Joyce Greenleaf

Joyce Taylor Greenleaf, CPT, USAR (Retired) began her military journey in Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX when she was born to US Army LTC and Mrs. Royce Taylor. A family posting to Japan when Joyce was nine afforded her the opportunity to learn the game of golf. She went on to play in high school, took a golf class in college at Murray State University (easy A), and joined the VGA in 2018. She has played in over 150 events and is currently the Assistant Director for the Kentucky VGA section.
The youngest of four siblings, Joyce, along with an older brother and sister, served in the US Army. The exception was the renegade brother who chose another path. He retired from the US Air Force. Military service was effectively the family business. Their father was a retired US Army Officer and their mother, an Army nurse, served in both WWII and the Korean War. After completing a BS in Recreation at Murray State, Joyce followed in their footsteps as an Ordnance officer stationed in Bamberg, Grafenwoehr, and Wertheim, Germany where she served as an Automotive and Armament Platoon Leader, OIC of a range upgrade project and Assistant battalion S-2/3. During her time in Wertheim, she also served as the de facto Morale Officer for the officers and troops working in battalion security and operations. She opened her home for holiday dinners and impromptu sledding parties for those alone and far from home and family.
Life after active duty found Greenleaf assigned to the 100th Division Maneuver Training Command with mobilizations for Desert Storm/Desert Shield and Operation Enduring Freedom. During this time, she completed a 2nd bachelor’s degree – a BS in Nursing – in addition to a Master of Education from Western Kentucky University. She worked as an Operating Room Nurse for 26 years.
In 1998, Joyce Taylor married Mark Greenleaf who is also a US Army veteran and member of the VGA. Their son, Steven Taylor Greenleaf, passed away in May, 2020.
Her innate desire to serve those who served led CPT Greenleaf to take on her current leadership role in the VGA. In her own words, “I have a love for my Lord, my family, and golf.” She has her priorities straight.

Jacob Miller

Jacob Miller is a dedicated U.S. Navy veteran whose commitment to service began early, enlisting in the delayed entry program in February 2000 at the age of seventeen. His active duty commenced in July 2000, leading to impactful assignments including VP-47 in Hawaii, where he advanced to Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class (AD3) and served during the pivotal events of September 11, 2001, deploying three times globally. In 2004, he was reassigned to VX-20 in Patuxent River, MD, achieving the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class (AD2), earning his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist insignia, and receiving the Naval/Marine Corps Achievement Medal along with multiple letters of commendation.
Following his honorable discharge in 2007, Jacob transitioned to a career within the Department of Defense sector. Rekindling his passion for golf, he joined the VGA in 2021, quickly becoming an active member and leader. His dedication to the veteran community led to his appointment as the Maryland Assistant Director in 2023, followed by his promotion to Delaware State Director in 2024, where he is committed to fostering growth and engagement within the veteran network.

When not on the golf course, Jacob enjoys spending his free time with his wife Melissa, children Nathan, Megan, Ashley, and Reaghan. He also enjoys spending time with his grandchild Selena.
He is thankful for all the support he received from family and friends including his mother Mary, Jeff, Brian, Brandon, Alex, Mark, Paul, Abbe and many others. His other hobbies include watching his daughters play field hockey, taking care of his chickens, woodworking and spending time with his dogs.

Jerry Kilmartin

Master Sergeant (Retired) Jerry Kilmartin grew up in upstate NY in the small village of Hudson Falls. He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in 1978 and entered the United States Air Force two weeks after graduation. His AF specialty code (AFSC) was as an Orderly Room Clerk. Jerry traveled extensively throughout his 23.5-year career. His assignments included Plattsburgh AFB, NY; Clark AB, Philippines; Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Quarry Heights, Panama; Maxwell AFB, AL; Osan AB, Korea; Kadena AB, Japan, Anderson AFB, Guam; and HQ ACC, Langley AFB, VA, respectively.
He started out working in Orderly Rooms until his AFSC merged with personal. In Panama, he worked on the USSOUTHCOM J-1 staff during Operation Just Cause. He served as a supervisor in a variety of CBPO/MPF offices from 1990 until his assignment as a personnel inspector with HQ ACC in 1999. His wartime duty was PERSCO and deployed quite a bit throughout his career. Temporary overseas duty assignment locations include South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and Germany throughout his career.
Jerry’s military awards and decorations include: the Meritorious Service Medal (2 devices), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1 device), Air Force Commendation Medal (5 devices), Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 device), Air Force Achievement Medal (1 device), National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (1 device), Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (7 devices), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal (6 devices) and numerous other service ribbons.
Jerry joined the VGA in April 2023 and has never looked back. He thoroughly enjoys the company, comradery, and fellowship of all the vets and family members, coupled with the opportunity to travel throughout the US, golfing. His goal is to golf in all 50 states and as of this bio has 17 remaining states to go.
Jerry has been married to his lovely wife, Rosana, for nearly 33 years. They have four children: Damian (WA), Tarasita (NV), Jay (NY), and Leonard (CT) and one grandson, Mateo Alexander (NY). His claim to fame is all his sons were born on a different island in the Pacific theater and his daughter in Germany. Jerry works at Hartford CSD, NY, and will soon be retiring from a second career after 23 years.

Doug Gerwulf

Lance Corporal Douglas Gerwulf served in the Marine Corps as an infantryman for six years during the years of 1987-1992 with assignments that included Marine Barracks “8th and I”, deployment to the first Gulf War in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, 29 Palms in California and Okinawa, Japan. While on the Presidential Detail at “8th and I”, his most memorable moment during this detail came when he was selected to be on the detail that escorted President Reagan to his last ride on Air Force One.

After departing the military he worked several odds and ends jobs, until getting into the communication field. It started with a phone company in Iowa, which progressed into splicing outside plant fiber optics. He has been working in the field for 25+ years and currently works for Fusion Pros out of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

Lance Corporal Gerwulf resides in Sioux Center, Iowa. His daughter, Brianne lives in Alburnett, Iowa with her fiance Carston and 2 year old grandson Arlo.

On a normal Saturday morning waiting for the rain to clear at his local course, he met a couple guys, veterans, bragging about a tournament they just played in Nebraska where it was 70 degrees and 40 mph winds. They said it was with an organization called the VGA. The next morning, over coffee he looked it up, paid the membership and signed up for his first tournament the next weekend at Lake Panorama in Panora,Iowa.

Joining the VGA was one of the best decisions that this Marine ever made. Meeting fellow veterans from all over the United States, sharing stories of lives lived and playing golf on courses never dreamed of playing has been very fulfilling. Many hurdles have been accomplished from communications skills to anger management, which has transformed into everyday life. Semper Fi. No one fights alone.

Brice Hedin

I enlisted in the US Coast Guard Dec 1976 in Fayetteville, NC. I attended Aviation Machinist Mate (AD) class A School in Elizabeth City, NC. Then Air Stations in Cape Cod Massachusetts, Corpus Christi, Texas, Astoria Oregon, then returned to Corpus Christi, Texas. I retired in June 1997 at USCG Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

Upon retirement I have work as an Aircraft Quality Assurance Inspector for McDonald Douglas Aircraft Company, Boeing Aircraft Company, in Kingsville, Texas and Meridian, Mississippi. Have worked for Raytheon Aerospace, L3 Communications, Vertex Aerospace and am currently with V2X at NAS Meridian under Navy Contract.

I joined the VGA in 2019 and play in as many VGA tournaments as I can. I love the game of golf. I have been able to play in 3 consecutive Armed Forces Cup tournaments for team Coast Guard. I am currently first in VGA points nationwide for the US Coast Guard Team have been for the last 3 years playing VGA tournaments. This year I have played in 6 states and have 49 tournaments in 2023 with 15 wins. I qualified to play the 2023 Senior Championship Nationals for the second year at Forest Creek in Pinehurst, NC. I have also been able to enlist 5 new members to join the VGA for 2023.

Gerry Crisostomo

Gerry Crisostomo joined the VGA in September 2022. In April 2022, he volunteered to be an Assistant State Director for Maryland and most recently assumed the position of Maryland State Director in April 2025. A little fun fact, in only his first season, he became the 2nd VGA member to reach over 1000 points!
Following in his father’s footsteps, he enlisted in the Army in 1999. He served 8 years on active duty and was medically separated in 2007. His duty assignments brought him to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Yongsan Garrison and K-16 Seoul Airbase, South Korea. He has multiple deployments and tours overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).
Gerry’s military awards include the Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (4), Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon (2).
After enlistment, Gerry continued service as both a defense contractor and civil service employee for the Department of the Army and Department of Treasury. He most recently began a new career as a Senior Program Manager for General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Gerry is originally from the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). As a military dependent, he grew up in multiple states across the nation primarily in North Carolina, Kentucky and Hawaii. He now resides in Bel Air, MD right outside of Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He is the proud father of Sedric, Anika and Gianna!

Paul Flake

Captain (Retired) Paul Flake was born in Prairie Village, Kansas. He attended Rockhurst High School and served as the Yearbook Editor during his junior and senior years. He attended Creighton University and Rockhurst College where he served as a Teaching Assistant in Statistical Analysis and Experimental Psychology and earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in Human Resources Management. Before entering the Army in July 1990, CPT Flake earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Before his medical retirement in August 1995, CPT Flake served as a Trial Counsel at Fort Wainright, Alaska, a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Alaska, and a Medical Claims Judge Advocate at Fort Lewis, Washington.
After the completion of his military service, CPT Flake worked as a Dental Benefits Advisor with United Concordia Company and a Workforce Analyst with the Sprint Corporation. He was the sole proprietor of Kaiser Wood Works, which focused on the installation of Wood-Mode custom cabinetry, wood flooring, and finish carpentry activities.
In January 2024, CPT Flake retired from the General Services Administration where he served as a warranted Contracting Officer for 22 years managing Information Technology contracts.
Besides his golf exploits, Captain Flake has held a wide variety of jobs and possesses many skills: Senior Counselor at Muscular Dystrophy Association and YMCA summer camps, published photographer and author in the Kansas City Star’s Sunday Magazine, Private Police Officer with the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club, Carpenter with Marley Continental Homes and the JC Nichols Company, and Lead Carpenter at Allied Construction Services.
CPT Flake’s love of golf started during his teenage years when served as a caddy at Indian Hills, Missions Hills, and the Kansas City Country Clubs (he once caddied for Tom Watson). After a 30+ year hiatus, CPT Flake returned to golf, having played over 150 rounds in 18 different states since joining the VGA in April 2023.
In what little non-golf time he has left, CPT Flake enjoys bowling, kayaking, hunting, shooting sports (paper targets, trap, and skeet), gardening, woodworking, and remodeling his home.

Joseph Hagan

Master Sergeant Joe Hagan enlisted as a Combat Medic in 2003, and is still serving currently assigned to 18th Theater Medical Command, Ft Shafter, Hawaii. Upon retirement next year he will transition into Golf Course Management and Club Fitting.

MSG Hagan has experienced a variety of Duty locations in Alaska; California; Colorado; Hawaii; Kansas; Louisiana; and Texas. Including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. Some decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7), Expert Field Medical Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Inspector General Badge, Order of Military Medical Merit

He joined the VGA in 2023, served as an assistant state director for 1 year and was recently appointed Hawaii State Director.

Some golf accolades include: 2023 VGA Hawaii VET A Champion, 2024 VGA Hawaii VET A Runner Up, 2022 JRTC and Ft Polk Intramural Golf Champion, 2024 Klipper Amatuer Active Duty Champion, 2025 Mid-Pac Open competitor, and will be competing at the 2025 VGA Liberty Cup Qualifier.

Joe has one daughter Alaina (12), and currently resides in Honolulu with his girlfriend Jin.

Larry LeVasseur

Master Sergeant retired Larry Levasseur enlisted in the Army as an armor crewman in 1982. He served in numerous positions throughout his career in 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment , and 7th Army Training Command. His duty stations included Fort Bliss Texas, Fort Carson Colorado, Fulda, Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Larry retired from the Army in 2003 and then worked as a Department of Defense Civilian in Germany, Saudia Arabia and stateside. He also worked for 3 years as a defense contractor in Afghanistan.
Larry now spends as much time as possible on the golf course and has played in over 100 VGA events.

Samuel Maxwell

SSG (retired) Samuel R Maxwell was born on 20 Aug 1961 and raised in Laeger, West Virginia, a small McDowell County coal mining town. After graduating from Laeger High School in ’79, SSG Maxwell worked with a logging company and a billiards pool hall for 3 ½ years until he decided to enlist in the US Army and being his military career on 20 May 1983.
SSG Maxwell enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program for 5 months before being sent to Fort Leonard wood, MO in October 1983 for Basic Training. He graduated from basic training in December 1983 and was transferred to 67V Series Helicopter Mechanic/Engineer training in Ft. Rucker, Alabama. After graduating AIT in March 1984, he traveled to Fort Campbell, KY, where he would be selected for training with the 160th Airborne Company. Better known as the 160th SOAR (ABN) Nightstalkers!
SSG Maxwell didn’t realize he’d be stationed at Fort Campbell for 17 of his 20 years, but after his first 10 years, it would end up the best Aviation Unit he’d ever served with!
SSG Maxwell did 2 tours at Camp Humphreys, Korea, and 1 tour at Fort Kobbe, Panama. After retirement in 2004, SSG Maxwell worked for Advanced Auto Parts as an Assistant Manager for 6 months before returning to the 160th as a Crewmember/Technical Inspector until he retired again in 2016.
SSG Maxwell started golfing in 1997 as a hobby but got serious in 2022 after a friend (Billy O) told him about the VGA!
He is married to his wife Renee, has 7 adult children, 20 adorable grandchildren, and 6 precious great-grandchildren. He enjoys billiards, golf, riding his Harley, and staying busy with his grandchildren. NSDQ, SGDM, and Forever “A” Club!

Tony Miller

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Anthony Miller is from Winchester, Tennessee. After retirement in 2020 became a professional amateur golfer.

LTC Miller retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard where he served as an Active Guard Reserve Officer for 23 years. He originally joined the Active Army in 1984 where he served as an enlisted Soldier until 1991.

LTC Miller graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University in Alabama in 1991.

LTC Miller deployed with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment from Tennessee to Iraq from November 2004 until January 2005. Over his career he has served in many positions such as Maintenance Troop Commander, Regimental S4, State Mobilization Officer and Special Troops Battalion Commander for a Sustainment Brigade.

After retiring with 33 years of military service he does nothing but play golf daily.

Max Okla-Flowers

Max Flowers, AKA, Max Okla-Flowers is a native Texan born in Gainesville. He is a direct descendant of David Crockett of The Alamo fame.
Max is an Eagle Boy Scout and a member of Order of the Arrow. He attended and graduated from Gainesville public schools in 1969. He was drafted in 1970 and served as a Combat MP in Hue/Phu Bia Vietnam. He was also a member of the MP REACT team,
“A” Company 504th MP Battalion.
Returning home in 1972 he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Sue Tolleson. They have four grown sons, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He attended college using the GI Bill, graduating with a BS degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Park University.
He started his employment with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 1978, retiring in 2000. He had numerous working titles during his career. Correctional Officer, Lieutenant, Special Investigator Supervisor (SIS) South Central Regional SIS, BOP SIS, Deputy Chief Intelligence Section, Washington DC and Assistant Special Agent in Charge of BOP Internal Affairs.
After retiring from DOJ/BOP he founded Overland Security and Investigations.
While flipping TV channels one Sunday afternoon in 2023 he discovered the VGA on FS1 and joined up immediately. Began playing tournaments, traveling, meeting fellow veterans, their families and having a great time.

John Wright

John lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife of 35 years, Stephanie. They have 2 kids, and 7 grandkids. He joined the Army in 1977 and attended BCT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO., AIT, Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. His duty stations included, Ft. Lewis, WA x2, Seoul Korea x2, Ft. Sill, OK, Mainz/Frankfurt, Germany, Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Tripler Army Medical Center, Oahu, Hawaii, where he got off active duty in 1992.
John joined the Army Reserve, in 1997 at Fort Lewis, WA. In 2003, he was called back to active duty in support of Iraqi Freedom and was sent to Ft. Benning, GA, where he was the detachment NCOIC, tasked with completing physical exams on troops going and coming back from the Middle East. This assignment lasted 18 months at which time, they were sent back to their sending units. After returning from Ft Benning, he retired in 2004.
John joined the VGA in 2022 and is proud to represent the US Army in the Armed Forces Cup, at Champions Retreat in May 2025.

Chong Yi

Captain Chong Yi from Alexandria Virginia served most of his career in the Army Reserve as an Engineer Officer. He has been in several different types of units over his career from a Bridging Unit to a Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion. He ended his service as a Logcap Planner for the Army Materiel Command. He was activated for Operation Enduring Freedom and served in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
In his civilian job, he worked in various accounting roles for several different government contractors in the DC Metro area. He has held various roles in accounting from a Payroll Accountant to VP of Finance and Accounting for several small and mid-size government contractors.
Chong still lives in Alexandria Virginia with his wife Shelly and two cats. He has two sons that are Engineers and one of them is serving in the Army as an Engineer Officer in the 2nd Infinitary Division at Camp Humphreys in South Korea. When Chong is not playing golf, he still plays softball and works out several days a week.

Marty Dixon

Petty Officer First Class Marty Dixon served 10 years active duty before being placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List in 1989, then received a medical discharge. His duty stations included VAQ-33 out of NAS Norfolk, USS Saratoga (CV-60) out of Mayport, FL, VA-37 out of NAS Cecil Field, FL, Personnel Support Detachment’ NAS Jacksonville, FL, and Personnel Support Detachment, DCSC, Columbus, OH. He as participated in the Enlisted Commissioning Program at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
As a civilian, Marty held positions with the United States Census Bureau, Defense Finance and Accounting Services, and retired as a GS-12 from the Defense Logistics Agency in December, 2021.
After attending several colleges and earning credits while on active duty, Marty completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Administration from Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, in 2005.
Marty’s hobbies are reading, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards. He does not include golf as a hobby because it is a passion. He is married to Julie and between them, blended five children (all now grown with families of their own) into a family.

Shelly Ehlers

Shelly Ehlers was born in Thornton, CO and later moved to Barnum, MN where she graduated high school. She currently lives in Carrollton, VA. She has been a member of the VGA since 2022 and currently serves as a Virginia Assistant State Director and works at Riverfront Golf Club in Suffolk, VA.
15 days after she graduated from High School she left for boot camp at 17 years old. Shelly did a total of 13 years in service to her country completing 4 years of Active Duty time as a Torpedoman’s Mate serving both at sea and on shore duty. Her sea duty Commands were USS Canopus and USS Emory S. Land. Her shore assignments were TPU Norfolk, and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. In her 9 years in the Naval Reserve she was an Equipment Operator and served with NMCB 22 and NMCB 25.
Shelly has been married to her wonderful husband Ty for 30 years. They are the proud parents of 2 beautiful daughters and have four grandchildren. Aside from spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids Shelly spends most of her weekends on the golf course and participating in VGA events.

Nickolas George

Machinist Mate Chief (Submarines) Nickolas George entered in the Navy Delayed Enlistment Program in on October 7 1984, just after his 17th birthday. After graduating Hish School, he was off to RTC Great Lakes in September 1985. He then attended Machinist Mate a School in NTC Great Lakes and off to Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando Florida and Naval Nuclear Prototype in Windsor Locks CT. After a final stop at NTC San Diego for Submarine Welding School he was assigned to USS Atlanta (SSN 712) in Norfolk VA. He completed one Mediterranean Deployment. His first shore duty was back to instructor Duty at S1C prototype in Windsor Locks, CT. He was then Assigned to New Construction on the USS Greeneville (SSN-772) at Newport News Shipyard Va. After commissioning the Greeneville changed homeports to Pearl Harbor, HI where he completed their maiden Western Pacific Deployment. He was then assigned to Performance Monitoring Team Pearl Harbor. His final Sea Tour was on USS Louisville (SSN-724) where he conducted two Western Pacific Deployments. His final shore duty was on the Staff of Commander Submarines Forces Pacific until his retirement in October 2009 after 24 years of service.
Chief George and his wife Eleanor, who passed away in Nov 2020 after 24 years of marriage, spent their time in Hawaii breeding African Grey Parrots for over 20 years and enjoying life with her daughters Kate and Lauren. After her passing Nick moved back to Pemberton, New Jersey to assist his parents Warren, an USAF veteran, and Jean in 2021. It was then that he joined the VGA.
Chief George now spends his time as Bar Manager at VFW Post 6590 in Cookstown, NJ, golfing and spending time with Family and Friends.

Alfredo Medina III

Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Alfredo Medina III, a native of Angeles City, Philippines. Migrated to Guam in 1996, he joined the United States Navy as a Seaman Recruit on April 26, 2000, at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. After 20 years and 5 days of active service, he retired in April 2020 and now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Post Military Career: After retiring in 2020, Chief Medina spent three years coaching at Lake Stevens High School in Lake Stevens, Washington. He has since settled into civilian life in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he enjoys golf and remains active in the veteran community.
Personal Life: Chief Alfredo Medina III is a proud Navy veteran, husband, father of two, and grandfather. He has been married to his wife, Lailani, for 27 years. They have two children, Lawrence and Alexandria, and a beloved granddaughter, Luanna Kai, who inspire him to create wonderful memories and live life to the fullest.

Debbie Melecosky

2nd Class Petty Officer Deborah Bundy Melecosky joined the U.S.Navy in 1978. Debbie was stationed in Mississippi, California and the Philippines. The majority of her time was at North Island with Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group. Debbie was responsible for the OFC-10 budget and TDY travel for the command. While stationed at North Island Debbie was selected as Sailor of the Quarter and was nominated for a Navy League Woman of Achievement award.

This is the 3rd consecutive year that Debbie will be competing with team Navy at the Armed Forces Cup. Debbie was a VGA National Champion at the Greenbrier in 2019 and a runner up at the 2021 National Championship at Baltusrol. When she is not golfing, Debbie has a small business called “Peace of Cake”, creating specialty cakes and cookies for all occasions.

Debbie is married to retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Tim Melecosky. They have a son, three daughters and 8 grandchildren.

Cherokee Montgomery

Cherokee Montgomery is originally from the North Carolina Band of the Cherokee Indian Nation, but now lives and calls Las Vegas, NV home.

Cherokee joined the U.S. Army in 1975 and attended Basic Training at Ft. McClellan, AL followed by AIT at Ft. Jackson, SC. Cherokee was then stationed at the Combat Development Experimentation Command at Ft. Hunter-Liggett, CA as a Medivac Paramedic. In 1977, while stationed at Ft. Hunter-Liggett, Cherokee was introduced to a 3 Star Admiral who informed her she had been “selected” to continue her service in the U.S. Navy.

From there, Cherokee attended OSV training at Naval Station Great Lakes in IL. Cherokee then served as a Naval Intelligence Petty Officer in Adak, Alaska; Keflavik, Iceland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Newfoundland, Canada; and finally completing her Naval Career at the Philadelphia Navy Yard,

Following her U.S. Navy career, Cherokee continued to serve and support our troops as a Department of Defense Civilian Contractor from 2005 to 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, performing the duties of a Convoy Commander delivering U.S and APO Mail to our Service Members. Being able to serve our troops in this capacity was one of Cherokee’s most satisfying deployments.

Now retired, Cherokee spends time playing the game of golf and joined the VGA in 2023. Cherokee has very much enjoyed the camaraderie and “family” feel of the fellow veterans of the VGA.

Robyn Pierce

Robyn Pierce is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and enlisted in the Navy on 27 August 1990. She attended bootcamp in Orlando, Florida. Upon graduation, she attended Hospital Corpsman “A” School, Great Lakes, Illinois. In March of 1991 she attended Field Medical Service School, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She served at RTC Orlando, NH Rota Spain, NWS Yorktown, VA, Operation Tandem Thrust, Gold Coast, Australia, and then reported to Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman “C” School, Portsmouth, VA. She graduated in August 1998 as the Honor Graduate and reported to the USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74). She went on to serve at ATG Pacific, USS Rushmore (LSD 47), Naval Medical Center San Diego, and completed a deployment to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa where she operated downrange at Forward Operating Location, Camp Kasenyi, Entebbe, Uganda. She served as Command Master Chief of VFA-22, Fighting Redcocks, Lemoore CA, USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23), Pre-Com TRIPOLI (LHA 7) before retiring March 2021. She earned four warfare qualifications (Enlisted Surface Warfare, Enlisted Aviation Warfare, Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare and Information Warfare Specialist). She completed multiple Western Pacific deployments in support of OIF/OEF. She is a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 121, Green and Keystone Course. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Health Science, a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Practice Management, and a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership. She now resides in Pace, Florida and is a proud member of the Veterans Golf Association, Florida, South Region, Stonebrook Golf Club, AC Read Golf Club and John O. Connor, VFW Post 4833 in Milton, Florida. GO NAVY!

Eric Rion

Commander (CDR) retired Eric Rion, a native of Charlotte, NC, retired from the United States Navy in August 2023 after 35 years of enlisted/officer active-duty service. He now resides in Kingsland, GA, where he continues to serve the United States Navy as a defense contractor with Systems Planning Analysis, Inc. as a Program Analyst.
CDR Rion began his Navy career as an enlisted submariner in an extensive training pipeline, where he was stationed at several different duty stations and completed several school assignments which included Recruit Training, Basic Electronics & Electricity (BE&E) training, Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS), Sonar Technician Submarines (STS) “A” and “C” schools, all were in Orlando, FL, Groton, CT, or San Diego, CA.
Once aboard his first submarine, USS TECUMSEH (SSBN 628) (Blue) in Charleston, SC, he earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare device (AKA Silver Dolphins) and served three Deterrent Patrols and a year and half of slow approach operations, the test bed for SEAL delivery operations, as a sonar technician. His follow-on tours consisted of USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN 735) (Blue) in Kings Bay, GA, TRIDENT Training Facility, Kings Bay as an instructor where he earned his Master Training Specialist (MTS) designation, USS NEBRASKA (SSBN 739) (Blue) in Kings Bay, GA, where he earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer and USS TENNESSE (SSBN 734) (Gold) where he was selected for commissioning through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program.
Upon his commission, he served as R4 (Submarine Electronics Repair) Division Officer aboard the USS FRANK CABLE (AS-40) in Guam earning his Surface Warfare Officer device; he served as Assistant Weapons Officer (AWEPS) onboard USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730) (Blue) in Bangor, WA where he earned his Submarine Officer Warfare device (AKA Gold Dolphins); he served as the Squadron Weapons Officer at Submarine Squadron FIFTEEN in Guam; he served as the Electronics Material Officer at Naval Submarine Support Command, Kings Bay; he served at the Weapons Repair Officer at TRIDENT Refit Facility, Kings Bay; he served as the Submarine and Nuclear Power LDO/CWO Detailer at Bureau of Personnel in Millington, TN; he served as the Base Executive Officer at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, NJ; he served as the Submarine Force Weapons Officer at Submarine Force Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA and his last tour he served as the Executive Officer at Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic in Kings Bay, GA.
CDR Rion graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Adult Workforce Education from Valdosta State University in 2013 and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Brenau University in 2014. He was accepted into a Doctorate Program and attended the University of Florida but did not complete his studies due to his active-duty commitments. His goal is to complete this achievement one day. CDR Rion’s Military Awards include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal X2, Navy Commendation Medal X5, Navy Achievement Medal X9 and various other ribbons and medals.
Eric has always had an enthusiasm for golf and recently, in April 2024, he joined the VGA and is currently serving as an Assistant State Director for Georgia. He truly believes golf is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable sports, and it can improve the lives of all veterans, as it has his.
CDR Rion is married to his lovely wife Angie and has one daughter Cali.

Edward Simmons

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER (RET) Edward Simmons is retired in Temecula, California, after 30+ years of naval service and 17 years of government service for the Department of the Navy. He enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his friends and family. And enjoying the competition and camaraderie of the Veterans Golfer Association.

LCDR Simmons retired from the US Navy in September 2001. He served in various enlisted assignments in mine warfare and as a Surface Ordnance Officer, serving in operational assignments as Operations Officer for Commander Mobile Mine Assembly Group and Commanding Officer at Mobile Mine Assembly Group Units in Sigonella, Italy, Charleston, South Carolina, Misawa, Japan, and Seal Beach, California. Milestones include selection to Chief Mineman in 1980, selection as Senior Chief Petty Officer, and commissioning in 1987 to Ensign under the Limited Duty Officer procurement program. 

After retiring from the Navy in 2001, he continued his presence in Naval Mine Warfare, managing and directing in-service mining and the exercise mining programs. Supporting aerial mining proficiency for U.S. Navy tactical and maritime patrol forces, U.S. Air Forces B52, B1, B2 Aircraft, U.S. Submarine Forces, and support of Naval Carriers Mine Readiness Certifications. He had the pleasure of supporting naval forces in the execution of mine warfare, abroad in 7th Fleet, 6th Fleet, 5th Fleet, and in the 2nd and 3rd Fleet areas of responsibility.

LCDR Simmons was born in Yokohama, Japan. A naturalized U.S. citizen and Michigander, he is a 1970 graduate of Cadillac Senior High School in Cadillac, Michigan. He attended Ferris State College and various other colleges throughout his 30 years in the Navy and 17 years in the Civil Service.

Military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Good Conduct Medals, the Navy Expeditionary Medals, the National Defense Service Medals, and various other Campaign, Service, and Unit Ribbons. His civilian awards include the Meritorious Service Award as director of the Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society in Sigonella and the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Colin Beal

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Colin Beal started his military career by enlisting in the Hawaii Air National Guard in May 1985 and served as a Weather Observer/Forecaster primarily supporting Army Aviation. The Guard taught him discipline, provided structure, and helped him formulate long-term goals; leading to his enrollment in the AFROTC Program at the University of Hawaii in 1988.
With his ANG experience under his belt, he figured out attending school, instead of going to the beach, will get you graduated. He was commissioned in 1990 and left his home in Hawaii on his first active-duty assignment: Offutt AFB, Nebraska. His friends made jokes about cows and corn; his mom said “don’t worry, you can always PCS one day.” However, it turned out to be a great assignment with an important mission, dedicated folks, good friends…and meeting the love of his life.
During his career he served at 10 different bases in Logistics and Aircraft Maintenance Officer positions at the Base, AF Major Command Headquarters, and Joint HQ-levels. He was a 2-time squadron commander serving in the Pacific Air Forces’ Contingency Response Group and at the largest Air Base in Middle East. He finished his Air Force Career as a Mission Support Group Deputy Commander at Barksdale AFB. Post-service he became an astronaut…okay, just checking if you’re still reading. Most of his working life post-military was spent with the Veterans Affairs, culminating a 9-year career as the Director of Logistics for the Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System.
During his time in the service, he deployed, like many others, in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom. He has been involved in humanitarian relief efforts in Guam, Palau, Philippines and Louisiana.
His education includes a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College, Masters in Administration from Central Michigan University, Bachelor Degrees in Geography & Speech from the University of Hawaii, and an A.S. in Weather Technology from the Community College of the Air Force.
His military awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (6 OLCs), AF Commendation Medal (1 OLC), and the AF Achievement Medal (1 OLC).
He can’t play contact sports anymore, but enjoys following college football and basketball, the NFL and the WNBA (thanks Caitlin Clark!). He tries hard to emotionally support the Nebraska Cornhuskers/Creighton Blue Jays, but his heart is with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (hey, we have beaten Nebraska in Lincoln last century and in 2008 we were in the Sugar Bowl!).
Lt Col Beal comes from a golfing family and started when Lyndon B. Johnson was President. He played Division I golf for about six weeks as a walk-on, but after having only $10 in his bank account, and shooting 89 in a qualifier, he told his coach he needed to quit and get a job. It was not a tearful parting as his coach briefly looked up and may have growled. An avid golfer through his career, he was selected as the Pacific Air Forces representative to the USAF Golf Championships in 2004, finishing only 19 spots behind the winner, but earning the undying respect of his boss for not finishing last.
He joined the Veterans Golfers Association in September 2022 and proving the “blind squirrel” analogy, he made his first hole-in-one (after 55 years of trying) in a VGA event in Missouri in May 2023. Riding that momentum through the rest of the season, he defied the odds and won the 2023 VGA National Championship in the Veteran B Flight; proving the adage, “sometimes it’s just your time.” Since November 2023 he has volunteered to help support the organization as the Nebraska Assistant Director.
He currently lives in Bellevue, Nebraska with his wife of 32 years (Joy). His oldest daughter Leilani is a Technical Sergeant in the Nebraska Air National Guard and his youngest daughter, Tiana, is a student at the University of Hawaii. They have 3 Shelties that do nothing to pay for food on the table.

Ray Brown

USAF Master Sergeant (Retired). I grew up in Cattaraugus NY on the family dairy farm. Enlisting in the Air Force in August 1977 and served as a Missile Systems Maintenance Specialist for 3 years. The next 17 years were spent as a Calibration Specialist in the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory. My family and I were stationed at Lowry AFB, CO, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, Incirlik AB, Turkey, back to Lowry AFB CO, Eglin AFB FL, Tonopah Test Range, NV to support the (then) classified “F-117 Stealth Fighter”. Lajes Field, Azores Portugal and retired at McChord AFB, WA. After 42 years we moved back home to Western NY where our traffic is now John Deere tractors and Amish buggies.
Over my 20 year career, I earned 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, 2 Air Force Achievement Medals, 6 AF Good Conduct Medals, Expert Marksmanship (Rifle), 2 Outstanding Unit Awards, Distinguished Graduate for the Senior NCO Academy and a AAS Degree in Electronic Systems Technology.
After retiring from the Air Force, I was the National Operations Manager for Verizon’s Calibration program for 11 years. In classic mid-life fashion I decided to become a Maritime Captain and for the next 11 years, I was the captain of a passenger ferry in the Pacific Northwest until we retired in 2019.
Notable life achievements are being married to my beautiful wife Cindy for 48 years. My two children and best Friends, Nathan and Angie. Grand children, Grace, Peyton and Knox. Competing in the United States Armed Forces Europe wrestling championship, Trekking the Inca trail, Sailing a 38’ sailboat across the Atlantic from the Saint Martin in the Caribbean to Lisbon Portugal, Summitting several mountains including 3 summits of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Cotopaxi in Ecuador, A Divemaster with over 1600 dives, including an invitation to assist the famous pioneer of underwater archaeology, Dr. George Bass on an archaeological dive site in the Mediterranean Sea and finally, proudly serving as the VGA New York State Director. I have been a member of the VGA since 2021 and played in over 150 VGA events.

Edwin Frieden

Major Edwin Frieden is still serving our great country as a member of the 122nd Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne Indiana. He began his career in 2007 when he enlisted into Aircraft Maintenance as a F-16 Fuel System Technician. After 8 years in this role he was commissioned, stayed in the maintenance group and served 8 years as the Weapons Officer for the A-10 Warthog (BRRRRTT). Currently he serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 122nd Fighter Wing A-Staff.
In the civilian world, Major Frieden is currently the Vice President of Sales for a commercial fire and life safety contractor based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
When he’s not playing golf, Major Frieden enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Enley (6) and Emma (4), teaching them how to appreciate the game of golf as much as he does.

James Jackson

James Jackson, SSgt (aka “Action”), enlisted in the United States Air Force right after high school. While in basic training, he selected the role of Airborne Radar Technician, unaware of what AWACS even stood for. After completing 10 months of technical training at Keesler AFB and flight crew training at Sheppard AFB, he was assigned to the 964th AWACS Squadron at Tinker AFB. Over the course of his career, Jim deployed on numerous TDYs aboard the E-3A, often seen carrying his golf clubs up the gantry steps to play at military bases across the U.S. His service took him to various locations, including Saudi Arabia, Iceland, and Israel, with over 1,000 flight hours logged. During this time Jim was awarded the Air Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his active-duty enlistment, Jim transferred to the California Air National Guard as a Wide Band Radio Technician.
During his time in the ANG, Jim attended community college using his GI Bill and was later awarded a full scholarship to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Upon graduation, Jim joined Intel Corp and relocated to Colorado Springs in 2000 to help establish a new facility. He is happily married to Valerie and the proud father of two college-aged sons, Joshua and Matthew.
A lifelong golf enthusiast, Jim’s love for the game began as a child when he hit balls with his father’s old clubs at a nearby park. His passion grew, eventually earning him a spot on his high school golf team. In 2018, Jim joined the VGA and quickly found success, reaching the VGA Nationals in 2019 at the Greenbrier, where he finished 2nd in Vet C. He also served as the Assistant Director of the Colorado VGA chapter from 2022-2023.
In 2023, Jim bought a Class-A motorhome and now travels to VGA events, sharing his experiences and photos on the VGA Group page. Keep an eye out for him on the road, and don’t forget to look for the AWACS sticker on his bumper!

Alton Lavine

Alton joined the military immediately after graduating high school as a Engineer Tracked Vehicle Crewman with the Army National Guard in Abbeville Ala. In 1986 Alton made the decision to go active duty and transfer to the United States Air Force as a Utilities Systems Craftsman, where he remained until retiring in 2006. This would prove to be the best decision he would make for his military career.
Active Duty Stations: Tyndall AFB, FL, Shemya AFB, Alaska, Ramstein AB, Germany, Moron’ AB, Spain
Alton retired from the 820th RED HORSE Unit at Nellis AFB, NV in 2006.
Alton deployed in support of Desert Shield/Storm, and Humanitarian Relief efforts in Europe.
During his Military career, Alton expanded his horizons by accepting many extra duty assignments, to include Base Safety Officer, CFETP representative, Military Equal Opportunity officer and Motorized stair’s vehicle driver for the Space shuttle, participated in 4 space shuttle missions while stationed in Spain; transoceanic abort landing site, also called a TAL site. Fortunately, he was never called into action.
Alton continues his service as a Project Manager with Chugach Alaska Corporation, working numerous federal contracts at several installations from the Pentagon to Minot AFB, ND for the last 19 years.
Born in South Louisiana and raised in Clopton Alabama. Alton currently resides in Wewahitchka, (We-Wa-Hitch-Ka), Florida. Alton credits his success to God, family, and his vast support system of friends. Alton is married to a very supportive and loving wife Pauline, a Federal employee with the VA. Our two children; Princeton (Army recruiter) and Precious (LP Nurse), also chose a life of service to others. Alton’s father, brother and 4 uncles served in various branches of the military. I guess you could say, it’s in his blood.
Alton is a huge sports fan, Atlanta Braves, Roll Tide Roll! (Alabama) and Who Dat! (New Orleans Saints) are his favorite teams.
Alton was introduced to the game of golf when he won a set of clubs in a fantasy football league and hasn’t looked back. He learned the game from watching fellow golfers and reading golf magazines. Alton joined the VGA and was immediately hooked. During his first season he played in 6 different states, in 20 plus tournaments. Through the VGA he has met many amazing servicemen and women that have become part of his circle of friends. Alton won Veteran C Flight, in the inaugural New York State Championship. After falling short in 2023 in the AFC Alton hopes to seal the deal this year while building on the 2024 AF victory. Alton hopes to play his way to the VGA nationals soon.
When Alton isn’t playing golf he enjoys fishing, archery and chasing North American big game all over the country every opportunity he gets blessed with. FLY HIGH!

WD Metheny

Retired Master Sergeant William D. Metheny known more affectionately as W.D. lives in Yankton, SD with his wife of 36 years, Jill Michele Metheny. He grew up in Cumberland, MD. He entered Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB on 2 Nov 1983. Over the next 20 years he spent time in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, South Dakota (where he met his wife), Alaska, Alabama, North Dakota, Wisconsin and finally back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The first portion of W.D.’s career was spent working in four hospitals…Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, Elmendorf AFB in Alaska and finally Maxwell AFB in Alabama. His time in each hospital was spent preparing meals for patients and staff along with working with a dietitian, teaching classes in health and wellness. During his 12th year in the Air Force he recognized that he wanted to do something a little different. With the encouragement & support of his wife and family, MSgt Metheny volunteered to become an Air Force Recruiter. Not realizing it, W.D. had found his niche! He excelled during his first two years in recruiting…especially considering he recruited in one of the most desolate and coldest places on earth…Minot, ND!!! Having proved his prowess as a recruiter in just 2 short years, he was selected to lead a group of recruiters out of Wausau, WI. This area had not been successful for years…over the next 4 years, each recruiter excelled and this flight of recruiters led the squadron and group every year and was in the hunt nationally over those four years.
MSgt Metheny earned numerous awards & decorations as well as attained several degrees and held multiple leadership positions. All of which laid the foundation for life outside of the Air Force.
Upon his Air Force Retirement on 30 Nov 2003, W.D. went into business for himself and started a civilian career on 1 Jan 2004 as an independent contractor in the field of financial planning. W.D. continues in that career and is in his 22st year of practice.
W.D. joined the VGA in March of 2021…at the encouragement of Tyler Vogt, the current South Dakota State Director. He will forever be grateful for Tyler’s persistent encouragement to give the VGA a try. The friends and relationships forged because of the VGA have been life changing. Not to be over dramatic but the VGA for many of us has become our extended family. Handshakes quickly become hugs!!! The VGA in it’s complicated simplicity is our home. W.D. asks, if you see somebody at an event that you don’t know, introduce yourself, it might just be the welcome they need!
W.D. & his wife Jill have 3 sons…Ethan William, age 33 of Rapid City SD, Evan Wallace, Age 32 of Sioux Falls, SD & his Twin Brother Erik Daniel, Age 32 & also of Sioux Falls, SD. Jill & W.D. treasure the time they have together and the opportunities they get to spend time with their boys.
Have a Safe & Blessed Day…Be Not Afraid!
No One Fights Alone…We Got Your Back!

Shawn Smith

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Shawn T. Smith enlisted in the Air Force in Aug 1981 as a B-52 Defensive Aerial Gunner and amassed over 2,200 flying hours. After nine years of flight duty he retrained into the Operational Intelligence field. Some of his remaining assignments and deployments were in San Antonio, TX, Saudi Arabia (twice), Italy, U.S. Embassies Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal and Kandahar, Afghanistan. Shawn retired in July 2010 from Creech AFB, Nevada after serving 28 years 11 months.
His major military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and NATO Medal.
After retiring from the AF, Shawn worked as an Assistant Principal at a Las Vegas Charter School. He is currently fully retired but stays involved in the Las Vegas community by serving as a Board Member of a local Charter School and serving as a facilitator to several non-profit organizations. He began golfing seriously during the Covid Pandemic and joined the VGA after hearing about it from a local member. When not golfing, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Howard Thurman

Master Sergeant (Retired) Howard Thurman is currently located in Crestview, Florida, working at Hurlburt Field AFB as an Air Simulation Instructor. He was born in the Great state of Mississippi on March 15, 1961, and graduated from Florence High School in 1979. He began his Air Force career at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in July 1983, completing basic training in September 1983. While on active duty he completed tours in Korea, Iceland, Panama and Germany. He was deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Desert Shield.

His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Member of the Big Brother and Sister organization

Master Sergeant Thurman has a bachelor’s in science from Troy University and a Master’s degree in Whistologly from World University.

Master Sergeant Thurman joined the Veteran Golfers Association in August 2021.

Master Sergeant Thurman is a proud father of two daughters ages 31 and 30. Jordan Thurman lives in Houston, TX and PO1 Monique Thurman lives in San Diego, California.

Paul Tuczynski

Technical Sergeant (Retired) Paul Tuczynski Sr. retired from the Air Force in 2000 after 20 years of active duty service. Originally from Stuyvesant Falls NY, he graduated from Ichabod Crane High School in 1980 and entered the Air Force July 1980.
After completing the Air Force Security Police Academy, he went to his first assignment at RAF Bentwaters England. Other assignment included Grand Forks AFB North Dakota, Ramstein AB Germany and finishing his career at Andrews AFB Maryland working/flying Presidential Security and VIP details as a “Flying Gun” on special aircraft missions to over 100 countries.
Paul’s decorations include an Expeditionary Medal , multiple Air Force Achievement Medals and Air Force Commendation Medals.
Paul is married to his wife Karlyn, has two children, daughter Jamie and Paul Jr (currently a Chief Petty Officer serving in the Navy), two stepsons Andrew and Alex and five grandchildren.
Paul Joined VGA in 2021 and enjoys the comradery and competition the organization provides.
After retiring Paul worked for Department of State in Diplomatic Security and now resides at Lake Meade PA and currently works at the Naval Supply Systems Command’s Ammunitions Logistics Center as a Security Specialist.

Jeff Duncan

Sergeant Jeff Duncan was enlisted with the USMC from 1970-1974. In 1970, he was stationed at Parris Island, Camp Gieger and received electronics training at Millington Naval Air station. Jeff completed specialty equipment and aircraft training at El Toro and MCAS Santa Ana. From 1971 through 1972, he was stationed at HMH-461 MCAS New River CH-53 avionics maintenance. In 1973, he was stationed at MWHS-1 Iwakuni Japan C117 Avionics maintenance.

Jeff has been married since 1969. He has three children: one daughter 53 years old, one daughter 47 years old with one granddaughter 14 years old and a son 42 years old, who is a retired US Marine MARSOC with 1 tour in Iraq and 3 tours in Afghanistan. His son is a purple heart and bronze star with valor recipient.

He lived in Hamilton New Jersey from 1974 to 1990, and has lived in Hopewell Township, New Jersey since 1990.

Jeff worked for the same company from 1974 to 2015, as a designer of computer memory and peripherals for minicomputers (Sun, Varian, Perkin Elmer, DEC, HP, etc.). He started his career as an electronics tech and ended his employment as VP of engineering and manufacturing when he retired in 2015.

He has played golf for 54 years and with the VGA since 2017. Per Jeff, “Golf is The best game in the world”.

Randy Edwards

Randy Edwards, Major, USMC (Ret), is an Information Technology (IT) Executive with over 30 years of experience in IT and the Intelligence Community. Randy is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and currently serves as the Associate Chief Information Officer (ACIO), Enterprise Operations (EOps) in the IT organization of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He provides executive leadership for 14 Senior Executives, 2,300 IT professionals, 1400 contractors, and ~$700 million per year non-labor operating budget: ~$1.3 billion total annual budget. Randy also serves as the principal advisor to the CTO/CIO on all information technology activities in the Martinsburg Computing Center (MCC), and the Tennessee Computing Center (TCC). Additionally, he leads America’s filing season requirements, infrastructure, development and operations, data administration, technology standards, and enterprise local and wide area (LAN/WAN) network environments. Finally, Randy provides high level coordination, control, and direction over mission-critical, highly complex, and interrelated data management systems critical for tax administration and supports over 170 million Americans.
Randy began his career in the IRS as an IT Program Manager and has been with the IRS for over 11 years. Prior to joining the IRS, Randy also served nearly 23 years as a U.S. Marine Corps Intelligence Officer, which included assignments as a Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) to a senior member of Congress, Congressional Legislative Fellow, and leading military service members in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Somalia. He has extensive experience in leading major multi- billion/million-dollar programs impacting thousands of personnel. Randy graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Economics and has a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University. Randy is a graduate of the 2018 Candidate Development Program and resides in Upper Marlboro, MD with his son.

James Eugene

James Eugene is a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran with nearly 12 years of distinguished service, including specialized assignments as a Marine Embassy Security Guard in Yemen, New Zealand, and Tanzania, where he provided armed security for American embassies and safeguarded national interests abroad. Throughout his military career, James served in key leadership roles, Platoon Sergeant, Squad Leader, Foreign Military Advisor, Team Leader, and Intel Analyst—guiding Marines through global operations while fostering a culture of mentorship and excellence.
Following his honorable service, James pursued his passion for golf, turning it into a meaningful career in the golf industry. He served in the PGA WORKS Fellowship Program with the Metropolitan PGA Section, where he contributed to a wide range of initiatives across PGA HOPE, Junior Tour, Drive, Chip & Putt, PGA Junior League, Foundation fundraising, and major professional tournaments. His efforts helped raise over $200K for charitable programs while enhancing engagement and accessibility in the sport for veterans, juniors, and military families alike.
James also supported the 2019 PGA Championship in volunteer operations, junior events, Secretary’s Cup, and social media activations further sharpening his skills in event logistics and customer experience. His hands-on leadership continued at Bonnie Briar Country Club, where he led golf operations, maintained high hospitality standards, managed retail inventory, and conducted over 100 club repairs and 230+ caddie loops during championship events.
Now serving as the Assistant State Director of the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) New York Chapter for the past 4 years, James leads tournament operations, oversees player development, and forges partnerships with courses and sponsors. His mission is clear: to inspire, empower, and connect veterans through golf. He also serves as a Military Advisor to the Metropolitan PGA Section Foundation, advocating for inclusive programs like PGA HOPE that use golf as a tool for healing, growth, and community.
James is a dynamic leader with a deep-rooted commitment to servant leadership translating his Marine Corps values into meaningful work in the veteran nonprofit sector. His strategic mindset, dedication to mentorship, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make a profound impact on veterans and the game of golf.
James Eugene’s relentless commitment to empowering others, both on and off the course, reflects the true spirit of the Marine Corps and the mission of the VGA.

Nakia Gray

Sergeant Nakia Gray joined the Marine Corps in 1993 by way of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Working as a Military Police and Traffic Accident Investigator at MCAS Yuma, AZ., MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Marine Corps Base Okinawa, Japan, and finishing up 8 years back at MCAS Yuma, AZ.
In 2000, after exiting the Marine Corps, Nakia went to Dallas, TX and worked Corporate Security for Ross Perot. After a short 8 months, he came to the conclusion that the civilian sector wasn’t for his family as well as himself. After an unsuccessful effort to rejoin the Marine Corps, Nakia joined the United States Army in 2001. After completing MOS school, Nakia was stationed in Germany for 8 eight years, which included a 12-month deployment followed by a 15-month deployment to Iraq.
Sergeant Gray’s service medals include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 OLC, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal 3 OLC, the Army Achievement Medal 2 OLC, Army Good Conduct Medal with 4 Service Stars, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 2 Service Stars, the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars, to include several more awards and achievements.
Sergeant Gray has two children, who were both born in Okinawa, Japan. Eian 27, also served in the Marine Corps for 4 years. Briona 25 resides in Beaufort, SC., and is a 2021 graduate of the Citadel in Charleston, SC. Briona also blessed Sergeant Gray with his first grandchild, Jackson Gray, who is 5 years old, currently in kindergarten and can do no wrong in his papa’s eyes.
In 2014, when Nakia finally decided to hang up his boots, his next big tackle was learning the game of golf.
Sergeant Gray and his wife of five years currently live in Chandler, AZ. She has been in the education field for over 20 years and fully supports his golf game. They enjoy baseball and traveling. Their life goal is to watch the Arizona Diamond Backs play in every Major League ballpark.

Tim Huber

Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Timothy M. Huber Retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in August 2023 after 30 Years of Service. He Served in a variety of positions and assignments throughout his career that included Aviation Maintenance, Instructor Duty, Inspector Duty, and Senior enlisted positions. Duty Stations included Tustin, CA, Coronado, CA, San Diego, CA, Yuma, AZ, Iwakuni/Okinawa, Japan, Eglin, FL, And Beaufort, SC. Additionally, MGySgt Huber deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times, Serve aboard USS Wasp, USS America, and USS Tarawa, and Deployed in support of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU)s.
After his retirement, Tim was employed with the US Marine Corps Aggressor Squadron in Beaufort, SC. as a contracted Site Manager.
Tim Joined the VGA in 2022. Over the course Tim has met some amazing people and through the VGA has played some amazing courses.
Tim Holds a B.S in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University.
Tim lives in Bluffton, SC with his wife Heather and son Chase (12). They have a Daughter (26) recent graduate of college who is finding her way with her Career.

Aaron Rigozzi

Cpl Aaron Rigozzi is the President and Owner of Semper FI Builders INC. based out of South Haven, MI. Semper FI Builders is a Custom Home building and remodeling company that has been in business since 2002.

Cpl Rigozzi enlisted into the USMC on the delayed entry program while he was a junior in high school in 1992. He new he wanted to be a Marine since the first time he saw the Marines in their Dress Blues standing behind President Ronald Regan as he addressed the nation.

Cpl Rigozzi was a 1371 combat engineer who served in Okinawa, Japan with 3rd Force Service Support Group (FSSG) 9th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB). While in Okinawa CPL Rigozzi deployed to South Korea in conjunction with the Navy SEE BEES for the construction of several buildings along with bridge and road repair/construction.

After Okinawa CPL Rigozzi was stationed at French Creek, Camp Lejeune with 2nd FSSG 8th ESB. While there CPL Rigozzi attended NCO leadership training and received the Outstanding Leadership Award. CPL Rigozzi deployed to Central and South America while stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC serving in Joint Task Force Operations with the Air Force Civil Engineers and Army Engineers completing roads, bridges, schools, orphanages, hospital repair and water purification. Also, while stationed in NC Cpl Rigozzi went to Fort Benning, GA to jump school.

Aaron is married to Tamara Rigozzi and resides in South Haven, MI. They have 4 beautiful children, Oliva, 21, who just graduated from Western Michigan with a Chemical Engineering degree. Trevor, 19, who is studying Graphic Design at KVCC. Loch, 17, junior at Saugatuck High School, CC and Track State Qualifier, Honor Roll. Oakley, 16, Sophomore at Saugatuck High School, had to take a year off from CC and track due to a torn ACL while training for hurdles, wants to be a Environmental Biologist.

Bart Stoltenberg

Gunnery Sergeant Bart Stoltenberg lives in Lady Lake, FL where he enjoys playing golf wherever he can find a tee time or any weekend the Veteran Golfers Association has an event.
GySgt Stoltenberg retired from the United States Marine Crops in 2016 after 20 years of service. He served in a variety of assignments to include Ch-46 Engine mechanic, F-35 Flight Line Division Chief, and a Marine Corps recruiter. His final assignment was with the F-35 Gaining Unit Acceptance Team in Fort Worth Texas.
GySgt Stoltenberg was stationed around the world in his 20 year career to include MCAS Tustin, CA; MCAS Miramar, CA; MCAS Futenma, Okinawa; Saginaw, MI; Eglin AFB, FL; and Fort Worth TX.
GySgt Stoltenberg deployed several times in his career to include 2 WESTPACs aboard the USS Essex and USS Boxer, 2 deployments to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Tomodachi in 2011 in support of the disaster relief efforts from the Japan earthquake and tsunami and 36 one months tours on recruiting duty.
GySgt Stoltenberg earned his Masters of Business Administration through Boise State University in 2022 and a Bachelors Degree from Ashford University in 2015.
After retirement, GySgt Stoltenberg began his civilian career with BAE as an F-35 ejection seat data monitoring Subject Mater Expert (SME). He moved from Fort Worth, TX to Eglin AFB to be near his children in 2017 after he was offered a position with Lockheed Martin as an Electronic Equipment Logbook SME and stayed for 2 years. He moved to Orlando FL in 2020 where he now holds the position of Associate Manager over the Field Customer Support team for Lockheed Martin supporting all F-35 units worldwide.
He is married to his beautiful wife Stephanie Stoltenberg since 2015. He has 2 sons Camdon age 15 and Braydon age 21. Braydon is currently serving in the United States Coast Guard stationed in San Juan Puerto Rico as a Boatswain’s Mate (BM).

Chris Thielemann

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Chris Thielemann retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2015 after 21+ years of enlisted and commissioned service. Chris immediately started his second career with the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Northern Florida before being appointed as a U.S. Immigration Judge in 2018 serving in Dallas, Texas.

After graduating from high school in in 1990, Chris attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina followed by advanced training at Ft. Eustis, Virginia. He then attended Armstrong State University (now Georgia Southern University) on a Marine-Option Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship where he earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an A.A.S. in Corrections upon graduation and commissioning in 1994. He was the first Marine-Option to ever graduate from Armstrong State University.

Chris began his enlisted time as a Longshoreman and then commissioned as an Artillery Officer serving at Camp LeJeune, NC, and then Ft. Sill, OK as a Gunnery Instructor. While at Ft. Sill, Chris was selected for the Funded Law Education Program and attended The Florida State University College of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2002 and became a Marine Judge Advocate for the remainder of his career. As a Judge Advocate, Chris served in variety of prosecution and defense positions in addition to serving as an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Naval Academy—his favorite duty station—and later as a Military Judge. During this time, Chris also returned to school and earned an advanced law degree (L.L.M.) in criminal law from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School at the University of Virginia

Chris served across the country and overseas to included Quantico, VA, Camp LeJeune, NC, Ft. Sill, OK, Beaufort and Parris Island, SC, Annapolis, MD, Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, CA. He also deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chris is married to Tiffany, who is also a member of the VGA and plays in every tournament with Chris. It is Tiffany who gave Chris his motivation to play golf and take the chance of competing and pursuing his goal of representing the Marines at AFC. Chris is also the proud father of four children—1 daughter and 3 boys—who have all graduated college other than the youngest who will graduate the week before the AFC Championship.

Nathan Walker

Nathan Walker retired from the Marine Corps in 2023 as a CWO4, after serving for 27 years. His military career began when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 from Laporte Colorado. After graduating from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, he was assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Marine Corps Security Forces, Bangor Washington. During my tours at 7th ESB, he deployed to Fallujah Iraq as the Platoon Sergeant in 2004 for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and again as the Engineer Chief for Marine Service Support Group, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit where Nathan took part in Operation Bright Star and IRAQI FREEDOM.

As a Gunnery Sergeant, he was selected to Warrant Officer and went to Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 where he deployed to Afghanistan for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in the Helmand Province. From there I went to Okinawa Japan serving as a Platoon Commander, Operations Officer and Company Commander Bulk Fuel Company, 9th Engineering Support Battalion and later serving as the Bulk Liquids Officer, Southeast Asia Planner. Nathan was also the Joint Fuels Officer for Balikatan 2015, Talisman Saber 2015 and SsangYong 2016. Moving to the Fuels Officer for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, he participated in Cobra Gold 2018, 2019 and Balikatan 2019 as the Joint Exercise Fuels Officer. He was lucky enough to receive orders to Marine Forces Europe & Africa, serving as the fuels officer for the Combatant Command Europe and Africa for two years.

Nathan first started golfing during a St. Patrick’s Day Engineering field meet in 2000; from there he was hooked! While stationed in Bangor WA, he worked at a golf course part-time, and his passion grew. Moving to Okinawa years later, he became a member of the Gaggle and truly embraced the camaraderie of golf, including friendship, social aspects, and gamesmanship. He competed on the Armed Forces Services Golf team, only making the Marine Corps team once, but enjoyed many friendships along the way.

After my military retirement, he found the Veteran Golfers Association where the Gaggle, Marine Corps Golf team and competitive golf has filled the void! He is currently working as a Project Manager with Crowley, bringing my military career skills to the commercial sector. Nathan has been married to his wife Candace for 26 years and has two children Cameron (19) who is a student at CU Boulder as member of the ROTC program on her way to becoming a Naval Officer and Alexander (14) a freshman in high school.

Mathew Bailey

Mathew Bailey served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years at which time he retired as
a first class Boatswainsmate. Matt joined the USCG in 1996. His first tour of duty was on the
CG Cutter Gallatin whose primary mission was drug interdiction across the Caribbean; other
missions included touring Europe for 4 months to train the Coast Guard of multiple countries.
In the years that followed Matt was stationed at various small boat stations across the east
coast completing search and rescues, maritime law enforcement and federal fishery
regulations. He served as Company Commander for 3 years at the recruit training center in
Cape May as well later being chosen to teach at the Company Commander School on base
training the drill instructors.
It should be noted Matt did earn the title of Coastguardsmen of the Year for a daring rescue off
the coast of Atlantic City saving the life of an 8 y/o boy and the attempts to save the aunt’s life .
This rescue would later be published in a book used as part of the training curriculum at the
USCG training base.
Following retirement Matt decided to become a certified personal trainer and began work as
personal trainer at a local gym. Through dedication and a hard work ethic he quickly advanced
through the corporate ladder and become Operations Director of a well known health club.
Matt missed the law enforcement side of his military background and returned to a federal job
as Recreation Specialist at a local federal prison where he could combine his current civilian
work detail with his military background.
Matt recently assumed the position of NJ State Director for the VGA. He lives in NJ with his
wife of 20 years and has two sons – 18 and 16 years old.

Tyler Bowden

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Tyler Bowden is a dual-role Coast Guard member, currently serving as a drilling reservist at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia, PA, and as a full-time federal civilian at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.

CWO Bowden’s career began in 2010 when he enlisted in the Coast Guard reserves and served for the first seven years on Active Duty fulfilling multiple contingency roles including Operation Deepwater Horizon (New Orleans Oil Spill), Operation Enduring Freedom (Guantanamo Bay), and multiple hurricane contingencies impacting the southeast US and Puerto Rico. In 2017, he transitioned back to reserve drill status (inactive duty). As a drilling reserve, he completed a four-year tour at Coast Guard Surface Forces Logistics Center, Mobile Support Unit, Baltimore, MD, and when promoted to CWO transferred to Philadelphia where he currently serves. His enlisted rating was Storekeeper and he was promoted to Finance and Supply Warrant Officer in April, 2022.

Tyler’s Coast Guard civilian career began in 2017 when he was hired into a budget analyst role at Coast Guard Command Control and Communications Service Center based out of Alexandria, VA. In 2019, Tyler was promoted into an appropriation manager and senior financial analyst position in the Office of Budget Execution under the CFO at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC, where he currently serves and plans to remain until retirement.

CWO Bowden is originally from West Palm Beach, FL and is married to and joined by Faviola (Perdomo) Bowden, also a Coast Guard reserve and civilian, of Houston, TX, and they currently reside in Quantico, VA. They have three children – Kyran (18), Mia (16) and Olivia (4). Tyler earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue University in 2019 and has held certification as Defense Financial Manager since 2017.

CWO Bowden’s significant awards and achievements include two CG commendation medals, two achievement medals, global war on terror expeditionary medal, humanitarian service medal, military outstanding volunteer medal, and two Chief Financial Officer Awards for Excellence.

Mark Landry

Coast Guard Captain (Retired) Mark Landry had an exciting career in the United States Coast Guard, including tours on 5 different Coast Guard Cutters, 3 on which he served as Commanding Officer. Mark was directly involved in major operations that included: the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, response and recovery missions across the Caribbean and the Central Pacific, and day to day work in the fields of intelligence, resource protection, search and rescue, counter-drug and migrant interdiction, and special military operations.

After retiring with 30 years of Coast Guard service, he spent 11 years as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) with FEMA, appointed by the President to coordinate the Federal government’s support to states and tribes for many Presidential Disaster Declarations across the country. A career highlight was leading a staff of over 850 personnel and a $5 billion dollar budget for rebuilding the State of Louisiana and impacted localities following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

A 1978 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Mark has advanced degrees from the University of Houston (MBA) and the Naval War College (Master in National Security and Strategic Studies). He was accredited by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) in 2010. While at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), Mark played on the USCGA’s golf team that qualified for, and played in, the 1976 NCAA Division III golf championships in Ohio. He is a relatively new member of the VGA family, having joined in 2023.

Mark and his wife Mary Ellen met while both on active duty in Long Beach, California and have been married 42 years. Mary went on to become a Coast Guard Rear Admiral and served 32 years in the Coast Guard, completing her career as District Commander in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are now both Florida residents, and enjoy the active lifestyle and friendships nurtured in Bonita Springs, Florida. They have two grown children, Michael, who lives with his wife and 2 children in Newton, Massachusetts, and Katelyn who lives and works in Seattle, Washington.

John MacKinnon

Lieutenant Commander (Retired) John MacKinnon served in the US Coast Guard for 28 years and retired in Poulsbo, WA in 2016 with his wife, son and daughter.
LCDR MacKinnon began his career attending boot camp in 1988. He graduated from Aviation Machinist Mate A school in 1991. After tours at Air Stations in Kodiak, AK, Astoria, OR and Sitka, AK as a flight mechanic he was selected to attend Purdue University and graduated with honors with a BS in Aeronautical Technology in 2002.
In 2003 he attended officer candidate school. His tours included Washington DC headquarters; Alameda, CA Maritime Safety and Security Team; Yorktown, VA International Training Team; Silverdale, WA Maritime Force Protection Unit and Honolulu; HI D14 Command Center Chief.
His military awards include three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medal and four Coast Guard Letters of Commendation with Operational Device.
LCDR MacKinnon and his wife are proud parents of 2 children. His son is in his second year of Mechanical Engineering studies at Washington State University and his daughter is a Junior in high school who plays Volleyball and active in the church youth group leadership. They also enjoy many seasonal sports snow skiing in the winter, salmon and halibut fishing in the summer and archery hunting in the fall. Golf has been a passion since age of 13 and joined the Veterans Golf Association in 2024.

Jeff Marshall

I joined the Coast Guard in 2003 straight out of high school. After boot camp in Cape May, NJ I was shipped up the Ketchikan, AK to float around the Bering Sea on the CGC Acushnet. From there I went to Machinery Technician A school and after graduation I was stationed in Galveston, TX at MSST Galveston. During my stay in Galveston I picked up this crazy game we call golf and that is when life changed forever. After my time in Texas was up I was lucky enough to get stationed at MSST San Diego, where I played golf almost every day. I fell in love with the game and needed to figure out how to do it for a living, so I did. After 9 ½ years of service, I got out and got into the golf industry and everyone thought I was insane.
I graduated from the Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, CA and moved back to Dallas, TX to use up the rest of my GIBill at the Golf Academy of America and started my golf career shortly after that in 2012. I worked my way up from the cart barn to the Head Golf Professional at Oakmont County Club in Corinth, TX. While working at the club, I was lucky enough to caddie for one of my members during the LPGA event ProAm and the player we got paired with asked me to continue on with her for the remainder of that season. I jumped on that opportunity and caddied on the LPGA on and off for the next 5 years. I am currently the Head Golf Professional at Maddens Pine Beach East and West courses in Brainerd, MN.
I moved up to Minnesota in 2022 and joined the VGA in 2024 just looking for a little competitive golf outside of work. Ive played in 6 events in 2024, winning 3 and second in the other 3. This will be my first Armed Forced Cup and I couldn’t be more excited to represent for Team Coast Guard!

Ashlee Olbricht

“Heroes are defined more by what they overcome than what they accomplish.”
I proudly served 14 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as an avionics electrical technician and flight mechanic instructor, where I trained over 60 aircrewmen and flew hundreds of life-saving missions. One of the most defining moments of my career came during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, when my crew and I were among the first helicopters on scene. We rescued over 40 people from the rising floodwaters—an experience etched into my heart forever.
That mission led to the incredible honor of being invited as a guest to President Trump’s 2018 State of the Union Address, where I received not one, but two standing ovations—representing the face of Coast Guard Aviation and the bravery of our crews during one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.
Since transitioning out of active duty, my mission hasn’t ended—it’s evolved. I now serve my fellow veterans and first responders through powerful platforms of mentorship, faith, and healing. I work closely with SOF Missions, a remarkable nonprofit that delivers life-saving resiliency training to our nation’s heroes. As a spiritual mentor, I have the privilege of helping warriors rediscover purpose and strength through holistic, faith-based recovery.
I also partner with Okaloosa Veterans Court and The Honor Foundation, walking alongside veterans as they navigate career transitions and personal challenges, offering guidance rooted in lived experience and compassion.
Golf has become one of the most meaningful tools in my own healing journey. It’s more than a game—it’s a therapeutic outlet, a place of reflection, and a space where I reconnect with my veteran brothers and sisters. On the course, I’ve found peace, resilience, and camaraderie that continues to lift and empower me.
In 2019, I self-published my memoir, The Hurricane Within—a raw, powerful story of faith, redemption, and overcoming unimaginable adversity. I take readers deep into my Coast Guard career, including the harrowing rescues during Hurricane Harvey, and the personal battles I’ve faced behind the uniform. Since its release, I’ve traveled the country as a motivational speaker, sharing my story with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This book isn’t just about survival—it’s about transformation, and finding beauty and purpose in the aftermath of life’s fiercest storms.
I’m blessed to be married to my best friend, Nathan Olbricht, a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran and proud member of the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA). Together, we have one spoiled rotten dog, Penny Puffler, who keeps our lives full of love and laughter.

Stu Stryker

Chief Petty Officer Stu Stryker (Retired) resides in Branson, MO. He and his wife Dina moved to Branson in 2019. They enjoy the many activities that Branson has to offer, including several top-rated golf courses and numerous entertainment venues. They also have a hospitality ministry on their property that helps pastors and their families with lodging costs so they can better afford their vacation to Branson.

Chief Stryker retired from the United State Coast Guard in 2017 after almost 37 years of service between the USARNG and the USCG. He started his service with the South Dakota ARNG in 1981 as a Combat Engineer and completed his service as the Assistant School Chief at Training Center Yorktown, VA in 2017.

Chief Stryker has had a variety of specialties and assignments throughout his military journey. He was an Army Combat Engineer, Aviation Electrician and Chief Boatswain’s Mate. He has served on Land, at Sea and In the Air. Chief Stryker has served on every Coast in the United States as well as overseas in Bahrain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Chief Stryker graduated with a BS degree in Mass Communications from Black Hills State College in 1985. During his time as a reservist in Morgan City, LA from 1996 to 2003 he earned his teachers certificate through the Troops to Teachers Program where he taught vocation education at two local High Schools. Throughout his career he has received numerous awards, decorations, and certifications.

In 2017, after retiring from the Coast Guard, Chief Stryker pursued two of his passions, nature, and golf. In the summer of 2017, he became and Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park. After his tour of duty with the National Park Service He attended the Golf Academy of America in Chandler, AZ, and graduated valedictorian of his class in 2019 with an Associate’s Degree in Golf Operations. He is currently the golf coach at Legacy Academy in Branson and loves passing his love of the game onto the next generation.

Chief Stryker has two daughters and six grandchildren. His older twin brothers, Scott and Steve are also members of the VGA. He always looks forward to spending quality time with them on the golf course during VGA events along with his other VGA brothers and sisters.

Rick Vanlandingham

Rick Vanlandingham retired from the Coast Guard (CG) as a CWO4 Special Agent with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). He served a total of twenty-nine years and one month. His journey began in July 1985 as Recruit Company Commander or “RC” of Bravo Company 121. After bootcamp, he was stationed onboard the Cutter Maui based in Miami, FL which mainly patrolled South Florida and Bahamian waters conducting drug interdictions. His next twelve years were spent in CG Aviation at, Sitka, AK, Traverse City, MI, and Astoria, OR. During his time in aviation, he qualified as Flight Mechanic on the HH-3 Pelican and HH-60 Jayhawk. At his first air station he was awarded the Lt. Robert A. Perchard Memorial Trophy as voted on by the officers at Air Station Sitka. The award is presented semi-annually at each air station for exemplifying the high standards of character, professionalism, ability and leadership. He was also awarded the Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award for a lifesaving rescue in Alaskan waters. At Air Station Astoria, he was selected as the night shift Primary Quality Assurance Inspector. Night shift conducted the predominant amount of heavy maintenance on the aircraft resulting in a test flight before the aircraft was deemed ready for search and rescue missions. Rick also was on the Flight Examination Board which ensured personnel were capable and ready to assume duties of aircrew onboard the helicopter.

Rick enjoyed his time in the aviation field but had a strong desire to enter law enforcement. So, in his fourteenth year he applied and was accepted into CGIS. He graduated Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga in August 1999 with 94% academic average and qualified expert on the practical pistol course with a score of 294 out of 300. His first CGIS office was Houston, TX and after the September 11, 2001, attacks on our nation, Rick was selected to serve as an Air Marshal for six months. The Air Marshal Service at that time had only twenty-five air marshals. He served as Resident Agent in Charge at each of his following assignments in, Kodiak, AK, Anchorage, AK, East Moriches, NY, and Bellingham, WA. While stationed in Anchorage, Rick attended Chief Warrant Officer Development School at the CG Academy. He received the Leadership Award as voted on by the school instructors for displaying outstanding leadership qualities during the three-week course of training. CGIS criminal investigations ranged from environmental, false mayday calls, burglary, domestic violence, fisheries violations, drug trafficking, assault, death, fraud, and all forms of sexual related crimes. Rick also conducted protective service operations for the CG Commandant on several overseas trips. During his five years in Anchorage, he was co-located at the FBI office and worked on the Joint Terrorism Task Force conducting terrorism cases as well as investigative duties for CGIS. During his career, Rick was awarded three Achievement Medals and one Commendation Medal.

Rick was first introduced to golf while watching Arnold Palmer play on television. He later found out Mr. Palmer was a fellow coastie after visiting the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, FL. When Rick was thirteen, he caddied on the weekends and summers at a local country club earning eight to twenty dollars per round. He also worked at the pro shop retrieving clubs from the basement and placing them on the members’ golf carts before their round. He took care of the golf carts by cleaning and ensuring they were charged up in the cart barn overnight. Because of this amazing first job he was allowed to play the course every Monday. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the game.

Rick is married to Robyn, his bride of 37 years. The Lord has blessed them with four awesome children, Zachariah, Rachel, Stephanie, and Jacob. All of their children are married to wonderful people. Rick and Robyn also have seven grandchildren with another on the way in July. When Rick and Robyn are not golfing in VGA tournaments around the country, they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Zachary Walden

Zach is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Coast guard. He served as a Damage Controlman Second Class and was stationed aboard the USCGC WHEC 715 Hamilton, at the Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, and with Port Security Unit 305. Zach was aboard the USCGC Hamilton during the largest maritime drug bust in U.S. Coast Guard history in 2007. As part of the team that helped interdict the vessel, he played a direct role in seizing nearly 20 tons of cocaine worth an estimated $600 million off the coast of Panama.
After separating from the Coast Guard, Zach continued his public service as a city firefighter-paramedic, where he was a member of the Marine Emergency Response Team and a Peer Fitness Instructor. He later served as a federal firefighter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, specializing as a high-angle rescue technician. After a 12-year career in the fire service, Zach currently holds the position of Director of Port Safety for the Hampton Roads Shipping Association, where he oversees safety compliance, workforce training, and Labor Relations for one of the East Coast’s busiest ports. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NREMT-P), holding a master’s degree in Maritime Engineering Management.
Zach also brings a storied background in athletics to the VGA. In 2011, he was selected for both the All-Navy Indoor and Beach Volleyball Teams, earning a silver and gold medal respectively. He holds the unique distinction of being the only player ever to be selected for the All-Armed Forces Team in both disciplines. That same year, forced to only participate in one sport, he represented Team USA in beach volleyball at the World Military Games (CISM) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, finishing 5th overall. He continued representing the U.S. internationally at the World Police and Fire Games, earning bronze and silver medals in indoor and beach volleyball respectively at the 2019 Games in Chengdu, China.
The 2024 VGA season marked Zach’s first year playing competitive golf. Though he picked the game back up in 2022 after a long break since his pre–Coast Guard days, he jokes that he played far more rounds on Xbox than on grass in his younger years. Now, thanks to the VGA, golf has proven to be the perfect outlet for his competitive spirit after “retiring” from volleyball and has become a home to connect with fellow veterans.