ABOUT THE WINNERS
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)
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Torrie M. Rogers
Navy Veteran
A native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Senior Chief Torrie M. Rogers enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1995. Upon completion of recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois she attended Hospitalman “A” School training at Naval Hospital Corps School Great Lakes, Illinois and follow-on training at Field Medical Service School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In March 1996, she was assigned to Branch Medical Clinic Parris Island, Naval Hospital Beaufort, South Carolina as a General Duty Corpsman where she held various positions during her tenure. From August 1997 to June 2000, she was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, Beaufort, South Carolina. She deployed from July 1998 to January 1999, as the Medical Readiness Coordinator for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, United States Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. In April 1999, she volunteered to deploy with Marine Aircraft Group-31 to Taszar, Hungary in support of Operation Allied Force and Operation Nobil Anvil. From July 2000 to August 2003, she was assigned to Field Medical Service School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina as an Instructor/Platoon Advisor and Logistics Coordinator. In September 2003 she reported onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), Norfolk, Virginia and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For a short stint of time, April 2005 to June 2006, she was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Logistics Support Unit, Little Creek, Virginia where she volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with SEAL Team Two. Shortly after her return from deployment she applied and was accepted to Naval Special Warfare Development Group where she was stationed from June 2006 to November 2012; she deployed several times to various locations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2011 she was selected to Chief Petty Officer, which was one of the highlights of her career. From November 2012 to June 2013, she was assigned to Branch Health Clinic Oceana Triad as the Department Leading Chief Petty for multiple departments. Upon being frocked to Senior Chief Petty Officer in June 2013, she was reassigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia where she assumed the role as Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Directorate of Public Health Services. From March 2015 to May 2016 she was assigned to USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) as the Medical Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. She currently serves as the Training Department Leading Chief Petty Officer at Naval Expeditionary Intelligence Command, Dam Neck, Virginia.
Senior Chief Rogers is a graduate of Hospitalman “A” School, Field Medical Service School, and the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. She was awarded her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration in August 2003 and her Masters Degree in Public Health in September 2008.
Senior Rogers qualified as an Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, Fleet Marine Force Designee, and Military Training Specialist. Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (four awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), Armed Forces Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NATO Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
Senior Chief Rogers is married to Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Ulfig. She has two step children, Shane (25) Taylor (22), and two dogs; Tiger (91/2) and Thor (3).
Steven Koskinen
Coast Guard Veteran
I am nominating Steven S Koskinen for 2025 Bucks for the Brave
Steven has been a mutual retired Coast Guard friend who still deer hunts at every opportunity. Steven has over 20 years service in the Coast Guard retiring as a Senior Chief Machinery Technician.
Steven has accomplished many achievements being stationed aboard Coast Guard cutters Duane (WHEC-33), Point Turner (82365), Bittersweet (WLB-389), Tackle (WYTL-65604), Hammerhead (WPB-87302) and the cutter Moray (WPB-87321) in which Steven advanced to Senior Chief. Steven was cited for superior performance for leading the engineering department in a successful voyage from Louisiana to Maine without any engineering casualties.
In addition to serving aboard six Coast Guard cutters, Steven was at Marine Safety Office Sault Ste Marie Michigan in which he was involved in over 137 pollution cases. Steven investigated several cases which he was responsible for finding the responsible party, and recovering over $22000.00 in clean up costs. This earned Steven the Coast Guard’s Achievement Medal. On the Point Turner Steven participated in the Statue of Liberty relighting in New York harbor, keeping security and protecting former President Regan and French President Mitterrand.
Steven has participated in his community while serving in various locations during his 20 year tour of duty. Steven has coached 4 years of Little League baseball, coached a middle school soccer team and was head coach for 4 years in the youth hockey league. Steven was assistant coach for the Camden Hills Maine regional ice hockey high school team, where he also coached the mountain bike team which took the States championship title 3 years running.
In conclusion Steven Koskinen not only has served the United States Coast Guard in a faithful and selfless manner but has instilled these values in his shipmates and impressionable youth of tomorrow. Please consider my nomination of Steven S Koskinen for the 2025 Bucks for the Brave.
Thank you, W.J. Beavers USCG RET.
Stacey Rice
Army & Air Force Veteran
Stacey served in the Air Force as a Security Policeman during Desert Storm. He got out in 1992 and joined the Army after 9/11. He served as an infantry team leader while deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in 2004-2005. He was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a car bomb. He also was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, a Combat Infantry Badge and several other medals.
Erik Housman
Marines Veteran
Erik Housman retired from the USMC as a Sergeant Major Marine Corps Special Forces, Marine Raider (MARSOC) with multiple combat tours. He is currently serving in the VA. Below is copied from his DD214 and as you can see he was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” Valor and two Purple Hearts.
BRONZE STAR MEDAL (W/COMBAT ‘V’), PURPLE HEART (2),MERITORIOUSSERVICEMEDAL(3)
MILITARY JUSTICE SENIOR OFFICER (HAB), 01/2019SMCSENIORENLISTEDPME(
Kelly lathrem
Army & EMS Veteran
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our hero Kelly Latham. She served in the US Army from 2002 to 2006. She fought in the Iraq War and earned her combat spurs, cavalry, 515th FSB, ARCOM, AAM twice and multiple other awards. She is now the current assistant chief for La Porte EMS. She is one of the most selfless and caring people I have ever met. She mentors students from our local elementary school. She even adopted a local child that needed a loving parent. She is a wife, an amazing mother, step mother, and a friend to everyone she meets. She has stepped into my children’s life like a second parent without even a thought when she found out they lost their dad in the line of duty. She will go beyond the normal limits to help anyone in need. This is a woman who never takes a break or complains about life’s challenges. She deserves the opportunity to have a little time for herself because of her selfless service to our country and community. We want her to know that we honor her and love her. Her service to us all is truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. She has no idea that I am submitting this because she is so humble and she is a true hero that deserves to be honored.
Stuart Harris
EMS, Fire Department & Law Enforcement Veteran
Stu Harris was a Sgt for Houston police and a firefighter/emtb for Jacinto City Fire. He grow up hunting and taught his 3 boys the same famliy tradition that he was taught from his father. He is an active hunter and become more of a hunter after his retirement but due to medical issue the last few years he has been able to hunt. With the condition of his mother and his wife he continues to serve others while putting himself to the side.
I am his youngest son that is an active firefighter/Paramedic. I do not know of any of his awards and achievements from his time with the police dept. He has always kept the job separate from the famliy. I do know he has spent time as a patrol officer before promoting to sgt and did investigative work.
