Kathleen Candela
Army Veteran
COMBAT ENGINEER
46th Engineer Combat Heavy Battalion
• Successfully led over 150 combat logistics patrol missions during OIF 05-07 covering over 15,856 miles across Iraq enabling the Battalion to complete numerous construction projects in support of the 9th Naval Construction Regiment and the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
• Served as Assistant Site OIC during the Battalions joint construction mission with the 22nd Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, building an Iraqi Security and Coalition Force Camp.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER
97th Civil Affairs Battalion
May 2008 – July 2014
• Led counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance missions during multiple deployments to US Embassies in Bangladesh and Indonesia.
• Deployed as a Civil Military Operations Center deputy at Special Operations Command – Pacific supporting five Civil Affairs teams deployed through the Asia-Pacific Area of Operations.
• Participated in the BALIKATAN international military exercise facilitating the training of Civil Military Operations and disaster relief for the Philippine army and coordinated and executed a combined airborne operation while serving as a primary Jumpmaster.
CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICER
United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (USACAPOC)
August 2014 – July 2017
• Developed and delivered pre-mission briefings for US Army Reserve doctors deploying to Africa for the Ebola mission.
• Developed USACAPOC (A) mandatory training and mobilization requirements. Became a certified Combat Water Survival Training instructor,
• Led several field training exercises teaching convoy commander skills and developing land navigation lanes.
Awards and Certifications
Bronze Star, Joint Service COMMENDATION MEDAL, ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
(2ND AWARD), JOINT SERVICE
MEDAL, ARMY’ ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (5TH AWARD), MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
COMMENDATION, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, GLOBAL WAR ON terrorism, Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign medal (2ND AWARD), ARMY SERVICE RIBBON, OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON ( 3 R D AWARD), SENIOR PARACHUTIST BADGE, PARACHUTIST BADGE, DRIVER AND MECHANIC BADGE
Jumpmaster, Sere-C
Gary Wayne Quade
Marines Veteran
I am nominating my Gary Wayne Quade, my wife’s Uncle for Bucks for the Brave. She is writing this Bio.
Gary was born on June 9th, 1945. He is the oldest of 5 Children, 2 girls and 3 boys.
He volunteered for the Marines after finishing High School. He served his Basic Training at Camp Pendleton,California in 1964.
He served his first tour in Vietnam in 1968. After returning home from his first tour, he volunteered to serve another tour, trying to keep his younger brother, who was also a Marine, from being sent to Vietnam (which did not work). Gary served in Vietnam from1968 – 1972.
He returned home with a Purple Heart and I’m sure a lot of unpleasant memories. Like most Vietnam Veterans, he does not speak a lot about his service there.
During his Career in the Marines, he served as a drill instructor as well as other positions. He served remote tours in Okinawa, Japan. I can remember my two girls writing to him while stationed there, and him writing them back with sticker covered letters. Family has always been of great importance to Uncle Gary.
He retired from the Marines as a Master Gunny Sgt. at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, having served 28 years as a Proud Marine.
He was married in 1968 to his wonderful wife Juanita Coleman Quade. They had 3 children together. His loving wife was his fishing buddy and listener to his hunting stories. Aunt Nita passed away suddenly in March of 2023.
Gary is very involved in his Church and serves as a Deacon. He is also very involved in his local Chapter of The Giddens. He loves and serves his Lord just as he loves and served his Country.
Uncle Gary’s hobbies are hunting and spending time fishing with his children, family and friends.
I have always looked up to and admired my Uncle Gary. I can remember being a young child, seeing his tall, muscular frame dressed in his dress uniform and thinking what a hero he was to me. I cannot imagine a more deserving person than him. I hope you will seriously consider his nomination. I have tried to write this Bio without asking him about his service, because I know he is a very humble and Godly man, so I know there are many more brave things about his life that I do not know of. I would love for him to get to enjoy the hunt of a lifetime. I feel it would be one way I could try to repay him for all he has sacrificed to keep me, my family and this country safe.
Wesley Hilbrich
Air Force Veteran
Wes served as a crew chief on the B-1 Bomber for the majority of his 21 year career. During this time he lead and prioritized maintenance/aircrew scheduling on two Operational Test B-1 aircraft valued at $640M. He was responsible for deliberate development and training of 48 personnel across five diverse career fields. He supervised 11 personnel while generating 63 missions and 285 flight hours and he earned Leadership Award 2018. He was responsible for maintenance in conjunction with aircrew scheduling for the only B-1 Operational Test Squadron’s $15M flying hour program, generating 62 missions. He also orchestrated maintenance for $525M programs to include 921 corrective actions while fielding 3 software upgrades where he earned Maintenance Professional of the year award in 2018. He received the following decorations.
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and five oak leaf clusters
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Scott Neal
Army, EMS & Law Enforcement Veteran
Scott joined Army in 1988 and was in the gulf war 10 months deployed came back joined the National Guard and served there from1991 to 2012 with two deployments to OIF 3 and 9 he was injured in 2010 and sent to a wtu in fort Jackson SC and medical retired from military During his Guard time he started his career in law enforcement as a corrections officer in Hancock County Tn and went to EMT school in 2000 work both EMS and police several years then going to the police academy in 2003 and graduating during the academy he received deployment order and left after graduation for camp Shelby Mississippi’s and going to OIF 3 returning and working as a deputy sheriff and a police officer for one of the city’s part time then in 08 receiving orders again to deploy for OIF 9 and getting hurt breaking his back in two places he when to WTU and retired from that after 18 months of therapy he returned to home and becoming a Tennessee Constable which he still is today he works with the Tennessee drug taskforce and is close to retiring there too in next few months he has received numerous awards in service from OIF campaign ribbons ARCOMs AAM good conduct over sea ribbon many other and on top of that he trains other responders at the CDP in Anniston AL for FEMA And in our state with TEMA to help other agencies he still serves on a ambulance to keep his certificate and lincense and is on the strike team for FEMA deployment here in the US
Kristen Kent
Air Force Veteran
Lieutenant Colonel Kristen Kent retired from the Air Force Reserves on 1 September 2021, culminating over a twenty-six year career in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves. She finished her service as the Assistant Director of Operations, 340th Flying Training Group, Air Force Reserve Command, Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, Texas. Lieutenant Colonel Kent was assigned to multiple combat and training squadrons throughout her career. In each assignment, she filled key leadership, instructor, and evaluator positions.
Lieutenant Colonel Kent was born in Jackson, Wyoming. She earned her commission as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology on 29 May1996. She is a Distinguished Graduate of Squadron Officers School and completed Air Command and Staff College’s Distance Learning Masters program with Highest Academic Distinction.
Lieutenant Colonel Kent graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas as Top Academic Graduate. Upon completion of pilot training, she as Distinguished Graduate of the F-15C Basic Operational Training Course. She was then assigned as a F-15C fighter pilot, 390th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. In 1999, Lieutenant Colonel Kent was deployed to Saudi Arabia as an integral member of the 366th Air Expeditionary Wing in the F-15C. She executed critical missions in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, ensuring air superiority over southern Iraq. Following that she received Distinguished Graduate honors from Pilot Instructor Training prior to being assigned to the 25th Flying Training Squadron, Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. During that time, she served as T-38 Instructor Pilot, Chief, Wing Programming and T-38 Wing Programmer.
From 2003-2005, Lt Col Kent was reassigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas where she was a T-38 Pilot Instructor Training instructor, Standardization and Evaluation Flight Examiner, and Special Assistant to the Commander. Following that assignment, she transitioned to the Air Force Reserves and was assigned to the 100th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas which transitioned to the 39th Flying Training Squadron in 2007. During her time in the Air Force Reserve Command, she served as Executive Officer, T-38 Pilot Instructor Training instructor, Assistant Flight commander, and Assistant Operations Officer. She culminated her time in the 39th Flying Training Squadron as commander from 6 December 2018 to 6 August 2020. As commander, she led her squadron through the initial portions of the COVID-19 pandemic ensuring the readiness of the Air Force Reserve instructors to continue with the mission of training the next generation of instructors for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training.
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Command Pilot
Hours: 2,500+
Aircraft Flown: F-15C, T-37, T-38 A/C
MAJOR AWARDS & DECORATIONS;
Meritorious Service Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Ari Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 8 oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Meal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Michael Adam Lucas
Navy Veteran
Mike Lucas joined the Navy in 1985. Went to bootcamp May to July 1985. He then went to Millington Tennessee where he completed Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE), Avionics A School (AVA), and Advanced First Term Avionics Training (AFTA). In May of 1986 he was transferred to San Diego CA. Here he served in a variety of ever-increasing responsibility positions from Avionics Technician and Instructor to Maintenance Master Chief (E9) and eventually as a Command Master Chief. He served in the following units: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Unit Sixteen (HS-16) June 1986 aboard USS Enterprise, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Unit Two (HS-2) 1988 Aboard US Nimitz during Operation Desert Storm, Naval Aviation Training Group Detachment 1993 (NAMTRAGRUDET), Fixed Wing Early Warning Squadron One One Seven (VAW-117) in 1996 aboard USS Kitty Hawk, USS Ranger, USS Carl Vinson and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Commander Helicopter Light Wing Pacific 1998 (COMHSLWINGPAC), Fixed Wing Early Warning Squadron VAW-124 2002 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Three (HSL-43) 2004 Supported Search & Rescue and Logistics Operations for victims of Hurricane Katrina, USS Bonhomme Richard 2006 Supported Marine Combat Operations (13-th MEU) in Iraq OIF, HS-10 2008, USS Comstock 2011 Supported Marine Combat Operations with the 13-th MEU in Iraq, Helicopter Unmanned Training unit One (HUQ)-1 2014. Mike Retired in May of 2015 after a 30-year career of worldwide travel, guiding and leading Sailors through some of the toughest situations imaginable.
Mike’s personal and unit awards consist of:
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) X 2
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NCM) x 7
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal X 6
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Meritorious Unit Commendation x 2
Navy Bettle Efficiency Award
Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal x 8
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Kuwait Liberation Medal
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) Breast Insignia
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) Breast Insignia
Rifleman Expert Award
Pistolman Expert award
Master Training Specialist (MTS)
Douglas Feay
Navy Veteran
He started his naval career at NTC Orlando, Florida, then went to school at NTTC Corry Station in Pensacola Florida. His first duty station was at NSGA Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico and then went to NSGA Keflavik, Iceland. After that, he went back to Corry Station as an instructor and then NSGA Lajes, Azores. He blew out his knee there playing softball and was sent back to Bethesda Maryland for an operation and then assigned light duty at NSA Fort Meade Maryland. Then he went to NCTS/NSGA Rota, Spain where we met. Next duty was NSGA Winter Harbor Maine. Then he was assigned to the USS South Carolina until it was decommissioned and then transferred to the USS Kearsarge. He was then sent to KRSOC Kunia, Hawaii where he retired on the “Surrender deck” of the USS Missouri. Throughout his military career, he was always playing sports. Softball, basketball, golf, and traveled around different countries when he made the base volleyball team. As far as his awards, he was Surface Warfare qualified and Air Warfare qualified. He received a Joint Service Commodation medal, five Navy/Marine Corps achievement medals, Joint Meritorious Unit award, Navy Unit Commodation, three Meritorious Unit Commodation, Air Force Outstanding unit award, Navy E ribbon, six good conduct medals, two national defense service medals armed forces service medal, Kosovo campaign medal, SeaService deployment ribbon, six Navy/Marine Corps overseas service ribbons, two NATO medal,s rifle marksmanship medal, and a pistol expert metal. I think that’s it for the major ones and has a bunch of paper awards. He has just fully retired after 21 years of working at a Best Buy distribution center here in Findlay. He has an Army friend here that has got him back into hunting and that friend gave me this site to put him in. If you need any other information, just let me know. All I know is his main job was in cryptology, a CTR1. God bless, Karen Feay.
Michele Kelley
Air Force Veteran
Michele served in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Member. She was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota for most of her 4 years on active duty. During her active duty time, she deployed to Turkey once and Saudi Arabia twice. Michele reached the rank of Senior Airman. She received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Training ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
During her time in Saudi Arabia she lost her friend and roommate to a humvee accident. This shaped Michele on how she served the last few years on active duty.
Michele was active duty when September 11, 2001 occurred in SD. Every base was on high alert for months while her squadron worked longer shifts with little to no days off.
Gina Chapman
Army Veteran
Gina served in the Unity States Army for 21 years. She retired from the Army at the rank of Sergeant First Class. Gina deployed to the following locations: Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan twice, 9/11. She received a bronze star, meritorious service medal, Medals from Iraq and Afghanistan, AAM, and more.
Gina was stationed in South Carolina, Germany, Hawaii, Kentucky, Washington, Georgia, Korea twice.
Troy Fryar
Coast Guard Veteran
Troy Fryar
Enlisted in the CG on 2 Oct 1989 as E-1.
Graduated Basic Training as E-2
First duty station: CG Support Center Kodiak
Military Policeman (1989 Dec – 1991 Jan)
Advanced to E-3
Attended Yeoman School
CG Training Center Petaluma CA
Advanced to E-4
Second duty station: CG Marine Safety Office Anchorage, AK (1991 Apr – 1992 Dec)
Advanced to E-5
Third Duty Station: USCGC MELLON (WHEC-717) home port Seattle, WA (1992 Dec – 1996 Jun)
Fourth Duty Station: CG Natl Motor Lifeboat School, Cape Disappointment/Ilwaco WA
(1996 Jun – 1998 Jun) Independent Duty
Advanced to E-6
Fifth duty station: CG Group Sauer Ste Marie, MI
(1998 Jun – 2001 Feb)
Above the cut for E-7, selected for Chief Warrant Officer, selected for Commission & selected for Drill Instructor Duty. Went to Officer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School
CG Academy
(2001 Feb – Jun 2001)
Promoted to Ensign (O-1E)
Sixth duty station
CG Maintenance & Logistics Command Atlantic
(2001 Jul – 2003 Jun)
Promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2E)
6 deployments overseas supporting GWOT
Seventh Duty station
CG Group Astoria OR
(2003 Jun – Jun 2005)
Law Enforcement Team Lead/ Sea Marshal
Promoted to Lieutenant (O-3E)
Eighth Duty station
CG District Seventeen Juneau, AK
Ran Alaska CG Reserve program
(Jun 2005 – Jun 2008)
Ninth Duty Station
CG Sector Portland, OR
Logistics Department Head
Commanding Officer Military Personnel
(Jun 2008 – Jun 2010)
Tenth Duty station
CG Atlantic Area
Portsmouth VA
Deployed to Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill
Military Aide to Rear Admiral
(Jun 2010 – Jun 2011)
Eleventh Duty station
CG Sector Puget Sound, Seattle WA
Deputy Logistics Department Head
Reserve Readiness Branch Chief
Executive Officer Military Personnel
(Jun 2011 – Jun 2014)
Promoted to Lieutenant Commander (O-4)
Twelfth Duty Station
CG District Thirteen
Reserve Branch Chief
(Jun 2014 – Jun 2017)
Promoted to Commander (O-5)
Thirteenth Duty station
CG Personnel Service Center
Reserve Personnel Management
Deputy Division Chief
(Jun 2017 – Jun 2020)
Deputy for all CG reserve personnel programs
Fourteenth Duty station
US Transportation Command, Scott AFB
CG Liaison Officer
To 4 Star Army General
(Jun 2020 – Jun 2022)
Fifteenth Duty station
CG Sector Columbia River
Logistics Department Head
Commanding Officer Military Personnel
(Jun 2022 – May 2023)
Promoted to Captain (O-6)
Final Duty Station
CG Personnel Command
Reserve Personnel Management
Division Chief
(Jun 2023 – Jun 2026)
Retiring after nearly 37 years Active Duty, starting as a recruit (E-1) and retiring as a Captain (O-6).
3 Meritorious Service Medals
5 CG Commendation Medals
6 CG Achievement Medals
3 CG Good Conduct Awards
CG Sea Service Ribbon
*Multiple campaign & other awards
Master Degree (2)
Bachelor in Business Administration Degree
Program Management Professional Cert
Six Sigma Cert
4 grown boys (Westin, Jacob, Casey & Rhys)
Troy has dedicated his entire adult life serving his country, his family, and his fellow Coasties. We have known each other since high school, Troy’s drive and career has provided a great life. I am extremely proud of Troy, his career history and impeccable service reputation. Troy is a humble servant and is not one to brag about all his accomplishments, in and out of uniform. He is just simply known as Troy, or Fryar Tuk to his oldest CG friends. Thank you for the opportunity to nominate my husband.
James E. Doolittle
Law Enforcement Veteran
James E. Doolittle (Jim) was raised on his family farm. The son of a WWII U.S. Army combat veteran and the Great nephew of General James Doolittle, (Who he is named after) US Army Air Corps., famous for the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.
After high school graduation, he attended and graduated from the Criminal Justice program of Mohawk Valley College. and served a short time as a Deputy Sheriff for Oneida County, N.Y. before being selected to become a New York State Trooper.
Serving as a State Trooper Jim had additional duties as a long-rifle response member. During his tenure as a New York State Trooper Jim has deployed to prison riots and occupation duties during disputes between the State of New York and the native American Mohawk Tribal violence. Jim has served two sessions of the New York State Police Academy as an instructor/counselor of new recruits and as a firearms range/qualification officer. Jim was injured in a line-of-duty motor vehicle accident in his Troop car and receives treatment for his injuries to this day.
After leaving the State Police, Jim became an investigator for the New York State Workman’s compensation board rising to the rank of Lt. and retiring from state service from that agency.
In addition to his duties in Law Enforcement, and continuously since his retirement, Jim has been an active member of two Sportsman’s clubs where he consistently volunteers his time and effort to mentor and coach their youth hunting and shooting and education programs and their children’s fishing programs. Avoiding recognition for his efforts, Jim also provides financial support for these programs.
Upon his diagnosis of Cancer and subsequent surgeries and ongoing treatments Jim has returned to his volunteerism nature and without fail can be found at every event where he can offer his services.
Jim provides transportation and other helpful services to the elderly widows of his friends who’ve passed. Jim travels over 100 miles weekly to assist his 84 year old friend who was his senior officer when Jim joined the State Police so many decades ago. Always willing to assist a friend in need. I have rarely, if ever, asked Jim for help because he’s always aware of a friend’s situation and offers his assistance before he can be asked! A true gentleman, Jim can be counted on to help in any way he can at any time of the day or night.
Bryan Nors
Army Veteran
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Bryan Nors enlisted in the United States Army in 2005 and served his nation with honor and distinction until his retirement in 2013. Over the course of his career, he proved himself as a dedicated Soldier, a leader, and a brother-in-arms to those he served alongside.
He deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism, first from 2007–2008 and again from 2009–2010. During these combat tours, SSG Nors served in demanding and hostile environments, where he displayed resilience, professionalism, and courage under fire. His actions contributed directly to the success of his unit’s missions and to the safety of his fellow Soldiers.
Throughout his service, SSG Nors was recognized with multiple awards for his commitment and dedication. His decorations include the Airborne Badge, signifying his skill and expertise as a paratrooper, and the Combat Action Badge, awarded for actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy in combat. He also earned multiple Army Good Conduct Medals, reflecting his consistent honorable service and discipline throughout his military career. In addition, he received several other commendations recognizing his leadership, technical skill, and dedication to duty.
From his enlistment in 2005 through his retirement in 2013, SSG Bryan Nors embodied the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. His story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to his fellow Soldiers and to his country. His career and service reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and stand as a legacy worthy of recognition.
Bryan Nors
Army Veteran
Airborne
Paratrooper
Fought for our freedom in the GWOT, with multiple tours in Afghanistan across his 8 year term from 2005-2013.
Bryan has been a great example of what it means to be a man for me since I was a child.
Some of my earliest memories are hunting with him and my dad.
Bryan Nors
Army Veteran
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Bryan Nors enlisted in the United States Army in 2005 and served his nation with honor and distinction until his retirement in 2013. Over the course of his career, he proved himself as a dedicated Soldier, a leader, and a brother-in-arms to those he served alongside.
He deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism, first from 2007–2008 and again from 2009–2010. During these combat tours, SSG Nors served in demanding and hostile environments, where he displayed resilience, professionalism, and courage under fire. His actions contributed directly to the success of his unit’s missions and to the safety of his fellow Soldiers.
Throughout his service, SSG Nors was recognized with multiple awards for his commitment and dedication. His decorations include the Airborne Badge, signifying his skill and expertise as a paratrooper, and the Combat Action Badge, awarded for actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy in combat. He also earned multiple Army Good Conduct Medals, reflecting his consistent honorable service and discipline throughout his military career. In addition, he received several other commendations recognizing his leadership, technical skill, and dedication to duty.
From his enlistment in 2005 through his retirement in 2013, SSG Bryan Nors embodied the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. His story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to his fellow Soldiers and to his country. His career and service reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and stand as a legacy worthy of recognition.
Buck Hughes
Army Veteran
20yrs in Army. 4yrs infantry, 16yrs military intelligence. Awards: Airborne, air assault, ranger, Combat infantry badge, two bronze star medals. Three combat tours. Two Afganistán, one Iraq. Retired as a Major/O4.
Barker Kent Standefer
Army Veteran
Nomination for Barker Kent Standefer
It is an honor to nominate my father, Barker Kent Standefer, known to family and friends simply as “Kent,” for recognition of his service to our country.
Kent served in the United States Army from May 1959 to August 1962. Born to American parents working in the Venezuelan oil fields, Kent spent the first 16 years of his life in Venezuela. His first language was Spanish, a skill that would later prove critical to his military service.
After basic training, Kent’s first duty station was in Korea, where he quickly discovered a dislike for cold weather. While on post, he noticed a sign requesting Spanish-speaking soldiers. Answering that call set him on a path he could never have imagined — into the ranks of the 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Following Airborne School and the Special Forces Qualification Course in Alaska, Kent was assigned to missions in Laos and Cambodia, where he served as a Weapons Sergeant/Armorer (what is today designated MOS 18B). His responsibilities included:
Training and advising the Royal Laotian Army and ethnic groups such as the Hmong in guerrilla warfare, small unit tactics, demolitions, and weapons use.
Establishing networks to counter the Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces.
Supporting psychological operations and helping set up village defense units.
These missions were part of Project Hotfoot, later expanded and renamed Operation White Star, conducted in collaboration with the CIA during the early days of America’s covert involvement in Southeast Asia.
Kent’s service was not without hardship. He recalls with deep emotion one of the most tragic moments of his career: during cold-weather training in Alaska, a captain ordered Special Forces soldiers to establish a landing zone despite warnings of an incoming blizzard. Two helicopters of troops landed ill-prepared for the conditions; others were unable to land due to dangerous winds. Kent risked his own life, climbing and carrying several men to safety in freezing, storm-driven conditions. Sadly, 11 soldiers perished that day, leaving a memory that still brings him to tears more than six decades later.
Though Kent never sought recognition, his courage and selflessness saved lives. He never boasted of his actions — not even applying for VA benefits until the age of 85, and then only for hearing aids. His tattoo of a skunk on his forearm is a quiet reminder of the nickname given to his unit by pilots who rescued them after long weeks in the trenches.
Kent does not call himself a hero. But to his family, his comrades, and to those men he carried to safety, he undoubtedly is. His story deserves to be remembered and honored.
Bruce McAfee
Army Veteran
Bruce is originally from Chica, Illinois, but grew up in North Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He enlisted as a Motir Transport Operator for 4 years at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. After his first 4 years, Bruce attended Brunswick Community College in Bolivian, N.C.
He missed the camaraderie of service, so Bruce enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard for 2 years. Bruce was in the National Guard during 9/11, and he was thinking that his unit and many others would be deploying soon.
Bruce was discharged honorably in May 2002 , and he went back on active duty for the Army July 2003. He was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and soon joined his unit , the Regimental Support Squadron, Supply & Transport, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment, that was already deployed in Iraq. Bruce served for a year with his unit in Baghdad, Iraq, but the majority of his unit served 15 months.
After the deployment, he returned to Ft. Polk, but received orders for Camp Casey, South Korea, where he served exactly one year. Bruce reenlisted for Ft. Bragg, Notth Carolina and returned there April 2006. To his surprise, Bruce received orders to the HHC, 82nd Sustainment Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and deployed with these courageous and dedicated Paratroopers and other courageous and dedicated non Airborne Soldiers as well. Bruce served with his fellow Soldiers for 15 months.
After his second in Iraq, Bruce received orders for recruiting duty, served three years in North east Ohio. After recruiting duty, Bruce reenlisted for Fort Hood, Texas, and was honorably discharged of December 2012.
Bruce has an 18 year old daughter, Journey, and a fiancé, Lupe. Bruce’s awards are National Defense Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Ribbon, Driver’s Badge, Army Achievement Medal x 4, Iraq Campaign Medal x2, Expert Marksmanship, Army Gold Badge, Professional Development Ribbon x2, Good Conduct Medal x3. He has two Iraq deployments, and one humanitarian deployment to Guatemala for Hurricane Mitch December 1998.
Eric S Anderson
Army Veteran
Entered the Army 1994 as an Heavy Anti-Armor Weapons Infantryman. Served in 101st ABN Division , 2/9 Infantry, 1/503rd Infantry and 82Nd ABN Division as an Infantrymen. Deployed to Kuwait for Operation Southern Watch while in 82nd. Changed MOS to Signal and served in 3/3 SFG(A) at Ft Bragg, there he deployed to Mali and Nigeria Africa on training missions and then after 9/11 he deployed to Afghanistan three times and Iraq once with 3/3SFG(A). He became a Warrant Officer in 2006 and went on to serve as a 251/255A with 18th Fires BDE (188th BSB), deployed with 50th ESB to Iraq, served with 18th ABN Corps G4 and deployed again to Iraq, then served with the 101st ABN Division and deployed to Afghanistan, from there he returned to the 82nd ABN Division and then went to Arlington National Cemetery and finally Ft Gordon, GA at the Signal Leader Development College.
He has numerous awards BSM, multiple MSMs, ARCOMs, AAMs, parachutist badge, air assault badge, Expert Infantryman’s badge.
Total of seven combat deployments 4- Afghanistan, 3- Iraq
100% Permanent and Total disabled
Frank Grippe
Army Veteran
Frank Grippe is a Retired Army Command Sergeant Major with a distinguished 34-year military career. He is a native of Frankfort, NY, and resides full-time in Tampa, FL.
During his lengthy military career, Frank effectively served the entire spectrum of leadership from tactical to strategic operations. His tenure includes the 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne, Vicenza Italy, the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC; the 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA; and Army ROTC Senior Military Instructor at San Diego State University. After graduation from the Sergeants Majors Academy, Frank was appointed to the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) and assigned to 1st Battalion 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.
At the onset of our nation’s war on terror, CSM Frank Grippe led the first general-purpose ground force into Central Asia as the CSM of Task Force Summit (OEF Afghanistan, September 2001–April 2002); Subsequent assignments as a CSM include: CSM for 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum NY; CSM of Combined Joint Task Force Warrior (OEF Afghanistan, July 2003–May 2004); Post and Division CSM of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell KY; CSM of Task Force Band of Brothers; Multi-National Division North (OIF Iraq, September 2005–September 2006.) CSM of US I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA, CSM of Multi-National Corps-Iraq from March 2009 to March 2010. CSM Grippe’s final assignment was as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States Central Command located at MacDill AFB FL, (January 2011–July 2014).
Frank’s five highest military awards are the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star for Valor (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster for service), and the Purple Heart. A few of the qualification badges he earned are the Combat Infantryman Badges (2nd award), Master Parachutist Badge (1-Combat Jump Star), Pathfinder Badge, and Ranger Tab. He is also designated as a Distinguished Member of the following Regiments: 75th Ranger, 509th Infantry, 325th Infantry, and the 87th Infantry. In 2024 CSM Frank Grippe was became a member of the RANGER HALL of FAME.
Chris Novak
Air Force Veteran
From a young age, Chris Novak dreamt of serving his country and protecting our country’s freedoms. Upon graduating high school, he followed this dream and enlisted with the United States Air Force. He served our country from 2009-2013. He achieved the rank of Senior Airman while spending the majority of his service time at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. He served as an Aircrew Flight Equipment Technician where he led a team in performing mission termination inspections for 63 high-value aircrafts as well as inspected, issued, and maintained 32 million dollars’ worth of aircrew life support equipment such as flight helmets and oxygen masks, parachutes, night vision, and flotation devices with zero discrepancies. He didn’t just support missions, he preserved lives.
He was dedicated in his service and was recognized with awards such as the Air Force Achievement medal, two Meritorious Unit Awards, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and was selected for early promotion, but his most prized recognition was the Black Hat Award.
With his actions above reproach, Chris was nominated for and awarded the Black Hat award. He received this award after being tested and excelling in his role of leading funeral ceremonies for fallen veterans across the state of Kansas and surrounding areas. At the time of his service, only seven other airmen had been awarded this distinction in base history: he was the eighth recipient in history. During his service he directed 27 ceremonies for the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. This award was significant to him because he wanted those that served before him and beside him to be laid to rest with dignity and excellence. He took great pride in honoring veterans in their final moments. Reception of this award exemplified his commitment to service.
In 2011 he volunteered on short notice to deploy in place of another airman to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. During this deployment he supported operations New Dawn, Enduring Freedom, and CJTF Horn of Africa. His work supported a record number of missions for the base in July 2011 with more than 1,000 in-air refueling flights taking place with his help. During this deployment, he also had the unique opportunity to serve at a moment’s notice to ensure the safe landing of a U2 that was diverted to his base in theatre due to an in-flight emergency. His deployment is a key highlight in his career because it was the culmination of all his hard work and training and the reason he enlisted to serve his country.
Following his service, he utilized the GI Bill to pursue higher education at Purdue University where he attained a bachelor’s degree in pre-law. He went on to utilize his degree by working in various sectors of social work to serve vulnerable children and adults in his community. I nominate him for this award because even after his enlisted time of service, Chris has worked hard to serve his community and his family. He is an avid outdoorsman, yet due to the weight of responsibility that he carries he doesn’t get to enjoy the outdoors as much as he would hope. He deserves an opportunity to be recognized for his service and take part in this once in lifetime hunting experience.
Walter "Bubba" Pierce
Army & Law Enforcement Veteran
Bubba joined the military his senior year of high school, after watching the towers fall. He was sent to basic in August of 2002. He served with the 2-27 Wolfhounds. He went to Infantry training after basic training. He was sent to Hawaii to serve with the Wolfhounds. Bubba was deployed twice during his service. (Afghanistan in the Spring of ’03 and Iraq) Bubba took 17 recorded IEDs. The worst being a 75lb bomb. He then left the military after he gained custody of his 4-year-old son. At this point, he became a single-dad and decided to join the family business of law enforcement. Bubba spent the next several years going to the police academy and raising his son.
Bubba, like many others, lost many people in his unit and it has taken a great toll on the rest of his life. He was the point man and the breacher for many missions.
Timothy Curran
Marines Veteran
My husband Tim joined the family business. He is the fourth generation in his family to serve during wartime. It started with his Great Grandfather who served in the Navy and Marines, fighting in WWII. His grandfather was in the Army and served overseas, and his father was in the Air Force, deploying to Vietnam. Tim enlisted during his senior year of high school. He graduated high school on June 14, 2005 and arrived at Marine Corps boot camp the next day. During his service, Tim deployed twice to Iraq where he worked on aircraft. Tim reenlisted while in Iraq. To reenlist while in a war zone, that takes some guts. When Tim got home, he was a changed person. Though he was physically okay, it took some time to readjust. His duties after deployment involved performing military funerals, death notifications, parade details, and other public affairs duties. While leaving a military function, Tim was struck by a drunk driver while walking to his vehicle. The injuries he sustained required multiple surgeries and eventually ended his military career and any hopes of joining federal law enforcement after his service. That didn’t stop Tim! Even while recovering from surgery and being medically discharged, Tim got right back to work and became a case manager. As a case manager working with homeless veterans, Tim successfully helped over three dozen veterans find permanent housing and employment, and probably saving several lives. After a year, Tim wanted to continue his federal service and accepted employment with the federal government where he still works today supporting the warfighter. Always wanting to give back, Tim works as a Veteran Service Officer helping other veterans with benefit claims. He also volunteers every year with Toys for Tots, his absolute favorite charity and something he has been doing for over 20 years now. Tim also sits on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization serving veterans and chronically ill children. If that wasn’t enough, Tim is an active Freemason and just received the 33° in Freemasonry at the age of 38, becoming one of the youngest to ever do so. Tim really is our hero. He’s a great husband, the best dad, and truly one of the good ones. Hunting is something Tim enjoys more than anything in the world. I know this program would be the gift of a lifetime for him.
Torigan “Brody” Williams
Army Veteran
I would like to nominate my husband, Brody Williams, a proud U.S. Army veteran, for the Bucks for the Brave award. Brody honorably served from 2002 to 2010 as a Military Police Sergeant (E-5). During his service, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned multiple commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Throughout his military career, Brody exemplified courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Since his honorable discharge, Brody has continued to serve in another profound way. For the past eight years, he and I have been therapeutic foster parents, opening our home to 16 children while raising our own two, now ages 12 and 8. He is a devoted husband of 11 years, a loving father, and an exceptional role model to every child who enters our lives. The dedication he once showed to his fellow soldiers, he now gives freely to his family and community.
Outside of these responsibilities, Brody enjoys hunting and spending time outdoors, a place where he finds peace and connection, much like the camaraderie he experienced in the military. Humble and selfless, he never seeks recognition for his sacrifices. Yet, I believe he is deeply deserving of this honor.
Brody truly embodies the spirit of Bucks for the Brave, a life defined by service, sacrifice, and love for others.
