Team

Ted Bucierka

Board President

Why I serve on the Board: Serving on the Board of Directors for the Marine Raider Foundation is my way of expressing my sincere gratitude and continued support for our Marine Raiders, Sailors, their Families and beloved Gold Star Families. Having experienced the Foundation’s support firsthand, I am committed to ensuring that the same level of care and resources is available for the current and future generations. My service is rooted in a deep belief in the Foundation’s mission and the tangible difference it makes in the lives of our MARSOC family.

Lieutenant Colonel Ted Bucierka retired from the United States Marine Corps in December 2021 with over twenty years of active-duty service as Special Operations & Infantry Officer. During his time in the military, he deployed multiple times to support combat operations and special missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Southeast Asia. Ted was born and raised in Eden, New York (30 miles south of Buffalo). He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Buffalo State College in 2000. In August 2001, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps following completion of Officer Candidate School. Ted is a founding member of Marine Special Operations Command where he served in a variety of command and staff positions to include serving as the commanding officer of 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California from June 2019 to June 2021. Following retirement, Ted now works as a Senior Manager at Anduril Industries (Defense Technology Company) based in Costa Mesa, California. Ted is married to the former Suzanne Garasic of Allison Park, Pennsylvania and they currently live in Southern California.

Michael Manoukian

Board Vice President

Michael Manoukian first learned about the Marine Raider Foundation after the loss of his brother, Captain Matthew Manoukian. Michael is an Associate at Hopkins & Carley in San Jose, California. He represents employers in a wide range of labor and employment legal matters, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Prior to joining Hopkins & Carley, Michael was an associate at Littler Mendelson P.C.

Dan Brooks

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: I serve on the board of the Marine Raider Foundation to ensure that the families of our fallen receive the support and care they need immediately following their loss—and the enduring support and connection back into the Raider community in the years that follow.

Dan works as a Vice President in the Strategic Resource Group at TA Associates, where he focuses on value creation in their healthcare portfolio. Prior to joining TA, he worked at McKinsey & Co out of their Boston office. Dan served in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer and Marine Raider from 2006 – 2015. During his time in the military, he deployed multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guam. Dan holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BSE in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. He currently lives in Boston, MA with his wife, Cara, and their two children.

John Garrigan

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: I serve on the Marine Raider Foundation Board because I am deeply committed to supporting those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. I understand the unique challenges faced by our military personnel and their families. The Foundation’s mission to provide critical support and resources to Marine Raiders and their families resonates with me personally.

Mr. Garrigan is a Principal, Head of Acquisitions at LBA Realty | LBA Logistics. LBA is a real estate investment and management company that invests on behalf of its institutional investment funds. Mr. Garrigan is responsible for all industrial investment activities and leads the acquisitions team at LBA.

Prior to joining LBA, Mr. Garrigan held the position of Portfolio Leasing Director at a San Diego-based boutique commercial real estate investment and development company.  Mr. Garrigan entered the real estate business as an office and industrial broker with CB Richard Ellis in La Jolla, California.

Prior to the start of his real estate career, Mr. Garrigan was a Marine officer and Naval Aviator and is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Mr. Garrigan is an active Urban Land Institute member and a past President of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties – San Diego Chapter.

Mr. Garrigan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance from California State University, Fullerton. He serves on the board of directors for the NAIOP San Diego Foundation and the Marine Raider Foundation.

John and his wife, Catherine, are proud parents of two daughters and reside in southern California.

Ambrose Fisher

Board Member

Ambrose Fisher is a Managing Director in the Real Estate Group at Oaktree Capital Management L.P. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Jennifer and their two children. He is a graduate of Georgetown University.

Peter Vermette

Board Treasurer

Peter works in Infrastructure Private Equity as a Managing Director for the Merchant Banking Division at Goldman Sachs, where he has worked for the past 18 years. He received his BS in Finance from Bryant College in 1997, and previously worked for Bankers Trust. Peter currently serves as a senior Managing Director champion for the Disability Interest Forum, as well as on the board of the New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He joined the board for the Marine Raider Foundation in November 2014. Peter also sits on the boards of Red de Carreteras de Occidente – an owner and operator of toll roads in Mexico – and Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico – an owner and operator of toll roads in Puerto Rico. Peter lives in New York with his wife, Lyndal, and their three children.

Kathryn Tappen

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: I dedicate my time serving on the Board for the Marine Raider Foundation to honor my late cousin, Captain Ford Shaw III. Ford was killed in 2015 in a Blackhawk Helicopter crash. I want to keep his name present, and in the minds of those who support our Marines and members of other military branches. Ford and his teammates died an honorable death serving our great country. Ford always had a smile from ear to ear, a laugh that would make you laugh too, and a personality larger than life. He was like a brother to me, and I miss him every day. I’m glad the Marine Raider Foundation offers us a place to pay tribute to women and men we have lost, and those who are still with us.

Kathryn Tappen, one of NBC Sports’ most versatile voices, is the sideline reporter for Big Ten Saturday Night – the primetime Big Ten Football game which airs each week on NBC and streams live on Peacock. Tappen served as studio host for USA Network’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, marking Tappen’s sixth Olympics in her broadcasting role. Tappen also serves as a host and reporter for TNT Sports and the NHL Network. Tappen joined NBC Sports in 2014. She has served as a host or reporter on many of the biggest events in sports, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, Sunday Night Football, NFL Kickoff, Notre Dame Football, Stanley Cup Playoffs and Final, and was lead interviewer for NBC Sports’ golf coverage across the PGA TOUR and major championships.

In March 2020, Tappen anchored studio coverage as part of an all-female crew that marked the first NHL game broadcasted and produced solely by women in the U.S.

Prior to joining NBC Sports, Tappen spent four years as host of NHL Tonight at the NHL Network (2011-2015). During her time at the NHL Network, NHL Live was nominated twice for a Sports Emmy. Prior to that, she spent five years with the New England Sports Network (NESN) where she was the lead studio host for Boston Bruins games, and reported on the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Boston Celtics. In 2014, Tappen was honored with the “Woman of Inspiration” Award by the Boston, Massachusetts chapter of WISE. In addition, her sports feature reporting has also been nominated for two Boston/New England Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Tappen also earned an Associated Press Award in 2006 for her sports feature “Swim Meet.”

In addition to her work on air, Tappen is a Board Member on the Marine Raider Foundation, as well as a volunteer for the Guide Dog Foundation and an ambassador for America’s VetDogs.

Tappen grew up in Morristown, New Jersey and was an Academic All-American at Rutgers University (N.J.), where she was a member of the track & field and cross-country teams. During her career as a Scarlet Knight, she was a Big East Academic All-Star and the former record holder in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase.

Tappen grew up in Morristown, N.J., and prior to her broadcasting career, she was an Academic-All American at Rutgers University (N.J.), where she was a member of the track and field and cross-country team. During her career as a Scarlet Knight, she was a Big East Academic All-Star and the former record holder in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase.

Edson Greenwood

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: I serve on the Marine Raider Foundation board because I’ve seen first hand the impact this organization can have on families and service members who are navigating some of the most challenging moments of their life. It allows me to stay connected to those that are actively defending our country and make a small impact on an organization that is doing so much!

Edson is based in Santa Monica CA and is currently the Founder and CEO of Ardis Technologies. He’s held several private sector positions to include the COO of Anvyl Inc, as well as time at Palantir Technologies and The Blackstone Group. Prior to his private sector career he served in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer and a Team Commander in 1st Special Operations Battalion.

Josh Glover

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: I serve on the Marine Raider Foundation Board of Directors because I hope to support the Marine Raiders currently keeping our country, and my family, safe. Those Raiders and their families deserve responsive, flexible support and the Foundation’s sharp focus on the Raider Community fills an important role.

Josh Glover is the President and Chief Revenue Officer of FloQast, a global software company that enables leading companies to automate their accounting operations using AI.  Prior to joining FloQast, Josh was President and Chief Revenue Officer of nCino (NASDAQ: NCNO), the worldwide leader in cloud banking. Josh joined early in the company’s first year and filled a variety of roles over an 11-year period as nCino grew into a global, publicly traded organization.

During his first career, Josh served for ten years as a Marine Corps Special Operations and Infantry Officer. He led Marines during four combat deployments, including three deployments to Iraq with 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment and one deployment to Afghanistan as a special operations team commander with MARSOC’s 2d Marine Raider Battalion. During a tour at Marine Barracks Washington DC, he commanded the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. He was medically retired as a Major in 2011.  Josh’s personal awards and decorations include the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, three Purple Heart Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Infantry Excellence Award.

Josh is a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and received an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is a current member of the board of directors of the Marine Raider Foundation and the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Foundation.  Born and raised in Texas, he now lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his wife and three children.

Derek Herrera

Honorary Board Chair

Captain Herrera was born on 2 April 1984 in Little Rock, Arkansas. In May 2002 he graduated from Dover High School in Dover, DE. In June 2002 he entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the class of 2006. In May 2006 he graduated the U.S. Naval Academy and attended The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, VA. In April 2007 he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC. From March-September 2008 he deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, as a Police Transition Team Leader in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He then served as the Company Executive Officer for the Motorized Company of Battalion Landing Team 1/9, 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit. He deployed from January-June 2010 and conducted Humanitarian Assistance in Haiti and training in Djibouti, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

In September 2010, he reported to the Marine Special Operations Regiment. He attended the Special Operations Individual Training Course (ITC) from October 2010 – June 2011. Upon completion of ITC he reported to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California and was assigned as the Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) Commander for MSOT 8131. aptain Herrera deployed with MSOT 8131 to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from May – June 2012.

In June 2012, Captain Herrera was shot and paralyzed by enemy small arms fire and was medically evacuated back to the United States. From July – December 2012 he conducted rehabilitation at the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. In January 2013 he returned to work at Camp Pendleton, California, as the Battalion Future Operations Officer.

His personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Bronze Star (with combat distinguishing device), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is married to the former Maura Pierannunzio and they reside in San Clemente, CA.

Captain Herrera was medically retired on November 21st, 2014. He graduated from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a certificate in Entrepreneurship in July 2015. While at UCLA, he was awarded the John Wooden Global Leadership Fellowship for exceptional leadership and was recognized by Poets and Quants (www.poetsandquants.com) as one of the top 50 EMBA students of 2015.

Recently, he founded Spinal Singularity, a company that designs medical devices to improve the quality of life for people with Spinal Cord Injury and Disease (SCI/D). In May 2015, Derek led the Spinal Singularity team to win the UCLA Knapp Business Plan Competition and the UCLA Student Engineering Venture Competition. Spinal Singularity was a finalist in the MedTech Innovator program (top 20/292 companies) and was awarded the Johnson & Johnson JLabs innovation award.

Derek has also worked to support Non-Profit Organizations that he is passionate about, including:
– The Marine Raider Foundation (Board Member)
– American Technion Society (Board Member – Western Region)
– Renovating Hope (Board Member)
– Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation (Alternate Member)

Derek has shared his story with the hopes of advocating for the Special Operations and Paralysis communities. He has spoken for many different groups and been featured on National Media Outlets. Some of the outlets and venues he has spoken at include:

– The Doctors – TV – Featured Guest
– AIPAC Policy Conference – Plenary Speaker
– Stand Up for Heroes Annual Gala – Bob Woodruff Foundation
– CNN – Anderson Cooper 360
– ABC News – Nightline Person of the Week segment

Currently, Derek is working to grow Spinal Singularity and the team is working to develop their first product, the Connected Catheter™. The Connected Catheter is the world’s first semi-permanent, fully internal, smart catheter system for people dealing with Urinary Incontinence and Neurogenic Bladder. To learn more about Spinal Singularity please visit their IndieGoGo crowdfunding campaign at igg.me/at/spinalsingularity/

Jesse Pletts

Ambassador

Zach Riggle

Ambassador

Jessica McAndrews

Chief Executive Officer

Jessica McAndrews is the Marine Raider Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. Jessica is passionate about serving those who have served our country and the mission of the Marine Raider Foundation.

Over the past 20 years, Jessica has been dedicated to serving both in uniform and as a civilian. Jessica served on active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years in the Judge Advocate General Corps. During her time as a JAG, she served as a prosecutor, White House Social Aide, Legislative Counsel, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Counsel at National Naval Medical Center, and aboard an amphibious assault ship deployed to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf for eight months.

Following her Navy career, Jessica continued to serve in her role as the Vice President of Programs & Operations for the USO of Metropolitan New York (USO) for 10 years. During her tenure, Jessica played a key leadership role in the development of operational strategy and led all aspects of mission delivery, providing high-impact programs to service members and their families. Under her leadership, the USO expanded program delivery reach while diversifying programming to support wounded, ill and injured service members and established facilities into major transportation hubs including JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. During the onset of the pandemic, she reconfigured operations to meet the needs of the entire military family by delivering virtual programming. Through local and national partnerships she grew revenues and provided the community with opportunities to give back to our military and their families.

Jessica lives in Austin, TX with her husband Brendan (prior Naval Flight Officer) and son, Jack.

Sarah Christian

Director of Operations

Sarah has been with the Marine Raider Foundation since its inception. She was a volunteer who served as Secretary from April of 2011 to December of 2012, was brought on as staff in 2013, and became the Director of Operations in 2015. Sarah is a former USMC spouse who served in volunteer roles with numerous units. She received her BS in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Public Health from Northern Arizona University, and has also earned certifications in personal training, health education and indoor cycling. She received the United States Special Operations Command Patriot Award in 2017 on behalf of the Marine Raider Foundation for the organization’s “significant and enduring support to Special Operations Command wounded warriors and their families.” Sarah currently resides in Indiana with her son and and two dogs. She enjoys hiking, indoor cycling, running, being out in Nature, and spending time with good friends and family.

John Metzger

Ambassador

John is a retired Fire Captain and Paramedic, having served nearly 28 years within the professional fire service in Arizona. During his career, John was involved in fire department special operations programs, including technical rescue and hazardous materials incident mitigation. John also served as the Health and Fitness Coordinator for the department, and in 2009, completed his graduate studies in Exercise Science. He now coaches firefighters from across the nation in performance enhancement techniques. John and his wife Donna have been supporters of the Marine Raider Foundation since 2013 through their involvement with The Ride 430 Challenge, an annual cycling event that raises money for critically injured military service members. John and Donna have also been using a local mountain bike race to fundraise for MARSOC for the past three years.

Paul McConnell

Legal Advisor

Connecticut Divorce Mediator and Family Law Attorney Paul McConnell is a former Judge, Marine Corps infantry officer, and federal prosecutor with extensive grand jury, trial, and appellate experience. Paul was educated in mediation and jurisprudence by the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada and by the Connecticut Council for Non-adversarial Divorce (CCND). He is a highly skilled mediator, trial lawyer, advocate, and negotiator. He has been the lead counsel or presiding judge in hundreds of matters including over 55 jury trials. Following 18 years of public service, Paul started his own firm in 2014 to focus on one thing: representing individuals with passion and purpose. Presently, Paul limits his practice to divorce and family law while occasionally accepting federal criminal defense matters and/or prospective claims under the Federal Tort Claim Act. He is involved in strategically planning for nearly all cases in his firm and routinely represents clients in Fairfield and Hartford counties.

Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Paul served on active duty for 14 years as a United States Marine officer. He held a variety of assignments, including infantry officer, defense counsel, claims attorney, prosecutor, a trial judge, circuit judge, and deputy chief trial judge. Paul served combat tours as a rifle platoon commander during the first Gulf War and as an operations officer in Afghanistan from 2010-2011. In 2008, as a reserve officer, he led a delegation to Baghdad, Iraq to present a two-week ministerial level, anti-corruption program. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (Fourth award), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal (w/ Combat “V”), and the Combat Action Ribbon. In addition, Paul was awarded the District of Connecticut’s coveted “Standing Tall” award in 2012.

Paul is a member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association (family and criminal justice sections), and the Judge Advocates Association. Paul is a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he presently serves as the senior reserve officer in the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary. He has previously held Top Secret clearances. Paul volunteers as the General Counsel for the Marine Raider Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) personnel and their families.

Paul was raised in New Canaan, Connecticut and remains a passionate supporter of the New Canaan football program. He presently resides in West Hartford, Connecticut with his wife and two kids where he is active in youth and high school athletics.

Tyson Stahl

Ambassador

Dan Smith

In Remembrance - Ambassador

Justine Whipple

Ambassador

Nick Schroback

Ambassador

Alex Martini

Board Member

Alex is a native of Anaheim, California and a 2001 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University. Alex spent 11 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Weapon System Officer in the F/A-18D with VMFA(AW)-242, VMFA(AW)-225, and as a Company Air Officer/JTAC for 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion. He resigned in August 2013 to pursue an MBA from the University of California, San Diego Rady School of Management. Today, Alex works as Senior Associate for KPMG. He was previously Vice President for Stream Realty Partners, a leading commercial real estate services organization. Alex resides in San Diego with his wife and child. He maintains a passion to serve this country and those who defend our freedom.

Shawn Disbennett

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: As a founding member of Marine Special Operations Command, I had the honor of helping build a legacy rooted in excellence, sacrifice, and brotherhood. Serving on the Board allows me to continue that mission—to support the Marines, Sailors, and their families who carry the torch forward. Though I’m no longer in uniform, my commitment to this community hasn’t changed. This is one way I can still serve—by standing behind those still in the fight and ensuring they and their families are never forgotten.

A native of Ohio, Shawn Disbennett retired from the United States Marine Corps in September 2022 with thirty years of active-duty service. As an Infantryman, Reconnaissance Marine, and Marine Raider, Shawn deployed multiple times throughout his career supporting combat operations and special missions across the Globe. A founding member of Marine Special Operations Command, he served in various command and staff positions culminating as the Commanding General’s Senior Enlisted Advisor. Following retirement, Shawn is a graduate of the University of Charleston, holding a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Shawn is married to the former Danielle Serratore of Horsham, Pennsylvania and they currently live in North Carolina with their six children.

Scott Stalker

Board Member

Scott Stalker is a distinguished leader and speaker with over three decades of experience in the Marine Corps, encompassing roles in Space, Cyberspace, Intelligence, and Special Operations, along with seven combat tours in Somalia and Iraq. He served as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, United States Cyber Command, and United States Space Command.

As the founder and CEO of S2-Stalker Solutions LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), he leverages his extensive military background to drive leadership development and innovation, while offering professional speaking & coaching services to a wide range of organizations.

In his current roles, Scott serves as a senior fellow at the National Defense University and contributes to the Marine Raider Foundation, Naval Intelligence Professionals, and the Wounded Warrior Project, where he holds a position on the Board of Directors. His unwavering dedication to supporting veterans and enhancing military and leadership strategies underscores his profound impact and commitment.

Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies, a master’s degree in Cybersecurity, and an Organizational Leadership certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He also completed advanced studies at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, graduating from the SECDEF Strategic Thinkers Program CAPSTONE.

Scott resides in Wilmington, NC, with his wife Malerie, a Gold Star Sister, their three daughters, and English Bulldog Charlie.

Jack O’Toole

Board Member

Why I serve on the Board: Jack serves on the Marine Raider Foundation Board to support the Raider Community and continue to build on the strong relationship between the Marine Raider Foundation and the Marine Raider Association.

Jack O’Toole is a retired Marine Raider from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He is an Eagle Scout and father of three. Jack has founded a number of technology companies including FreshAir Sensor, which develops and commercializes sensors. FreshAir’s first product is the only technology that can monitor for and specifically detect tobacco smoke and marijuana smoke. It is used widely in hotels and apartments. Jack lives in Hanover, New Hampshire with his wife Eileen.

Maj Gen Paul Lefebvre

Board Advisor

Major General Lefebvre retired from the Marine Corps after 36 years of active service, including serving as Commanding General of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) from 2009 to 2012. Prior to joining the Marine Corps, MajGen Lefebvre coached football at Penn State and Southern Connecticut State University. He is an honor graduate of Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, Amphibious Warfare School and a distinguished graduate of Marine Command and Staff College, as well as the Marine Corps War College. In 2007, MajGen Lefebvre was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Springfield College. MajGen Lefebvre’s awards include the Leftwich Trophy in 1987, an award given to an outstanding Marine Captain serving with ground forces of the Fleet Marine Force, the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars, and the Bronze Star. MajGen Lefebvre is the President of LB6 Consulting and serves as an advisor and chairman for a number of organizations including Joint Special Operations University, the Onslow County Boy Scouts and Museum of the Marines.

Michael Dastugue

Honorary Board Member

Michael Dastugue is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Walmart U.S. and is responsible for merchandise, store operations, real estate, logistics and marketing finance; strategy, financial accounting; and financial planning and analysis. Michael joined the company in January 2013 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sam’s Club. Previously, he spent 20 years in retail at JCPenney, where he gained extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, strategy, treasury and capital markets, and real estate. He held numerous leadership positions, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Senior Vice President of Property Development. Prior to JCPenney, Michael worked for three years in public accounting. Michael earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Michael and his wife Cheryl have three children.

Amanda Tappen

Ambassador

Kyle Rodgers

Ambassador

Diana Sparagna

Honorary Boad Member

Diana has been involved with the Marine Raider Foundation since 2013. Diana became active in Veterans Affairs in a quest to obtain military medical pension and additional health care services for her father, Lieutenant Joseph Biafora (Ret.), a WWII Army combat veteran. This was difficult, as many records were destroyed in a fire at the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, MO. The pursuit took them to the Departments of VA in Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Cleveland, OH. Diana was able to obtain the maximum benefits in health and pension benefits for her father. She has also represented other veterans in obtaining medical and pension benefits.

Diana and her husband Francis are longtime friends of Judge Peter Manoukian and Justice Patty Manoukian, and tragically through their son Captain Matthew P. Manoukian’s death, the Sparagnas became involved with the Marine Raider Foundation. Diana was able to meet former MARSOC Commander Major General Paul Lefebvre (Ret.), and he introduced Diana to Andy and Sarah Christian and then active-duty MARSOC Marine Captain Derek Herrera, now the Foundation’s Board President. Since 2013, Diana has been actively engaged in raising money for the Marine Raider Foundation, including obtaining robotic exoskeletons for disabled veterans.

Joe Apkarian

Ambassador

Joe runs an event planning company and is the owner/operator of The Pour House in Wilmington, NC.  A 2004 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Joe is a Marine Corps veteran who served as a Marine Combat Engineer, Embassy Security, and Special Operations Officer.  During his time in the Marine Corps, he deployed to the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other nations throughout the Near East and South Asian region.  Joe has hosted a number of fundraising events benefitting military charities and has been a steadfast supporter of the Marine Raider Foundation.

Bryan Buckley

Ambassador

Bryan graduated from Villanova University in 2004.  During his time in the military, Bryan served in the Marine Infantry, Marine Reconnaissance, and as a Marine Special Operations Officer. He deployed to Iraq, Africa, South East Asia, and Afghanistan.  Bryan currently is the President of Battle Brothers Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition from active duty military into the private sector. He also works as a security consultant. Bryan has participated in the Miles for MARSOC Community Athlete program as a Leadman Tri Project Black Team Member in 2013 and 2014. He lives in Carlsbad CA, with his wife, Briar, and son Van.

Destiny Flynn-Draher

Ambassador

Destiny understands the demands of military life all too well. Born into a military family and having a father who dedicated twenty-seven years to the United States Air Force, Destiny’s family never stayed in one place for long. Fully aware of the demands of military life, she enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 23, where she was able to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice while serving a total of thirteen years to her country. In 2015, she said farewell to the military to commit her full attention to her young daughter.

Unfortunately, Destiny is among many GOLDSTAR Families who have lost loved ones, having lost her beloved husband, Staff Sergeant Liam Flynn, on March 10, 2015. Destiny’s experience following this tragic event is the driving force behind her unwavering dedication to the Marine Raider Foundation. Driven by her own experience, Destiny is motivated by the opportunity to give back to other families that have experienced, or may one day endure, the same tragic loss.

Destiny lives every day to the fullest, knowing how quickly it can be taken.

Jenna Kemp

Ambassador

Jenna is a native of Port Washington, Wisconsin, where she met her high school sweetheart, SSgt. Kerry Kemp. The two were married in 2007 and Kerry enlisted in the Marine Corps. Jenna stayed by his side and followed him to Twenty-Nine Palms, California where he started his military career. In 2011, Jenna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice while the two were stationed in California.  It was at this time that Kerry joined the elite force of Raiders and was assigned to 2^nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Team 8231.

Sadly, Kerry lost his life on March 10, 2015. During this tragic time, Jenna was introduced to the Marine Raider Foundation and witnessed their steadfast determination and dedication to GOLDSTAR families like herself. After experiencing the impact the Foundation had in her life firsthand, Jenna had no doubt that she wanted to come on board to support not only the Marine Raider Foundation, but the families that will come after her.

Jenna currently resides in Jacksonville, North Carolina with her and Kerry’s two children, two year-old Makenzie and 1-year old Wesley. Jenna works as a Paralegal at a local law firm. The perspective she has gained from this tragedy has given her new meaning and vision, and she strives each day to make sure the fallen are not forgotten and life is not taken for granted.

Keith Perrigon

Ambassador

Keith retired from the Marine Corps as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 after 20 years of active duty service as an operator and intelligence officer in Force Reconnaissance, Special Operations, and Intelligence units. Since retiring in 2015, Keith earned an MBA from the University of Southern California, and served in executive and management consulting roles at KPMG and Continuum Global Services. Keith is currently active in the San Diego startup community, where he is an angel investor and growth advisor.

Pack Janes

Ambassador

Pack spent six years in the Marine Corps as a logistics officer with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, completing deployments to Afghanistan in 2012 with the former and in 2014 with Special Operations Task Force 81.3. Pack has a BA from Bowdoin College and is currently pursuing an MBA at Georgetown University. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and daughter.

Patrick Hackett

Ambassador

Patrick Hackett is a former Raider with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and current investment banking professional in New York City. Patrick was born in New York City and spent his younger years in New Jersey enjoying the outdoors and organized sports. After graduating high school, Patrick spent some time at Charleston Southern University where he played baseball for the school prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps in March of 2008. Post Parris Island, he went on to ITB at Camp Geiger. After receiving orders, he went on to selection and ITC. Patrick finished his time in the Marine Corps in September of 2013 with 1st Marine Raider Battalion and went on to complete his undergraduate education at Fordham University in New York City. He currently resides in Jersey City, New Jersey and works full time in New York City at Academy Securities, a Post 9/11 disabled veteran owned investment bank.

John Greenway

Ambassador

John’s career in the financial services industry dates to 1990 with experience in marketing and overseeing the sale of investment products in the Southwest. John attended Oklahoma State University, participated in the Wharton School SIA Leadership program and earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation from Wharton School of Business. Additionally, John runs the Free Wheel Foundation, a charitable foundation begun in 2007 which raises money for critically injured military and their families.

Dan Dinsmore

Ambassador

Daniel Dinsmore enlisted in the Marine Reserve in June 1995, completing basic training at MCRD San Diego, CA.  He served as a 3531 Motor Vehicle Operator, 3533 Logistics Vehicle System Operation, and later as a Basic Forward Observer.  While stationed with Combat Assault Battalion in Okinawa, Japan, he competed on the Battalion’s Rifle Pistol Shooting Team.  Then Corporal Dinsmore served as Motor Transport Heavy Section Leader with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, CA.  During a Field Supply and Maintenance Office inspection in 2001, he was the only Marine to appear twice on the honorable mention list, resulting in being awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. In February 2001, his brother, a Marine First Lieutenant, promoted him to the rank of Sergeant.  In December 2004, he deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, taking part in Operation Unified Assistance after a tsunami hit the shores of Indonesia and Thailand. The Battalion Landing Team then deployed to Iraq to reinforce Camp Falcon. In December 2005, Sergeant Dinsmore, in between deployments, attended graduation commencement and received a Bachelors in Science from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. In January 2006, Sergeant Dinsmore deployed again to Iraq where he carried out duties as Operations Chief and Convoy Commander. During this deployment, he would earn a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat “V” distinguishing device.  In November 2007, his brother, now a Captain, promoted him to Staff Sergeant.  In March 2011, Staff Sergeant Dinsmore received orders to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion as the Motor Transport Chief. In 2013, he deployed with Marine Special Operations Company Bravo to Helmand, Afghanistan, and would later serve as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of retrograde operations for 1 st Marine Special Operations Regiment and Special Operations Task Force 81, earning him a Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal.  In July 2014, Staff Sergeant Dinsmore reported to recruiting duty and was assigned to Recruiting Substation Bellevue, Recruiting Station Seattle, WA, where he worked as a canvassing recruiter for the cities of Kenmore, Kirkland, Woodinville and Redmond. In July 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, and in September, was assigned as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of RSS Bellevue.  Gunnery Sergeant Dinsmore retired from the Marine Corps on September 29, 2017.

JD Garbrecht

Ambassador

J.D. entered service as an enlisted Marine in 1984.  After graduation from basic training, he was transferred to 29 Palms, California for training as a Teletype Repair Technician. Subsequently, he was transferred to 2nd Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Bn, MCAS Yuma, AZ.  In 1986, he transferred to Fort Gordon, GA for training as a Cryptologic Repair Technician and was then assigned to 2nd Radio Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. In 1988, he transferred to MCB Camp Pendleton, CA as a Cryptographic Repair Technician serving there as the Base Color Sergeant.  In 1990, he was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps but re-enlisted in 1991 during Desert Storm and was assigned back to 2nd Radio Bn as the Cryptographic Repair Chief, Jumpmaster, and Color Sergeant.  Upon discharge in 1993, he returned back to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1997.  During his time in college,  he enlisted in the Wisconsin Air National Guard attending Aerospace Medical Training, SERE school and was assigned to the 128th Air Refueling Wing Milwaukee, WI as a Squadron Medical NCOIC from 1994-1999.

In 1999, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps and was assigned to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune from 1999-2003 and deployed as part of Joint Task Force 160, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  From 2003-2005, he was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy as the ship’s Physical Therapist, and qualified as a Surface Watch Officer and Officer of the Deck Underway.  His other tours included Officer in Charge of Outpatient Physical Therapy Walter Reed Army Medical Center and then assignment to 1 st Marine Raider Bn as the unit Physical Therapist. He is currently assigned as the Deputy Director for Clinical Support Services and the Vice Chair of the Medical Staff at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Commander Garbrecht is a graduate of the Fleet Seminar program for Amphibious Warfare School, US Army Special Forces Jumpmaster

Course, and a Distinguished Graduate of the USMC Command and Staff College.  He holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Profession as well as an MBA
from Boston University in addition to other graduate degrees in Exercise Science and related fields.  He and his wife Patti reside in San Marcos, California and have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

Of all his experiences in the Military he has felt most fulfilled working with wounded service members across all services. He continues to be amazed by their resilience, duty, and commitment and has a special place in his heart for the Marines and Sailors of MARSOC.

Lorelei Gaus

Ambassador

Lorelei is an Associate at Boathouse Capital and previously was a Management Consultant at Boston Consulting Group’s Philadelphia office. She served nine years on active duty as an Adjutant and Foreign Affairs Officer. Her assignments included Battalion Adjutant in Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Regimental Adjutant in Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Protocol Officer at Marine Barracks Washington, and Adjutant at the Marine Raider Support Group. She graduated from the Naval Academy in 2008, obtained a Masters Degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in 2014, and earned an MBA from Wharton Business School in 2019. She is married to Nick Schroback, a former Special Operations Officer and fellow Marine Raider Foundation Ambassador. Lorelei and Nick live outside Philadelphia, PA with their two daughters.

Erika Meagher

Ambassador

Erika is a native of Sterling Heights, Michigan. While still in Michigan, Erika earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a focus on Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Teaching with a focus on Early Childhood Education. After finishing college, Erika relocated to Jacksonville, North Carolina to start her life with her Fiancé, Marcus Bawol who was assigned to 2
nd Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Team 8231.

Tragically, Marcus lost his life on March 10, 2015 in an accident during a routine training exercise just seven months prior to his and Erika’s intended wedding day. In the difficult days that followed, Erika found herself in a tough situation as the two were not yet married; it was during this time that Erika was introduced to the Marine Raider Foundation and witnessed their dedication and support provided to all Gold Star families. After experiencing the support first hand from the foundation, Erika knew that getting involved to help to give back to others in the community, as well as helping to support families that may one day find themselves in this same situation, was something that she needed to do.

Erika works hard each and every day to honor and remember the fallen by choosing happiness.

Drea Huck

Ambassador

Drea Huck first learned about the Marine Raider through an active-duty Marine stationed in Washington. She became a Miles for MARSOC Community Athlete and helped connect many to the cause. Thanks to her affiliation with the Foundation and her job at Starbucks as a Pacific Northwest Region Coordinator, she supports deployed military personnel overseas, focused largely on Special Operations Forces, like the Marine Raiders. Drea is the driving force behind a program called “Adopt a Unit.” Starbucks as a company committed to supporting deployed units and Drea personally helps pack and ship the majority of the packages sent overseas (her Prius is nicknamed “The Percolator”). In 2017, Starbucks provided over 2.5 million cups of coffee to our deployed troops. Drea has personally sent out almost 1000 pounds of coffee in the past 9 months. If Drea gets pictures, it’s like Christmas came early. If not, short messages saying that the box did reach them is more then satisfying. This work fills Drea‘s cup at the end of the day. Through out the past 9 months, Drea has also partnered with organizations including OSD (Operation Supply Drop) and SOLO stoves.

Matt Curran

Ambassador

Matt Curran served 20 years active duty in the Marine Corps, retiring as an E9 / Master Gunnery Sergeant. The last 10 years of his career were spent with Marine Special Operations Command where he held leadership positions at the Team, Company, and Battalion levels retiring as the Special Operations Senior Enlisted Leader.
Matt now serves as a Client Services Program Manager within the Life Science space. His experiences serving as a Marine and the forward looking, problem solving Special Operations environment were instrumental in being successful filling this role.

Chris Canfield

Ambassador

Chris Canfield is currently a LtCol in the Marine Corps Reserves with 21 years of service. He resides in Oceanside, CA with this wife, Christina, and their two children, Keegan and Brady. He is a Senior Project Manager for RQ Construction and is currently overseeing projects at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and Naval Base San Diego. His first project as an employee of RQ Construction was the 1st Raider Battalion campus and facilities from 2008 – 2010.

He graduated from Louisiana State University in 2000 with a degree in International Trade and Finance. He entered the Marine Corps in 1997 as an enlisted Marine TOW gunner attending bootcamp and the School of Infantry before completing the Officer’s Platoon Leader’s Course in 1999 and subsequently receiving his commissioning in the summer of 2000.

After completing all schooling in Quantico, he was assigned a Platoon Commander in Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. While as a Platoon Commander and then the Battalion Intelligence Officer, he deployed to Iraq from February – October 2003. Following the redeployment, he joined Charlie Company, 1st Recon Battalion as a Charlie Company Platoon Commander and deployed back to Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 to conduct counter-insurgency operations.

After returning from Iraq, he joined the first west coast Marine Special Operations Company-A as the Executive Officer and Intelligence Officer. While with MSOC-A, he deployed to the Philippines and subsequently the Helmand Province in Afghanistan in 2006 to conduct combat operations.

In 2008, Chris came off active duty and joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he has worked as a Senior Watch Officer and Training Officer in the Camp Pendleton Regional Emergency Operations Center and various billets in Mobilization Training Battalion (MTB), School of Infantry-W including recently being named the MTB IMA Detachment Commanding Officer.

Margaret Haspert

Ambassador

Margaret began working with the Marine Raider Foundation in 2013 during her time serving as the Family Readiness Officer for 1st Marine Raider Battalion. Since leaving this position, Margaret has continued her involvement with the Foundation as she has seen firsthand, the dedication, compassion, and invaluable support they provide to the Marines, Sailors, and families of the MARSOC community. As a proud USMC spouse, she has served a number of volunteer roles within her husband’s units, as well as other military organizations. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Management and went on to earn her MBA in 2017.

Margaret is originally from Charlotte, NC and has two adult children, Madelyn and Mason. Being a military spouse, she and her family have lived at a number of military bases across the US. Margaret currently works for General Dynamics in the Finance field, located in Scottsdale, AZ. She and her husband, Rob, have decided to make Queen Creek, AZ their “forever home” and look forward to life after the Marine Corps.

Ariel Elias

Ambassador

Ariel Elias retired from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, United States Marine Corps with over twenty-two years of active duty service as a prior enlisted Marine and Officer. He was an EOD Officer who had the honor to serve over a decade with Marine Special Operations Command. Ariel was privileged to serve with 1st Marine Raider Battalion from its early days and deployed to Afghanistan with the first Delta Company in 2008 (Plank Owner). During his time in the service deployed multiple times to Iraq, Afghanistan, South East Asia and Africa. Ariel recently graduated from the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California with an MBA. Ariel has successfully transitioned and currently works for the Walt Disney Company. He resides in Lake Forest, CA with his wife and children.

Ben Alexander

Ambassador

Ben is originally from Buffalo, NY. He is currently a full-time MBA student at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. On active duty, he initially served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with VMAQ-4 and company commander at MCRD Parris Island before becoming a Special Operations Officer with MARSOC. He has several deployments to the Middle East, the Pacific, and North Africa. He holds an MS from Boston University and a BA in Biology from Kenyon College where he also played Lacrosse.

Jason Perez

Ambassador

Entrepreneur, advisor, forever student and mentor, Jason most recently founded a Construction Technology start-up after scaling a consulting and project management firm in Mission Critical construction focused on the Department of Defense, Data Centers & Healthcare.

Medically disqualified one week prior to departing to OCS, his life-time dream was to be a Marine. He now partially fulfills this dream through his long time support of Marine Raiders. Jason has a passion for our country, the foundation and the community it serves. He holds the highest regards for our Marines and has several family members that have served including one who recently retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant.

Jason is the recipient of several honorary paddles from Marine Raider Foundation events and hopes to bring more awareness to the foundation in George and the South, where he resides.

Sean Brownlee

Ambassador

Sean is the founder and CEO of Ravenox, a rope manufacturing direct-to-consumer retail business. Sean served with 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company and 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Kosovo, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is currently serving with the MARSOC IMA Detachment, as well as the International Affairs Branch as a Foreign Area Regional Affairs Staff Non-Commissioned Officer. Sean holds an MBA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey with a focus on international policy and management and he serves on several non-profit boards focusing on veteran transition, emergency preparedness and retail advocacy. You can learn more about Sean by visiting https://seanbrownlee.com/

Kyle Olson

Ambassador

Kyle thrives in high-risk/high-reward environments by aligning stakeholder interests and taking decisive action. Kyle is a former Marine Raider and Special Operations Officer with worldwide experience who is most proud of leading his team neutralizing ISIS cells terrorizing northern Iraq.

Inspired by the technological challenges he faced in combat, Kyle decided to leave active duty to focus on putting America’s best technology into the hands of those that need it the most. He is passionate about technologies that support intelligence collection, tactical survivability, unmanned systems, and digital privacy.

Kyle is a distinguished graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill. He is married with two children and no pets (yet). He is an avid backpacker, runner, skier, and diver (when he has time). He is always ready for an adventure.

Grant Cox

Ambassador

Grant Cox is a former collegiate baseball player at Clemson University. He played two seasons until suffering a career ending injury his junior year in which he was medically disqualified by the NCAA. To this date, Grant has had 13 total operations and more to come! August of 2020, Grant was medically discharged at Military Entrance Processing Station. Grant tried again to become an Infantry Officer in the Marine Corps but was discharged Fall of 2021. By Grant’s discharge, this didn’t stop him from wanting to be a part of something bigger than himself which is why he joined the Marine Raider Foundation. Grant is from Greenville, South Carolina where he resides and is a Sports Medicine/Orthopedics Medical Device Representative. Everything that Grant has been through, he uses this to help others and give back to so many who gave everything. Grant is in process of writing his first book which will inspire those to turn tragedy into triumph and pain into growth. He plans to start his MBA Fall of 2022 at The Citadel.

Will Allen

Ambassador

William Allen is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MADE, a b2b marketplace for high-quality manufacturing. He is also general partner at RVC, a San Francisco-based private equity firm. Previously, William cofounded Harpoon Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund where he managed hundreds of millions in assets and, as general partner, invested in more than 50 early-stage tech startups. He continues to serve as an advisor to several early-stage venture-backed companies particularly in industrials, quantum encryption, and machine learning spaces. Prior to his career as an investor and company builder, William served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps with service in Afghanistan. He is originally from Boston, Massachusetts and holds degrees from Columbia University and Wheaton College.

Caroline Gann

Ambassador

Caroline works as a Senior Analyst for the Renewable Energy Team at a leading national financial institution based in Wilmington, NC. Her specialization is in large-scale solar construction projects across the United States. Caroline’s grandpa served as a Filipino covert messenger under General MacArthur in WWII. Her parents met while stationed in Pearl Harbor, both as enlisted members of the US Navy, which later inspired her brother’s current service as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. Her husband is a proud graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Caroline has a BA in Peace, War, and Defense from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Outside of her professional career, she is an English tutor for adult literacy at a local non-profit, active coach with The Honor Foundation, chair of her company’s AAPI Employee Resource Group, Secretary of her company’s Veteran Empowerment Team, and member of the local Veteran Business Collective (VBC). Caroline is dedicated to helping those in need and the continued support of the heroes and families that have served this country. Her inspiration is fueled by her family, friends, and organizations like the Marine Raider Foundation.

Brett Bowden

Ambassasdor

Brett Bowden is a former Recon Marine who served with 2nd Recon Battalion and 2nd Marine Special Operation Battalion (now known as 2nd Marine Raider Battalion). He deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and his military awards include a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor. During his tour with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, his Team Leader SSgt. Edgar A. Heredia and Forward Air Controller Capt. Garrett T. Lawton were both killed in action, fueling his desire to give back to Gold Star families and the Raider community. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Brett served in the Intelligence Community for over a decade, with numerous deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He currently works at Scientific Research Corporation as a Senior Project Manager and manages a portfolio of Signal Intelligence projects for the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC). He holds an MBA from the Citadel and resides with his wife and daughter in Charleston, SC.