Associates
Jesse Fryer
Jesse Fryer enlisted in the Arkansas Army National Guard in March of 2009 as a senior at Omaha High School. In 2014 Jesse began his full-time career with the Arkansas Army National Guard in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program. Since then, he has achieved the rank of SFC and works full time as a Readiness NCO where he coaches, mentors and trains Soldiers of the largest unit within the 142d Field Artillery Brigade.
Jesse has served on multiple state emergency response missions and one overseas deployment to Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve as a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
In 2017 Jesse’s close friend Brandon Johnson answered the call to create an organization that is there and ready to help support Police, Fire and Military members. In 2018 Jesse joined the Board of Directors where he was later promoted to Vice President and most recently July 1st, 2024, the President of the Board. He deliberately volunteered to join Got Your 6ix Project knowing as a member of the military himself, he understands and sees first-hand the reluctantly civil servants along with members of the armed forces are to openly ask for assistance when in a time of need.
Today Jesse lives in Arkansas with his wife Dawn and three children Tinzley, Kiilynn and Oliver (Oli). He is the President and CEO of Got Your 6ix Project and works diligently and meticulously to find ways to best help and support the heroes who often go unnoticed in times when they are struggling the most.
David ButlerHerring
David K. ButlerHerring joined the Marines when he was seventeen. He started out infantry, then moved over to Security Forces where he was selected into FAST Company – the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Teams.
During this time with Fast Company, David sustained a career ending back injury. After numerous surgeries, and a bout with cancer he found The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors.
In 2013 he went on an event over New Year’s and he felt as though he had been given another opportunity to serve the military special ops community again. David believed in the mission of The FEW so much that he now does speaking engagements to help raise funds, to help bring about awareness, set up events, and even council veterans. He hopes to try and keep Veterans from making some of the choices he made.
Drake Dawson
My story is like that of many that grew up in rural America. I started hunting and fishing before I can remember. I fished and hunted in every lake, pond, woodland, field, and row crop boundary that made up our home in Central Missouri. My parents had wanderlust for travel and before I was an adult, I had traveled, hunted, and fished most of the world. From fishing the remote jungles of Colombia and Brazil, to the mountain streams in the Argentine Andes, we experienced the world. I was even able to kill not one, but two elephants in old Rhodesia and take a Cape Buffalo and plains game. In those days, we were charged by so many Black Rhinos we would lose count daily.
After graduating from Westminster college with a BA in business and finance, myself and some college buddies took a “what is life about trip” to southern Louisiana. We purchased a small box freezer full of shrimp to help pay for our trip and for my father, who owned a large restaurant. After making a very profitable trip with that first load of seafood (not to mention the adventure), my future was set on a different path. Safari Unlimited was founded in 1986 when I announced to my mother’s despair that I would not be attending Pepperdine Law School in the fall, but instead starting a business in Seafood & Hunting. As a trained chef, the first few years concentrated more on the seafood end of things, along with alligator hunts in Louisiana and whitetail in Missouri. Married in 1990 to my lovely wife Sarah, we were soon concentrating just on hunting and fishing. From Australia, fishing the barrier reef for Black Marlin, to Zimbabwe, camped out on Leopard baits we continued our love for adventure travel.
Over the last 30 years, we have expanded our business to several areas of the world. “Experience the world one adventure at a time” is our tagline and based on the principle that every trip is an adventure and the client experience paramount to our success. Our company is a leader in supporting hunting and fishing conservation. We donate over $350,000 annually to conservation efforts worldwide. Our family – Drake, Sarah, Hunter, Karlin, Nicole, and Michaele – along with our Chief Operations Officer Cole Branson, ProStaff Guides and Outfitters welcome you to experience the world with us! Our family has only one question for you: Can You Handle the Adventure?
William “Jeff” Rodriguez
William Jefferson Rodriguez was born in Managua Nicaragua and lived there until the age of three. His family immigrated to the United States and resided in the state of California, and later in North Carolina. Jeff was educated in the public schools. After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in which he deployed during the Global War on Terrorism to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Jeff’s last assignment was in Helmand Province Afghanistan where he operated as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.
In 2010, while deployed to Afghanistan, Jeff sustained multiple injuries throughout his body and face from the blast of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated right below his feet. He was medically evacuated from theater where he ended at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). There he received major surgeries’ to his right leg of which was salvaged, as well as other minor surgeries from other wounds incurred in action.
Jeff attended physical therapy on a weekly base, along with other programs offered to assist in his rehabilitation process. In June 2013, Jeff was medically retired from the Marine Corps; and now provides his services to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community through his work at the NSWC, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division. He resides in Northern Virginia with His wife Brittany. They are expecting an addition to the family in February 2016.
His personal military awards include the Purple Heart, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Rob O’Conner
Rob was raised in a small town in Wisconsin. He spent the majority of his younger years in the woods playing Army or fishing. He joined the Air Force in 1993 and served 3 years as an AMMO troop. In 1996 he got out of the military and attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee from 1996 through 2000. During his third year in college, he decided that he wanted to re-join the military as an Air Force Special Tactics operator and focused on training for that career field.
Rob started the Combat Control pipeline in July of 2000 and graduated in December of 2002. During that time Rob met his wife Amie and married. Rob and Amie, along with their son Riley, were assigned to the 21st Special Tactics squadron in January 2003. He deployed to Jordan in February 2003 and was part of the push into Iraq in late March 2003. In July 2003 Rob and Amie welcomed their second child, Kaleigh. Rob then deployed to Afghanistan in fall of 2004. In 2005 Rob assessed and was selected to the 24th Special Tactics squadron where he deployed multiple times to both OIF and OEF along with other places around the world. He remained in the 24th until he retired in late 2019.
Rob spends his time between Wisconsin and North Carolina with his wife Amie and his daughter Kaleigh along with his two Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs, Gus and Johnny Ringo. His son, Riley attends University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Rob loves doing all things outdoors, from bow hunting Whitetail to downhill/backcountry skiing. However, his passion is hunting ducks and upland birds with both of his dogs and sharing his experiences with fellow Exceptional Warriors.
Roderick Robinson
Roderick Robinson joined the US Army after graduating high school in 1986. He has served in the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, 4/67th Armor Division, 113TH Armored Division and 5th Special Forces Group. He was deployed in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait City, in 1991. He also had multiple combat deployments with 5th Special Forces Group.
Roderick had multiple deployments as a service member and contractor to Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa. He completed 25 ½ years in the US Army. He was honorably discharged and retired on 1 September 2011. Roderick currently resides in Tampa, FL with his wife and kids. He has always been committed to serving his country and service members continuing the fight.
The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors is recreational therapy for the mind, body and soul; it’s a chance for veterans to relax, bond and heal. This is accomplished by allowing those exceptional warfighters to congregate and communicate over some sort of outdoor activity. Veterans have time to sit and cross talk with those who had similar or same experiences during their military service. They learn from one another, give amazing advice and recommendations to assist their peers through some pretty tough struggles.
I have always been an outdoor enthusiast; how could I not be growing up in the Sportsman’s Paradise State. I jump on any opportunity I can to do something outdoors. I appreciate all The FEW has done and continues to do for veterans. I look forward to doing all I can to help the FEW in its mission to help veterans.
Katy Smith
Katy grew up in rural Indiana, adventuring through the forested hills and rivers that were her backyard. “I remember pretending to be an outdoor survivalist, building camps, and enjoying the peace of nature.”
She attended college at Morehead State University in Kentucky and joined ROTC. In 2005, was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and deployed to Iraq in 2006 with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division. Katy held a variety of positions within the four years she served; public affairs, battery executive officer, intelligence, platoon leader, movement officer, and rear-detachment readiness.
Ready to explore her home country after the opportunity to travel Europe extensively, Katy spent a summer experiencing America on the road. Soon after, she made a move and took a job that would change her life—she became a guide on the Colorado River. Katy found her spirit in the Rocky Mountains and found her passion for adventure. “I’m honored to work with the F.E.W-to share my time, motivation, experience, and adventure with fellow Veterans. Nature provides a space for healing and connection- I’ve experienced and witnessed powerful moments in the back-country.”
Katy currently owns and operates a backpacking company called Intentional Adventures and also guides for Colorado River Center, Alternate Routes, Walking the World, and No Barriers Warriors. “I love to hike with my dog Buddy, travel, raft or paddle with friends, snowshoe in the winter, lift heavy weights at the gym, and soak in hot springs to recover!”
Tyler Gardner
I was in for 8 1/2 years and a day according to my DD-214. I came in as a 13B (cannon crew member). They wouldn’t let me go into the infantry because of a skateboarding accident, which left me with retained hardware in my right Tibia. Spent OIF 3 (operation Iraqi Freedom) with the 3ID (3rd Infantry Division) and returned wanting to be around a more free thinking group of people.
So I went to selection a few months after getting back and upon completion was given 18E (communications) and Mandarin Chinese. Why they thought a ginger should learn Mandarin is beyond me but that’s what I wanted! After training I went to ODA 195(Operational Detachment Airborne), which is now 1335. Broke my leg again a couple of weeks after getting to the team which set me back on going to schools and a portion of my companies OEF (P) (Operation Enduring Freedom- Philippines) rotation. I did manage to make it down there halfway through the rotation after getting back on my feet.
Came back and geared up to train the MNDF (Maldivian National Defense Force). Which was the best 6 weeks I was ever sent to endure! After returning from that trip a couple months later I was sent to SOTACC (Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course). Even in October Yuma is ridiculously hot! Upon completion I returned to find out our initial timeline for our Afghanistan rotation.
As a usual Special Forces Rotation was 6 months when I came in, my last trip conducting VSO (Village Stability Operations) had me there for 11. I guess you could count being on the PDSS (Pre-Deployment Sight Survey) as a full year!
All in all I wasn’t deployed too much during the duration of my career. If I had the chance to go back and change it I wouldn’t.
Mike Sturgill
During two wars, Michael Strugill joined the Navy Reserve in 2004. Not long after, he was deployed to one of Iraq’s most dangerous cities Fallujah. Mike’s primary mission was providing security for the slow moving ever-targeted convoys. Insurgents had became experts in creating and deploying Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and were ambushing convoys nonstop. On one such incident, Mike was wounded. Although he finished the deployment, he had various health issues and left the Navy in 2012.
Mike joined the Military Order of the Purple Heart after leaving the service. At an event he met The FEW co-founder Ronny Sweger and was invited on an event. Mike was coping with varying medical issues after returning from Iraq and was reluctant to attend. He was quiet for the entire event but at the end said that he had had a great time. Mike later said that the event had helped him through many issues simply because he found out that he wasn’t the warrior having problems. He had also started many new relationships. Overall the event had a great impact on Mike and allowed for better focus.
The FEW and the other Exceptional Warriors that it’s event linked him with has had a lasting impact on Mike. He became an Associate of The FEW’s at inception in 2012. Mike said that “I knew from that point on that I had to be involved and bring this experience to my fellow veterans”.
Since joining The FEW Mike has taken on greater positions in order to assist veterans. In 2014 he was elected as Oklahoma’s Senior Vice Commander for the MOPH.
Shelly Phillips
Shelly Phillips has been in marketing and fundraising for 35 years, starting in Hilton Head Island at the Sea Pines Sports and Recreation offices when she was 20 years old.
In between traveling, sailing, and growing a successful horse farm business, she home schooled her two boys, Ian and Ryan.
For the past several years Shelly has worked with two non-profits, developing marketing strategies and fundraisers from t-shirts campaigns to major golf outings through Salesforce and the Combined Federal Campaign.
Her biggest passion is helping Veterans. Her dad was a Marine, her husband, a Navy man and her oldest son is currently in the Air Force.
Shelly loves family time. 2016 marked her 31st wedding anniversary and she is very proud of her boys. Ian, who is a Loadmaster with special forces in the Air Force and Ryan, who is a very successful YouTube celebrity.
Brent Montgomery
Brent Montgomery grew up in northeast Oklahoma. After graduating high school in 2001, he attended college for a short time until the tragic events of 9-11 gave him the motivation to do something more. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He deployed twice to Iraq as an infantryman with 3rd battalion 7th Marines.
He completed his 1st tour during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He returned to Iraq on his 2nd deployment in February of 2004. He was wounded in a firefight in western Iraq on 17 April 2004. After several months of rehabilitation, he was transferred to Anti-tank training company in Broken Arrow, OK where he was a training NCO until he was discharged from active duty. Brent now lives with his wife Whitney and son Gibson on a small farm in northeast Oklahoma and credits The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors with saving his life.
Brent now volunteers with The FEW to help change other Warriors lives.
Will Doggett
Will Doggett was raised in rural NE Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Bluejacket High School in 1992. He spent three years on active duty as an infantryman based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. After separating from active duty Will came back to Oklahoma and enrolled in college at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. He also married his High School sweetheart Joy Williams. After a four year break in service, Will joined the OK National Guard in 1999. His first unit of assignment was in a reconnaissance platoon.
In 2003, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was tasked as a Tactical Advisor, a new concept at time, for an Embedded Training Team in Southeastern Afghanistan with the Afghan National Army(ANA). As the Tactical Advisor to an ANA Heavy Weapons Company, Will was sent to Lawara, Afghanistan. At that time the Lawara firebase was the closest firebase to the Pakistani border and considered the most dangerous. While at Lawara, Will met The FEW co-founder Ronny Sweger. They worked together daily and became good friends. On occasion, Will and Ronny also had to fight together side by side.
In 2008, Will was deployed to Iraq with OK National Guard in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as an infantry platoon sergeant and also as an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platoon sergeant. Currently, Will serves as the First Sergeant for D Co. 1/279 INF 45 IN BDE. He is also employed as a firefighter and paramedic with the Broken Arrow, OK Fire Department. On his days off he runs a small cattle operation, makes custom leather goods, and chases kids.
Being raised in the country on a farm/ranch operation, Will has always held a close kinship with the outdoors. Whether it was helping his family make a living off the land or out in the woods hunting whatever was in season, Will understood the importance of his outdoor surroundings from an early age. After two combat deployments, Will knows firsthand how therapeutic spending time out in the wild and sharing it with close friends can be.
In 2014, Will saw himself in The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors’ mission video with Ronny while disarming an IED in 2004. Nearly 10 years after last seeing each other, Ronny invited Will to an event with The FEW. It was a great time that refuel a friendship between former warrior brothers. Today, Will is involved with and supports The FEW because it is a unique organization able to reach a multitude of Warriors in a setting they are completely comfortable, the Great Outdoors.
Joel Peterson
John Gean
I graduated High School in May of 1999 by August 1st was in Ft. Benning, GA for basic training for Infantry. I ended basic training mid December. My first duty station was Ft. Hood, TX B co. 1/5 CAV, where I was a light machine gunner, after a year of Ft. Hood I got orders to South Korea in 2001 where I was stationed at Camp Hovey A co. 1/9 INF (Manchu) in area 1, 15 kilometers from the DMZ. I earned my Expert Infantry Badge in Korea and was there for 9/11. After Korea I reenlisted for Germany at the end of 2001, there I was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and did a 18 month tour, I also was promoted to Sergeant and was a squad leader for the support platoon. I reenlisted again for Ft. Drum, NY in 2005 and assigned to A co. 1-32 INF 2nd PLT (light infantry). I went to many schools there including Mountain Leaders Advanced Marksmanship (MLARM) training, deployment to the National Training Center in California and Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisiana.
I was a Bravo Team Leader and then moved up to 2nd Squad Leader where I was in charge of 8 men and equipment. After a year of training we were deployed to Afghanistan and our Battalion was based in Jalabad, Afghanistan. We were sent to an outpost in the Kunar Province on the Pakistani-Afghanistan border in the Korengal Valley. I was involved in numerous engagement and firefights, on August 3, 2006 thirteen of us, my squad along with some Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers had a mission to search the village of Landigal and any villages along the route. about 8 hours into the mission the ANA got scared and left us in the middle of a mission, after that there was only 13 of us left so myself and my Lt. decided to find the high ground because we knew an attack was imminent. Almost shortly after I had set up my security we were ambushed in a U-Shape ambush. Immediately I was shot in the lower back and paralyzed. I continued to fight and would not be here if one of my best friends didn’t run into fire and pull me to safety and he was shot behind the knee doing so. Two of my soldiers and my forward observer were shot but everybody that day came home. I am now living in southwest Kansas and am 100% independent. I own my house, race desert race truck and enjoy shooting on the M1 For Vets rifle team. For me being outside whether it’s hunting or just doing what ever is what keeps me going!
Garfield Pellhum
My name is Garfield James Pellhum, I was born in Panama City, Panama grew up there until I was 5 years old. I came to the United States with my father and mother. My father was military at the time and I traveled around the world, so I guess you can say that I’m an Army Brat. I am married to my loving wife Yoly and have to beautiful kids, my son Alex and My daughter Jetcelinne (Jessy). I joined the Military on 28 September 1994 and began my military Career. When I joined the military I was a 13 BANG BANG (Field Art.). I never did my job; I was trained to be an Infantryman and get ready to fight. I Deployed to OIF/OEF and wouldn’t change anything I did. I love the military, after 13 years I was medically retired from the military on 17 October 2012 as SGT.
On December 4, 2006, was the day my life changed. We where suiting up to do a Humanitarian Mission with the IA. The vehicle I was in was lead vehicle and I was gunner on this mission. We proceeded out the FOB towards our location. While on the road, we were told to check out an abandon checkpoint where the IP left due to they got ambush the night before. While proceeding threw the checkpoint, we were aware of the area due to ambushes. Just as we was coming out of the checkpoint our vehicle struck an IED, at this point is where I was told that the driver and gunner (me) were down. I was told that we were both pulled out while being ambushed. I was in and out of consciousness. Next thing I knew I’m in the hospitals and then came home, to where I ended up being medically retired.
William Lenard
William Lenard joined the United States Marine Corps one year after 9/11, in October of 2002. Before completing 3 tours in Iraq, between 2003 and 2006, William meritoriously earned the rank of Private First Class in boot camp. During those 3 tours, he served on the front lines in several high-profile firefights.
In April of 2003, he, along with his company (Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 5th Marines), were involved in the initial invasion through Baghdad. It was during this time that William, combat meritoriously, earned the rank of Lance Corporal.
On September 11, 2004, William deployed, for the second time, to Iraq. During this deployment, his unit played a role in Operation Phantom Fury, “The Battle for Fallujah”. William earned his first Purple Heart during this time, in a town north of Fallujah. In the following two months, he received two additional Purple Hearts as well as the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with combat “V” for valor.
In January, 2006 William went on his third and final deployment to Iraq where he received the rank of Sergeant. His unit was involved in locating and destroying terrorist training strongholds throughout Iraq.
William suffered gunshot and shrapnel wounds and witnessed several of his own lose their lives during those battles. The effects have stayed with him since he was honorably discharged in October of 2010 and has left him with PTSD as well as TBI. Returning to normal life was not easy for William and still has its challenges today.
Today, William is married to his wife, Kara, who became a Breast Cancer survivor in 2016. Together, they share five children; Kamryn age 15, Alyvia age 14, Lily age 12, Dax age 9, and Brodie age 4. The Lenard family live in Claremore, Oklahoma, they are members of Church on the Move in Tulsa and enjoy spending time together outdoors. William’s family is very grateful for all The FEW has provided, not only to William, but to them as well.
John Mark Brown
John Mark Brown was born in Perryton Texas in 1971. He grew up in La Grange Texas where he met his wife Christine in junior high. He graduated from Texas Lutheran College in 1994 and went to work at Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor where he continues today. They have two girls, Regan and Rebecca who are active in school and church activities.
John Mark was introduced to The FEW by a colleague at Edward Jones. Since then he has been active in both fundraising and outings for The FEW. “It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with an organization like The FEW. I believe we are making a difference in warriors lives”.
Denis Moore
Joseph Bukoffsky
Joseph Bukoffsky served in the United States Marine Corps from March 2005 to April 2012 as an 0311 infantryman. During this time, he served on three deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan with 1st platoon.
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. In his marine corps career, he served as point man, radio operator, team leader and squad leader earning himself three Navy Marine Corps achievement medals with one being awarded for Valor and a Purple Heart.
In 2010 after being meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant he was deployed to Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. While serving as 2nd Squad leader for 1st platoon he led several named operations resulting in several explosions in vehicles, one being on foot.
While doing a clearing mission on July 23rd, 2010 Sgt. Bukoffsky was shot in the left knee. This ultimately led to an above knee amputation after a 10-year limb salvage battle.
During his time in recovery and fight with the VA, Sgt Bukoffsky and his wife became passionate about the variety of needs veterans, spouses/caregivers and their families experience in the medical, mental and support realm. Building a strong community after service with veterans who would otherwise be left behind, yet are humble and exceptional warriors is one the strongest driver in what led him to the FEW. Being able to advocate for and connect multi- generational veterans to each other and advocate for their diverse needs and experiences is one of the highest honor and privilege to serve once more.
Sgt. Bukoffsky has been happily married since March of 2009 to Emily. They have 3 boys; Joey, Brantley, and Eli.
Kevin Kennedy
Kevin and Mandy Kennedy live on Dauphin Island, which is a small barrier island off the gulf coast region of Alabama. Kevin has worked in the welding and industrial supply business since 1986, and Mandy owns a beach boutique on Dauphin Island. They were introduced to The FEW when they met the Sweger family through a mutual friend.
Russell Friedman
Russell Friedman grew up on Long Island, NY. Russell decided to enlist in the Marine Corps just after 9/11 and left for bootcamp October 29, 2001. After completing bootcamp at Parris Island, SC he was trained as a Mortarman and was assigned to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion 7th Marines , 1st Marine Division. Just prior to deploying Russell was named “Marine of the Quarter” and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal.
Russell and his unit deployed to Kuwait in early 2003 to prepare for the invasion into Iraq. After crossing the border in March 2003 and making their way to Baghdad, 3/7 was assigned just South of Baghdad to Karbala and conducted operations throughout the city. While in Karbala Russell was combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal.
After returning home there was a quick turnaround and 3/7 was redeployed for their second tour this time on the Syrian border in Husaybah, Iraq. It was during this tour that his unit saw heavy fighting and took many casualties. While on patrol Russell received the first of his two Purple Hearts when an IED exploded and Russell sustained an injury to his arm but was able to continue fighting. Six days later “The Battle of Husaybah” kicked off. After receiving many mortar rounds to their firm base Russell’s CAAT team left the firm base as QRF to try to find those responsible for attacking the base. The unit was ambushed taking heavy small arms and RPG fire, after dismounting and returning fire an RPG was fired at Russell and hit just above his head, he was awarded a second Purple Heart. The explosion left him with a TBI as well as numerous shrapnel wounds including a severed nerve in his arm which at the time left his arm useless. After being medevaced off the battlefield Russell eventually returned home to have surgery to repair his arm. While waiting for his surgery Russell was in a very traumatic car accident that left him with many injuries which led to many surgeries and a 2-year recovery.
Russell was Honorably Discharged after his recovery and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Due to the nature of his separation he did not have anyone’s contact information from his unit, so he was left missing the brotherhood. Fortunately, Brent Montgomery a FEW associate who was injured with Russell and they were medevaced together, managed to track him down and get him on a FEW trip and it was truly life changing.
Since the first FEW trip Russell has reconnected with many of his brothers and has made many amazing friends which he credits the FEW for.
Russell currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Corinne and daughter Zoey.
Bill Wilkinson
William “Bill” Wilkinson hails from North Carolina. He joined the Marines Corps after graduating high school in 1988. William served with Marine Security Forces and as a mortar-man within the Fleet Marine Force, Camp Lejeune, NC. While serving with this Battalion, he deployed in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, which eventually became the spearhead land force that liberated Kuwait City, in 1991. William finished his contract with the Marine Corps in 1992.
William entered the civilian workforce and supported his family working in sales and marketing until the September 11th, 2001. A day that would forever change how America’s viewed the world in which we live. After this tragic event, William entered the Army reserves as a Medic and waited for his school date. William being a person of action and slightly impatient, renegotiated his contract and joined his active duty infantry unit in late 2003. He spent ten months in Iraq conducting operations in the Southwest and Western regions of Iraq.
William, redeployed in support of OEF in 2006 to the Kunar region of Afghanistan. William and his unit spent 15 months in the mountains of Kunar, where they were tasked with interdiction and establishing operational outposts.
In 2009, William left the Army and moved back to North Carolina where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in Social Work, more importantly concentrating his efforts on Military and Veteran services within the field of social work. After graduation in 2018, William plans on continuing his education at UNCC as a Graduate student in the Social work field and eventually become a licensed practitioner.
William’s task and purpose have not changed. His love for our nation and the brave warriors that serve this great country is still his top priory. Although his uniform may have changed, his commitment to his fellowman has not. The idea that it has to after leaving the military is absurd. He feels that one’s commitment to the “greater good” takes many different forms and can be implemented at any time. He also believes that any action is better than no action at all.
Jeff Wilson
Jeff grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the Marine Corps, he worked in Emergency Security at a local hospital where he planned to transition to the Police Department on his 21st birthday. While working there, he spent time with former military members hearing stories from new and old veterans alike. Being twenty, he already felt regret for not joining after graduating high school, so he went to the Marine Corps recruiter and signed up. Two weeks later he was in bootcamp in Parris Island, South Carolina. It just so happens that 5 days later, the tragic events of 9/11 took place. Immediately, he knew he was in the right place and prepping for the mission ahead.
Jeff was assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines Regiments, 1st Marines Division in 29 Palms California. He served two tours in Iraq. The first was OEF/OIF1 in 2003. He was part of the initial invasion into Iraq and was a Javelin Gunner frequently attached to the Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Teams. After the war ended in May 2003, all Weapons teams were divided into Combined Anti-Armor Teams (CAAT). In February 2004, 3/7, deployed for their second tour (OIF II) in the Al Anbar province on the Syrian border. Here, Jeff was assigned to CAAT Blue Charlie with a focused AO in Al Qa’im. During this time, he was hit with multiple IEDs, with the closest being less than 7 feet away. This caused a TBI with lasting effects, but Jeff was fortunate to not have to leave the battlefield.
After he left the Marine Corps, he moved back home to Pennsylvania, but he missed the comradery of the group he fought with. He longed for the level of commitment and the overall mentality that you can only find in the military. He stayed close with another Associate, Russell Friedman, who introduced him to The FEW. During a FEW trip, Jeff reconnected with old friends and found the connection that he had been missing for over 16 years. He also met new friends that felt like old friends even though he had only met them days before. The solace found within an organization of like-minded individuals who have been through similar difficult circumstances cannot be overstated and Jeff feels like he has found a new purpose in life. Jeff now lives with his family in Whitefish Montana where he loves exploring the outdoors and showing other veterans the beauty that only Montana can offer.
Billy Ware
Billy Ware joined the US Army after graduating high school in 2010. He has served in the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 16th Military Police Brigade. Billy grew up in a military family and was born in Germany.
He also had a combat deployment with 170th Infantry Brigade. Billy was on the torch team for the Brigade and was assigned to RC Central/South Afghanistan. He was honorably discharged in June of 2014. Billy helps veterans with VA benefits and continues to overcome a service-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Billy currently resides in Clarksville, TN with his wife and kids. He has always been committed to serving his country and serving his community. The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors has helped Billy participate in many activities and experiences that has helped heal and encourage healthy relationships. I appreciate all The FEW has done and continues to do for veterans.
Charlie Cigrand
Charlie Cigrand joined the army as an infantryman during the fall of
2006. Upon completion of basic training (OSUT), Charlie was assigned
to 1/32 Infantry of the 10 th Mountain Division and deployed to
Afghanistan during March 2006 to June 2007 as a rifleman. Twelve of
those months were spent in the Korengal Valley which was also known
as the Valley of Death for its constant enemy engagements and rugged
terrain. With the onset of combat casualties, he became a SAW gunner
and later the platoon RTO while learning an array of comms equipment
on the fly. Upon redeployment, Charlie became a 240B gun team leader
followed by squad leader as he helped train soldiers for the next
deployment.
Charlie finished his enlistment in 2009 and moved back home to
eastern Iowa where he completed his degree in environmental science
at the University of Iowa. Charlie then began his career as a hydrologist
for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at the Central Midwest Water
Science Center in Iowa City. At the USGS, Charlie specializes in surface
water modeling which can simulate flood inundation, flood mitigation
scenarios, and flood impacts from future land development or climate
change. Charlie grew up walking creeks and floating rivers and
thoroughly enjoys being a “professional” river rat.
Jay Maples
Jay grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, where he developed a passion for the outdoors, often fishing and exploring nature. He excelled in football but felt a deeper calling to serve his country, leading him to enlist in the military. From February 1969 to June 1970, Jay served as an infantryman in Vietnam. His bravery and dedication earned him commendations such as the Purple Heart, an Air Medal, multiple Commendation Medals, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, culminating in a promotion to Sergeant.
After returning home, Jay pursued a college education while continuing to play football. He dedicated 30 years to education, ultimately retiring as a Principal in 2004. Throughout his career, he found relaxation in the outdoors, enjoying adventures with friends.
In 2022, Jay discovered The FEW, an organization dedicated to supporting POWs, those awarded Valor, and the often-overlooked Veterans of Vietnam. He joined a challenging elk hunt in Montana with ten other veterans, an experience that left a profound impact on him. Inspired to give back, Jay began volunteering with The FEW, eager to support other Exceptional Warriors. He looks forward to future adventures, sharing his journey and camaraderie with fellow veterans.