Chance Carrick

Chance Carrick is a 2014 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer. From 2014 to 2019, Chance served honorably in the U.S. Army, spending the majority of his time with 1-9 FA Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His final duty assignment was as an Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS) with the ROTC program at the University of Richmond, where he mentored and trained the next generation of Army leaders.

After transitioning from active duty, Chance channeled his leadership and discipline into entrepreneurship. He is the founder and owner of Fides Restoration in Palm Beach County, FL. Fides Restoration is dedicated to helping families and businesses recover from mold, flooding, hurricane damage, and other environmental challenges. In addition to his restoration work, Chance is the co-owner of two Pure Barre studios in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which he runs alongside his wife and business partner, Danielle.

Outside of work, Chance is an avid golfer, passionate traveler, and dedicated foodie. He enjoys exploring new restaurants, staying active outdoors, and embracing the sunny, coastal lifestyle of South Florida with Danielle by his side.

Craig Wood

Craig Wood started playing golf casually with his grandparents as a kid, then became competitive as a teenager, earning 4 league championships and an individual MVP award in high school.

In 1997, he joined the Navy shortly after HS and completed a 5 year enlistment as an AME2 (aviation egress technician), including one carrier deployment to the Persian Gulf. After leaving the Navy, Craig began his career in law enforcement, where he worked various assignments such as Search and Rescue, SWAT, Field Training Officer, Boat Patrol, Dive Team.

He played very little golf during most of his Navy and Law Enforcement careers, only picking the game up again in 2020 when his daughter expressed interest in playing HS and college golf. Since then, she and Craig have devoted much of their time to playing, learning, and competing in this game they love.

Andy Wood

Staff Sergeant Andy Wood honorably served in the United States Air Force from April 1996 to April 2005. During his tenure, he worked as a Crew Chief on both the C-141 Starlifter and the C-17 Globemaster, primarily while stationed at Charleston Air Force Base (CAFB). At CAFB, he served in the 423rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS), contributing to both the ISO docks and Aircraft Recovery (AR) shop operations.

In August 2001, SSgt Wood was reassigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he served until his separation from active duty in 2005. His role included serving as a Flying Crew Chief, where he was responsible for recovering disabled aircraft in combat zones. He also supported numerous medical evacuation missions that were critical to the recovery and safe return of wounded service members following the events of September 11, 2001. In recognition of his contributions and community engagement, he was named an honorary member of the United Kingdom Golf Society during his time at Ramstein.

SSgt Wood was born on August 23, 1976, in Waycross, Georgia, and graduated from Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina. He attended Pembroke State University, where he played collegiate golf before enlisting in the Air Force.

He currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife, Celeana, and their son, Peyton. SSgt Wood serves as the Assistant Director for the South Carolina chapter of the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) in the Charleston area.

Craig Thomas

Craig Thomas has served as the Head Golf Professional at Metropolis since 2007. A highly accomplished teacher and one of the finest players in the Met Section, Craig was born in New York City and raised in New Fairfield, CT.

His professional golf career began in 1988 following four years of service in the United States Marine Corps. He gained valuable experience as an assistant golf professional in Ardsley and Greenwich before becoming Head Golf Professional at Lawrence Village Country Club on Long Island, where he remained for 11 seasons (1994–2004). After two seasons at The Muttontown Club, Craig joined Metropolis, noting, “This is where I want to be. I had the privilege of knowing Gene Borek for a long time—Gene was the consummate professional and teacher, and I feel extremely fortunate to follow in his footsteps.”

Austin Favor

Austin Favor is a Lieutenant (O-3) in the United States Coast Guard with 13 years of active-duty service. He is currently assigned to the C5I Service Center, where he plays a key role in modernizing the Coast Guard’s technology infrastructure. Lieutenant Favor lives in Stafford, Virginia, with his wife and their three children, ages 7, 5, and 2. In his free time, he enjoys golfing regularly at the Fort Belvoir Golf Course.

Ray Martin

Ray Martin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1999 and served honorably for 10 years as a 45K Armament Repairer. During his military career, he completed three deployments. After transitioning out of the service in 2009, Ray took up golf as a therapeutic outlet to help manage symptoms of PTSD. He is married and the proud father of a 12-year-old daughter. Ray is excited about the opportunity to participate in the Liberty Cup.

Ryan Villarreal

SGT Ryan Villarreal enlisted in the Army January 2006 as a Combat Medic. He was assigned to the 2/505 PIR of the 82^nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC. SGT V deployed to Samara Iraq with VGA founder, Capt Peyton in Iraq in 2007 and was a line medic for Alpha company. During his second deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, SGT V was a company medic assisting soldiers in his company and training Iraqi forces. In between deployments, SGT V enjoyed the Pinehurst area that is full of golf and outdoor activities. After initial enlistment ended in 2010, SGT V served in the Army Reserves as a medical instructor for 2 more years.

SGT V is born and raised in San Antonio, Tx. His dad and 3 uncles served in the Air Force during Vietnam. After taking up golf in high school, he earned a golf scholarship to St. Mary’s University. His lone college victory came at the Club of Longleaf in Pinehurst, NC. SGT V graduated with a degree in Corporate Finance Management.

SGT V has been married to the love of his life, Ashleigh, since 2014.  They currently have 2 beautiful children, Jack and Paige. You can usually find Ryan and the kids on the golf course!

Since 2012, he has been a Firefighter/ Paramedic for the San Antonio Fire Department. SGT V was recently promoted to the rank of Engineer and has been serving on a EMS ambulance where he’s been utilizing his skills that he acquired during his time in service.

SGT V has enjoyed being a member of the VGA and meeting fellow veterans across the United States. SGT V has been a Texas State Winner in 2021, a Central Region Winner in 2021 and 2022.

Travis Bryant

Born and raised in Savannah, GA. Hit his first golfball at the age of 2 at the park
across the street. Travis also played shortstop and pitcher in baseball. By 12
years old it was decided to put all of his efforts towards golf.
Travis joined the Army in 2017 to follow in his father’s footsteps. Graduated
Airborne School in 2018. Deployed to the middle east in January of 2020 and
again in August of 2021. He aided in the evacuation of the 122,000 people in
Afghanistan. Travis and his team were on the last plane out of Afghanistan from
the HKIA Airport on August 31st. Continuing to play golf as often as possible, he
played his way up to a job at Division Headquarters to play with distinguished
visitors and leaders from all over the world.
In November of 2022 his Army career was complete and he has been at a range
or a golf course nearly every day since. Travis is playing out of Forest Creek GC
with the goal to play golf at the highest level.
Travis lives in Pinehurst with his wife Sara, whom he married the day before
going to Afghanistan. They spend most of their days golfing and going to the
gym together or fishing in the evenings.

Jordan Jones

Petty Officer Second Class Jordan Jones served 6 years on the United States Navy from 2012-2018. His duty stations included Kings Bay, Georgia and Portsmouth, Virginia.   As a Missile Technician he served on the submarines USS Rhode Island making four patrols and one patrol on the USS Alaska. He was awarded three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. After a honorable discharge, he worked four years as a contractor in Huntsville, Alabama for the FBI Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center.  In 2021 he started working at Lee County Sheriff Department as a Deputy in Mississippi where he still currently works.

Josh Sherer

Originally from Payette, Idaho, Josh Sherer served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years as an Electronics Technician. Now retired, he resides in Fallon, Nevada with his wife—also a retired Navy veteran—and their two children, Jared (12) and Cody (10).

Phil Cruz

Phil Cruz is a Senior Program Manager supporting National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) Ballistic Missile Weapons Division, NA-122.2 as a Contractor with High Bridge Associates. Phil is assisting with integrating the current ICBM warhead stockpile on the Air Force’s next generation Sentinel missile.

Phil has come to NNSA from SNL where he worked as part of the Federal Program Office as the B61-12 Integrated Risk Manager.  Through consistent vigilance and team work the B61-12 Life Extension Program (LEP) is still on track to meet its First Production Unit on schedule.  In addition to working with the B61-12 LEP, Phil was asked to help derive the amount of Management Reserve needed to complete the W80-4 LEP on schedule and budget for the SNL Weapons Development Cost Report prior to entry into phase 6.3.

Phil is a retired Lieutenant Commander.  He completed his naval service at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) conducting Nuclear Surety Inspection on the nation’s strategic triad.  Prior to that, he was part of Stratcom where he served with the Strategic Weapons Officer for all SSBN submarines in the Atlantic fleet.  His duties included training and certifying submarine crews for strategic deterrent patrols and briefing presidential aides on SSBN submarine conduct of operations for wartime scenarios.

Phil’s hobbies include family and golf.  In October, Phil will be married 25 years to his lovely bride Sonia.  He has three beautiful daughters Jessica, Alexis and Marissa.  His family is his life, but golf is his favorite hobby.  Phil has recently competed for the Golf Channel Am Tour National Championship at Mission Hills Golf and Country Club in California.

Casey Lindo

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Casey Lindo has always had a passion for competition. While he grew up playing nearly every sport under the sun, it was golf—picked up at age 11—that became his lifelong game. By high school, Casey was competing seriously, a path that continued through college.

In 2016, he enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, where he walked on to the Men’s Golf Team, earning a starting position all four years. While excelling on the course, he also pursued a degree in Computer Science and served in Air Force ROTC.

Upon commissioning in 2021, Casey began his Air Force career as an Electronic Warfare Test Analyst at the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, FL. After 3 years, he PCS’d to the Pentagon in Arlington, VA where he currently serves as a Force Development Analyst in SAF/SA (Studies and Analysis).

Casey is now in his third year playing with the VGA (Veteran Golfers Association). In his debut season, he clinched the 2023 Florida State Championship. Though he missed regionals to compete in the All-Air Force Golf Team Qualifier, he returned in 2024 for Regionals in Myrtle Beach to finish just two strokes shy of Nationals. This year, he’s got his eyes set on making his first VGA National Championship appearance.

Off the course, Casey enjoys life with his wonderful wife Tashi and their dog Blade. He’s a multi-sport athlete who loves football, basketball, pickleball, and volleyball—and when he’s not in motion, he’s exploring new foods, traveling, dancing, or catching a good movie.

Doug Burhans

Master Sergeant Doug Burhans entered the United States Air Force in 1987.  He served in various locations around the United States.  He served overseas at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey and Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.  He retired from active duty in 2012.

Currently, Sergeant Burhans is a Junior ROTC instructor at Hixson High School.  His mission is to develop Citizens of Character.

Nathan Tingle

Nathan grew up in Morehead KY and has lived in Louisville since 1999.  He is married to his wonderful wife Lorna (professor at University of Louisville), has a 16yr old daughter (Emma), and is a dog dad to 4 great puppos.

He retired in March of this year after serving 20 years with the 123d Special Tactics Squadron, KY Air National Guard as a Pararescueman and Combat Rescue Officer. He deployed multiple times to several theaters and supported numerous disaster relief efforts throughout the United States.

In retirement, he is looking forward to spending time with his family, playing golf, traveling, and has plans to build on his education.

He joined the VGA in 2021 and enjoys meeting new veterans at different tournaments throughout Kentucky and the US.

Devon von Lichtenstein

Devon von Lichtenstein is a combat-related disabled veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served 4 years with a 14-month deployment to Iraq. Now, he’s channeling that same discipline and drive into a golf career after years of intensive physical therapy to overcome his injuries.

This is his first full season with the VGA and he’s currently ranked 6th in the state of California, 300th nationally. In his rookie season on the U.S. Am Tour, he competed in 7 events, earning 1 win, 2 second-place finishes, and placed in the top 10 in all 7 tournaments, with the Pacific Amateur Championship coming up in June.

James Lowe

James Lowe is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 2003 to 2008 at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, California with two yearlong deployments to Al Asad, Iraq during that time.

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he attended Purdue University before enlisting in the Marines and has been a lifelong athlete with a passion for competition.

He discovered golf at age 31 and pursued the game seriously by attending Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sports Management in Port St. Lucie, Florida. From 2015 to 2021, he worked as a PGA club professional, developing his expertise in both playing and teaching the game.

Now based in Boca Raton, Florida, he works alongside his beautiful wife Brianne in residential real estate. Together, they enjoy an amazing life with their 3-year-old daughter Lucy and their dog Kenzie.

A member of the Veteran Golfers Association since 2023, he is honored to represent the VGA & Marine Corps community at the Liberty Cup at Liberty National.

John Oliver

Master Sergeant Oliver was born May 8, 1979 in Dallas, Texas. His Marine Corps career started on August 21, 2000 where he attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. After graduation from recruit training, Master Sergeant Oliver attended Naval Air Station Pensacola Intermediate-Level Avionics training and received the Military Occupational Specialty of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Maintenance Technician. Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted to the rank of Private First Class in February 2001 while attending training and received the rank of Lance Corporal in October 2001 while attending UAS training in Milton, FL.
In December of 2001, Master Sergeant Oliver executed orders to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2), Cherry Point, North Carolina. While operating with VMU-2 from December 2001 to November 2004, Master Sergeant Oliver served in multiple Operation Iraqi Freedom campaigns in 2003 & 2004. On February 1, 2004, Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In October of 2004, Master Sergeant Oliver executed orders to CNATT Detachment Milton at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, FL to serve as a UAS instructor. In February of 2005, Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
From November 2007 – 2011, Master Sergeant Oliver returned to VMU-2 for another tour of duty. In March of 2008, Master Sergeant Oliver served in his third Operation Iraqi freedom campaign. During the deployment, Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted the rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 June 2008. After returning from Iraq, Master Sergeant Oliver served as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (SNCOIC) of the Avionics Division.
From February 2011 – 2014, Master Sergeant Oliver executed orders to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) to serve as a Detachment Commander. Upon graduation from MCESG, Master Sergeant Oliver’s first assignment was to Hanoi, Vietnam. Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on 1 April 2011. Master Sergeant Oliver’s second MCESG assignment was in Oslo, Norway.
From March 2014 – 2018, Master Sergeant Oliver executed orders back to VMU-2. During this time, Master Sergeant Oliver deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) serving in the Middle East. This marked the first ever MEU deployment of an UAS unit in Marine Corps History. On 1 February 2018 Master Sergeant Oliver was promoted to his current rank.
In March 2020, Master Sergeant executed orders to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 serving as Assistant Avionics Chief. Master Sergeant Oliver retired from the Marine Corps on 1 September 2020 and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he currently resides with his lovely wife Tiffany. Master Sergeant Oliver works with British Aerospace and Engineering (BAE) aboard Hill Air Force.
PERSONAL AWARDS: (1) Meritorious Service Medal, (1) Combat Action Ribbon, (1) Navy Commendation Medal, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, (5) Good Conduct Medal
OTHER AWARDS: (1) National Defense Medal, (3) Iraq Campaign Medal, (1) Global War on Terrorism Medal, (1) Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary (1) Presidential Unit Citation, (1) Navy Unit Commendation, (1) Navy Meritorious Unit Citation.

Chris Gatcomb

Chris Gatcomb is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served in a variety of operational roles aboard the USCGC Sea Lion in Bellingham, WA, the USCGC Monomoy in Manama, Bahrain, and at USCG Station New Haven in Connecticut. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Quinnipiac University and an MBA from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. He is currently pursuing his second Masters Degree in Supply Chain Management at Boston University. Committed to community service, Chris serves on the board of In a Heartbeat Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest through awareness, education, and AED donations. He has competed in two Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) National Championships and one VGA Armed Forces Cup representing the Coast Guard. A native of Wallingford, Connecticut, Chris currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts.

Michael Bradshaw

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Michael W. Bradshaw served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years retiring in October of 2020. Michael joined the Coast Guard in 2000 straight out of high school from the small town of Hacksneck on Eastern Shore of Virginia.
After completing basic training in Cape May, New Jersey, Michael went on to his first tour of duty located in Atlantic City, NJ. While stationed in Atlantic City, Michael went on to get qualified to conduct Search and Rescue missions as a small boat operator, Law Enforcement and marine fisheries enforcement. Following Atlantic City, Michael was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to conduct security missions following the tragic events of 9/11. Petty Officer Bradshaw went on to complete 5 more tours of duty at various stations and ships across the United States.
It should be pointed out that Boatswain Mate First Class Bradshaw received numerous awards; to include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal and Army Achievement Medal. The most notable for a daring rescue the night of November 15th, 2014. Michael led a complex rescue off the North Carolina Coast while operating the 47 Motor Life Boat battling 15 to 20ft seas and winds in excess of 50 knots. Despite the complete loss of electronic navigation system on the 47MLB he demonstrated superior navigational skills and seamanship by rigging the vessel for tow transporting the three people on board back to safe harbor.
After retiring from the Coast Guard, Michael returned working for the federal government onboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point located in Havelock, NC. He now enjoys his job working with aircraft, playing golf and his wonderful family Angie (wife) Reagan and Lana (2 daughters).

Todd Stephens

LCDR Todd Stephens currently serves as the Flight Safety Officer and MH-60T Standardization Instructor Pilot at Aviation Training Center (ATC) in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his commission and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2013.
Following graduation, LCDR Stephens began his career aboard USCGC Gallatin (WHEC-721) in Charleston, South Carolina, serving as an Engineering Officer in Training until the cutter’s decommissioning. He subsequently transferred to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he served as a member of the Pre-Commissioning Crew for USCGC Hamilton (WMSL-753) at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard.
Selected for Naval Flight Training, he reported to NAS Pensacola in 2015 and earned his designation as Coast Guard Aviator #4695 in April 2017. LCDR Stephens began operational aviation duty at Air Station Clearwater, Florida, where he flew search and rescue and law enforcement missions, earning Aircraft Commander designation and deploying extensively—totaling over 350 days in support of Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) and disaster response missions, including Hurricanes Irma, Florence, Michael, Dorian, and Sally.
In 2021, he reported to Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, becoming the unit’s first MH-60T pilot during its transition from the MH-65D. While stationed there, he qualified as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner and participated in humanitarian relief efforts in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2021. In 2023, he was selected for the Flight Safety program and received orders to ATC Mobile.
A lifelong golfer, LCDR Stephens grew up in a military family and moved frequently, living in Georgia, Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Kansas, Hawaii, Kentucky, Japan, Virginia, and Alaska. He played golf competitively in high school at Mount Vernon High School in Virginia, where he was a two-time Northern Region qualifier and team MVP in 2007. At the Coast Guard Academy, he served as president of the Golf Club during his senior year and also played football and basketball.
LCDR Stephens is a three-time member of the All-Coast Guard Golf Team (2023–2025) and was part of the inaugural team in 2023. He joined the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) in 2024 and has since competed in tournaments across the country, including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Rhode Island, California, and Hawaii.
He currently resides on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove with his wife, Kelly, and their two-year-old son, Callan.