business. Chris has served on the Yardley Borough Council for eight years, and is currently in his second term as the Mayor of Yardley Borough. Additionally, he is a senior loan officer with Northeast Equitable Mortgage in Bucks County, PA. Yardley Borough has hosted Carry The Load rallies every year since 2014 and has a team of six that walks in the relay from Washington Crossing, PA, to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, covering just under 40 miles in 15 hours.

Steven Hensley

Steven Hensley was born and raised in north central Wisconsin. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Fire Science and Paramedicine, and has worked as a structure firefighter, hotshot, heli-rappeller, as well as in the Wildland Fire Service. He was a field training officer and a corporal for eight years. He was recently promoted to operation supervisor for clinical services and is an educator at the Mayo Hospital. Steve is currently a member of the La Crosse County Tactical Team and the Statewide ALERT Tactical Team. Steve has been a key member of Carry The Load’s National Relay for the past six years.

John Kohlschein

John Kohlschein grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and upon graduating from high school proudly joined and served in the United States Air Force from 1986 1990. Stationed at Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico for his entire enlistment, John volunteered and became a distinguished member of the Cannon AFB Honor Guard Team. John moved to Texas in 1993 and attended Tarleton State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. In 2013, John was hired by Pioneer Natural Resources Information Technology Team. In 2016, he became the Vice President of Communications of the Pioneer Military Resource Group where he was introduced to Carry The Load and its mission and purpose and quickly became a passionate advocate. In 2018, John became the President of the Pioneer Military Resource Group (having big shoes to fill by a fellow veteran, co-worker, CTL advocate, and brother Brian Larson) and continued the legacy that the Pioneer Military Resource Group had established Carry The Load as its flagship organization and event. In 2019, John with gratitude exited Corporate America and became a proud veteran business owner of Gotcha Covered of Lewisville, where he continues to advocate and evangelize Carry The Load. John lives in the DFW area with his wife and three kids.

Stetson Langwell

Stetson Langwell joined the Marine Corps shortly after graduating from high school and quickly deployed to Iraq in 2008 and again to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010 as a Radio Operator on a Firepower Control Team (FCT) for 1^st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company  (ANGLICO). After leaving the Marine Corps in 2011, Stetson attended college at Penn State and then went on to receive an MBA from Baylor University. Stetson began his career at Pioneer Natural Resources shortly after leaving the military and leads the Military and First Responder Network and acts as the Corporate Sponsor for Carry The Load for Pioneer. Stetson lives in the DFW area with his wife and two young daughters.

Brian Larson

Brian Larson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2005 and was commissioned as an Infantry officer. He deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division as a platoon leader and company executive officer and served in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Arlington National Cemetery. His final military assignment was commanding the Presidential Salute Battery. After leaving the Army in 2010, Brian moved to Texas and works in the energy industry. He has a Masters in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA from Baylor. Brian is the President of Catapult Mineral Partners, an energy investment company. At his previous company, he was the founding President of the Military Employee Resource Group and a Carry The Load corporate team leader. He lives in the DFW area with his wife and two children.

J.J. Leonard

J.J. Leonard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995. He then served as an intelligence officer in the US Marine Corps for five years, specializing in aviation intelligence and strategic targeting. Currently, J.J. is the managing director of the Dallas division at Stream Realty Partners and has more than 18 years of commercial real estate experience. J.J. serves on Carry The Load’s Operation Committee and lives in the Dallas area.

Josh Lewis

Josh Lewis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 2003. He served with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines during his 8 years of active duty, deploying to both Afghanistan and Iraq. After leaving the Marines in 2011, Josh earned his degree in international business at the University of Texas at Dallas and is currently a Commercial Banker at Regions Bank.  Since its inception, Josh has participated in Carry The Load’s National Relay and the Dallas Memorial March to honor five warrior brothers who were killed by an IED in Iraq on June 15, 2005. He walks for their families, to recognize their great sacrifice, to remember the time they had together, and to share their stories with friends and family along the way. Josh lives in Dallas with his wife and twin daughters.

Kyle Lund

Kyle Lund enlisted in the US Army in 2004, when he was just 18 years old. Assigned to the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Ft. Lewis, WA, he served two deployments in Iraq. Kyle reached the rank of staff sergeant before being honorably discharged in 2011. Since then he has been a driver engineer with Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, where he received a Meritorious Service Award. Kyle is also a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Lavon, TX. Kyle serves as a medic on the Carry The Load National Relay and lives in North Texas.

Sean Magee

Sean Magee joined the US Navy in 1990 and served aboard the USS Thorn in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He is the founder of Anchor Media Services and has more than 22 years of experience in media, finance, and corporate trade. Sean serves on the board and advisory council for several veteran organizations. He is a rally chair for Carry The Load and lives in Congers, NY.

Michelle Mangio

After marrying a Marine in 2003, Michelle Mangio channeled her passion for helping others into serving the families of troops and veterans through various outreach programs. She’s volunteered at the Brook Army Medical Center Burn ICU, where she assisted severely-injured patients and their families after life-altering injuries. She currently volunteers with the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society and serves as the Family Readiness Advisor for the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior detachment, helping patients with the recovery process. Michelle lives with her family in San Antonio and is an amazing resource for families in the military.

Brian Marren

Brian Marren is the Vice President of Operations for Arcadia Cognerati, a service provider specializing in assessing, developing, and conducting training and education to address urgent safety and security needs in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. Brian is also a former Marine Scout Sniper with multiple deployments to the Al Anbar Province of Iraq, a High Threat Protection security professional, and a Subject Matter Expert on Human Behavior Pattern Recognition & Analysis. Brian has spent the last sixteen years conducting both real-world and training operations all over the United States, the Middle East, and both Central and East Asia. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University and Masters in Applied Psychology from the University of Southern California. Brian dedicates his time to studying and teaching human behavior based on threat prediction so that he can train others how to PREVENT catastrophic events from occurring. Brian’s goal is to make people SMARTER, STRONGER, and HARDER TO KILL.

JoHanna Martinez

JoHanna Martinez leads talent acquisition efforts for AT&T with a specific focus on military and ethnic diversity. Her career began 23 years ago in the AT&T ASI training organization in San Antonio, Texas, where she grew up. JoHanna successfully led AT&T’s campaign to hire 20,000 veterans by 2020 and accomplished that goal over a year early. She has actively been involved with Carry The Load since 2014 carrying her cousin who was KIA on 11/10/04 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her desire to support her community recently earned her an invitation to join the DFW Hispanic 100, an organization that serves as a catalyst for increased participation of Hispanic Women in employment, procurement, and social issues. Currently living in North Texas, JoHanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and also served four years of honorable active duty service in the United States Marine Corps. She’s a proud baseball mom, who loves spending time with her husband and family in San Antonio when she is not shopping for shoes.

Scott McLachlan

Scott McLachlan was born in Detroit and graduated from Gaither High School in Tampa, FL. In 1987, he enlisted in the US Army as a combat engineer and completed one deployment to the Middle East participating in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. During his time in the Army, McLachlan served with a mechanized combat engineer detachment for the NATO Allied Mobile Force. This provided McLachlan an opportunity to cross-train with NATO countries in Norway, Denmark, France, Turkey, and Italy. After his military transition, he attended the University of South Florida where he earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He currently specializes in Enterprise Architecture and serves as an Information Technology Architect for Chase Merchant Services. He is active in the Tampa community where he devotes time to many different charities including Carry The Load.

Charles Meachum

Charles Meachum’s father and grandfather were both military veterans. His father flew round-the-clock air vigilance with Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, and later he flew in Vietnam. Back at home, his dad was his Cub Scout Pack Leader and Troop Scoutmaster and stayed involved in scouts until his passing. Inspired by his father’s service and integrity, Charles continued that legacy of scouting with his two sons, who are now both Eagle Scouts, serving as their scout leader while they were young. He continues to support the scouts in various district positions, such as a commissioner, Lone Star District Chairman and currently he is the finance chair for the district. Charles was the liaison for the scouts for the Dallas Memorial March from 2011-2018 and continues to serve on Carry The Load’s Operations Committee.

Janet Ware Meaux

Cole Morrison

Colton Morrow

Colton was born and raised in East Texas. While working as a radio show host, the family legacy of emergency medicine called upon him and took him down a new path. Colton earned his paramedic certification from Paris Junior College in 2017 and began working with Hopkins County EMS. As part of his work, Colton had the privilege to escort the Relay Team through his hometown of Sulphur Springs in 2018. After seeing the impact Carry The Load made on his local community, he was determined to get more involved with the organization. Colton has since served on multiple National Relays Teams as the team paramedic.  His passion for the organization continues to grow and he loves being able to share the mission with everyone he encounters.

Wendell Parker

Andrew Pfeiffer

Andrew Pfeiffer is a Senior Vice President at Citibank, head of Background Screening – Recruitment Operations and Employee Onboarding, located in Tampa Florida. The global team is dedicated to improving efficiency and user experience through innovative strategic and tactical solutions. Andrew is a Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as an Artillery Senior Non Commissioned officer for nearly two decades. He served in various leadership capacities and was deployed in both overseas combat support operations and domestic disaster relief efforts. After separating from the service, Andrew has continued to find ways to support current and former service members. He is an accomplished public speaker, who each year speaks at engagements to raise awareness on challenges facing our service members. He is part of the Carry The load Tampa Rally operating committee, and sits on the board of directors of multiple Veteran Nonprofit Organizations. Andrew also partners with the University of South Florida to develop veteran-specific trainings and mentor transitioning Veterans.

Ron Redding

Ron Redding is a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force with 32.5 years of military service. Ron served as the Air National Guards Chief of Emergency Management for FEMA Region 6 consisting of all air wings in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico. He deployed to northern Iraq in 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the CBRN Senior Noncommissioned Officer subject matter expert for the SWA AOR. Ron is currently serving as a DOD Firefighter with the Arkansas State Military Dept. Ron served as the Ambassador for Carry The Load National Day of Volunteering at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Ron lives in Paris, Arkansas.

John Reed

John Reed was born and raised in Dallas and attended W.T. White High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps where he served with the 1st Battalion 7th Marines Weapons Platoon. He was deployed to Panama, Japan, the Middle East and Somalia and rose to the rank of corporal. After leaving active duty, John graduated from Southern Methodist University with a finance degree and is currently a wealth management advisor for Merrill Lynch in Dallas. John was a charter member Carry The Load’s Operation Committee, which oversees the logistics and production of the Dallas Memorial March.

Erin Rheinschild

Erin Rheinschild has always been an avid and passionate supporter of the Military Community and is the daughter of a Korean War US Air Force Veteran. Erin graduated from UCLA in 1982 after studying in Kinesiology and Psychology. While at UCLA Erin was inspired by aviation and pursued the dream to fly. Erin earned her pilot wings and spent time as a flight instructor, charter and corporate pilot. Erin was hired by United Airlines in 1985 and retired as a Boeing 767 Captain in 2004. In 1990 Erin qualified in the P-51 Mustang,” Missfit” and became the first and only female Unlimited pilot to race in the Reno and Denver Air Races where, in 1990, she won the Bronze Class at Reno. Upon retiring from United after 20 years of service Erin engaged in the philanthropic world serving as a Board member for 3 local non-profits. Since 2011 Erin has been honored and proud to serve as the Honorary Commander for the Mountain Home AFB 366th Operations Group. For the past 10 years, Erin has dedicated her time and talents as Director of Philanthropy for Higher Ground Sun Valley. Under her leadership in the fundraising sector, Higher Ground has consistently produced a balanced budget and solidified strong donor relationships, while increasing organizational visibility on local and national levels. Erin has 3 grown children; Rudolph, Hailey, and Sage. Her passions, outside of family and Higher Ground, are scuba diving, running, skiing, wine education, archery, waterskiing, paddleboarding, volunteering, and of course flying airplanes.

Jamie Rufolo

Jamie Rufolo is the proud wife of an active duty officer and is currently part of the Public Safety Solutions Organization supporting the FirstNet Program at AT&T. Her team is responsible for delivering on AT&T’s commitment to successfully deploy the nation’s first public safety broadband network, dedicated to America’s first responders. Jamie served as the 2014-2016 National President of AT&T Veterans, an employee resource group and non-profit with over 10,000 members and 43 chapters across the country. She continues to serve by leading AT&T’s sponsorship efforts with Carry The Load. She and her family live in Maryland.

Justin Salsano

Justin Salsano of Madison, WI, first joined protective services his senior year in high school when he became a volunteer fire fighter. For the past nine years, he’s been with City of Madison fire department as a fire figther and paramedic. Justin is also a member of the department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team (HURT). It’s been during this time Justin has become more aware of the sacrifices made by our military and the dangers faced by police, fire, and EMS personnel. Justin is a medic on the Carry The Load’s National Relay Team.

Jason Santos

Jason Santos became a first responder in 1999 when he joined the Onalaska Fire Department, where he served for 13 years. Jason completed EMT basic education in 2001 and in 2005 studied at Western Technical College where he became a Nationally Registered Paramedic. Jason then worked for the Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance service as a paramedic. In 2016, he completed his certification as critical care paramedic at the University of Baltimore. He currently works as a certified flight paramedic on a medevac helicopter for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Paul Schecklman

Paul Schecklman lives in Wisconsin where he is a firefighter and paramedic for the City of Madison Fire Department. Paul has been in emergency services for more than seven years in multiple cities. Paul is the Task Leader in Wisconsin for Sons of the Flag, a burn survivor non-profit organization, and sits on the University of Wisconsin Burn Advancement Board. Paul co-founded a recovery and supplement company, helping hundreds of first responders and veterans regain health and wellness. He also organizes the Badger Fire Conference, a charitable training event benefiting Sons of the Flag and the UW Burn Center.

William Searles

William Searles is a Minnesota native, currently living in Onalaska, WI. William has been a paramedic since 1998 and has been with the Tri-State Ambulance in La Crosse, WI, since 2002. Throughout his career, William has trained in multiple facets of emergency medicine; including confined space rescue, tactical EMS, critical care paramedicine and EMS information technology. William has supported Carry The Load since 2012 as a medic on both the East and West Coast National Relay and at the Dallas Memorial March. Smitty is carrying Minnesota State Trooper Ted Foss who was struck and killed during a routine traffic stop near Winona, Minnesota, on August 31st 2000.

Rilea Stapf

Rilea Stapf was born and raised in middle Georgia and graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with her Bachelor of Science in Business and Economic Development. Rilea started her journey with Carry The Load in 2015 by joining the East Coast National Relay Team as a leg captain through her connections with Dill Driscoll. Since her start with the CTL organization, Rilea went on to participate on the first West Coast National Relay Team as a leg captain in 2016, and has committed to joining the CTL Family in Dallas every year for Memorial Day to welcome all National Relay Teams and participate in our Dallas Memorial March. Coming from a military family, Rilea walks in remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation and for their families/friends to share in their stories and keep their loved ones alive in our hearts so that we may never forget the true meaning of sacrifice and the TRUE meaning of Memorial Day.

Stephanie Stone

The daughter of United States Marines, Ramona and Michael Zarrella, Stephanie Stone is the Chief Deputy Director of the County of Los Angeles Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. She is a Navy Veteran who has used her 20 years of exemplary military service and over 19 years of nonprofit experience to support the Greater Los Angeles Veteran community since 1997. Stephanie was the first woman to serve as the Chair of the Los Angeles Mayor’s Military and Veteran Affairs Committee and returned to the role under Mayor Garcetti’s administration, focusing on veterans’ homelessness. She went on to serve as a commissioner on the Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission and was elected to be the first female to hold its chairmanship. While on the commission and as its sole female she focused on the needs of all veterans with special attention to female veterans. In her current role as Chief Deputy of DMVA, she has led the partnership with the Department of Mental Health and the World Champions, LA Sparks. This was the first of its kind partnership with major sports teams connecting Veterans to media-resources through a yearlong program. Stephanie Stone holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Illinois, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of San Francisco, was a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs in Los Angeles and is currently a doctoral student studying Policy, Planning, and Development at University of Southern California.

Tony Temerario

Mr. Tony Temerario was born and raised in the Washington DC Area. His Mother and Father were WWII Combat Veterans serving in the Pacific Theatre and the Normandy Invasion respectively. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Maryland at College Park. He is a retired US Army “Green Beret.” Currently, Mr. Temerario is the AT&T Director/Client Executive for AT&T’s Mobility IoT Operations team supporting the Public Sector. He is a Member of AT&T’s Veterans Group. On September 11th, 2001, he and his AT&T (Then Cingular Wireless) Team responded immediately to the attack on the Pentagon by establishing Mobility Connectivity at the Impact Area and distributing devices to First Responders on that tragic day/night and maintained a 24/7 onsite First Responder Mobility Support Tent at the Pentagon. Shortly after 9/11, he was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Mr. Temerario’s awards and decorations include, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Campaign Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, State of Maryland Governor’s Citation for distinguished Military Service, and Three Maryland General Assembly Official Citations for Honor, Valor, and Bravery. Mr. Temerario resides with his Wife in Connecticut.

Matt Thomas

Matt served in the U.S Army Infantry with the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. In 2004, he deployed to Iraq with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment (C Co, 1/9 CAV) to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. After his tour, he returned home to complete his college education earning bachelors and masters degrees in technology. Matt has held numerous leadership positions in both professional and non-profit organizations. He is a founder of the Samsung Electronics America (SEA) Veterans Community which focuses on corporate outreach to military veterans. Matt is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas Executive MBA program. He is an owner of Forward Ops, LLC, a business consulting firm focused primarily on the defense and government industries. Matt has two amazing daughters and resides in McKinney, TX.

Aaron White

Aaron White knew he wanted to be a Marine when he was just 11 years old and enlisted before graduating from high school. He served for five years as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Specialist in the 2nd Tank Battalion and was the recipient of two Naval Achievement Medals. Aaron is now a multi-unit owner of Mooyah Burgers and a director at HEB. In 2012, he was a member of the Collin County 40 Under 40 class for young entrepreneurs. Aaron was part Carry The Load’s first Dallas Memorial March and has been an active member of the all-volunteer board since. More recently, Aaron has been an integral part of the planning and presentation of the Vietnam Veterans’ pinning ceremony at the Dallas Memorial March.

Milton Williams

Milton Williams lives in the Dallas area where he spent almost 34 years as a firefighter with the City of Dallas. For 13 of his years with the Dallas Fire Department, he was a paramedic. He also served as a trainer/preceptor and was part of a mentoring program for newly graduated fire recruits. In 2011 a life-changing event led him to join the Memorial March. In 2017 he went on his first relay, joining the CTL team in New York to Philadelphia. He is an award-winning chef with a passion for sharing his gift of cooking with others, especially those within the firefighter community. He is known as one of the best cooks in the fire service.

Judd Word

Judd Word was born in Memphis, TN and graduated from Bartlett High School in 2000, he enlisted in the US States Marine and completed several deployments including one to the Middle East in 2004 for Operation Iraq Freedom II. After his military transition, he moved to Dallas, TX. In 2017 he joined the ranks of the Dallas Fire Department. He continues to serve as a firefighter paramedic toady. He is grateful to have the opportunity to represent Carry The Load and the Dallas Fire Department.