Board of Advisors
Dedicated to providing medical resources and support to U.S. Veterans and First Responders.
Thomas "Drago" Dzieran
ADVISOR
Thomas “Drago” Dzieran, a First Class Father and retired Navy SEAL, boasts a life story that epitomizes resilience and unwavering commitment. Born in Poland under Communist rule, Drago’s early years were marked by his activism against socialist oppression, which led to his imprisonment. In 1984, he immigrated to the United States in pursuit of freedom and a brighter future. His journey to U.S. citizenship culminated in 1991, the same year he enlisted in the Navy. During his illustrious Navy career, Drago served with distinction in SEAL Team 2, SEAL Team 4, and imparted his expertise as a BUD/S instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California. He left an indelible mark during his deployments to Iraq in 2003, 2004, and 2005, participating in over one hundred combat direct action missions as an NSW Lead Breacher.
Today, Drago is not only a decorated Navy veteran but also an accomplished author, with his book titled “The Pledge to America: One Man’s Journey from Political Prisoner to U.S. Navy SEAL.” In this compelling narrative, he takes readers on a captivating journey through his life, from his humble beginnings in Communist-controlled Poland to his harrowing time as a political prisoner and his twenty-year tenure as a distinguished member of the United States military’s elite fighting force. His remarkable life story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of the American dream.
RJ CASEY
ADVISOR
RJ Casey has over 35 years of Special Operations, personnel recovery, humanitarian assistance and disaster response experience with combat tours on four continents while working with the Department of Defense and other government agencies. He is a veteran entrepreneur in multiple companies while still serving and consulting for nonprofits, feature firms/tv and other organizations.
Like every member of the Transcend Foundation, RJ donates time to 501(c)(3) non-profits to help our fellow veterans and first responders.
RJ Casey became involved with the Transcend Foundation in 2022. With his military medical background, he is very interested in the wellness and complete holistic health of his community. After working on our worldwide 7X project in early 2023, RJ is fully committed as a member of our advisory board and to our mission of helping people with recovery and their journey back to full optimization.
BRIAN JACKLin
ADVISOR
Master Sergeant Brian Jacklin retired honorably following 20 years of service as a United States Marine. During his career, Brian evolved from an infantryman to reconnaissance, to Marine Raider, deploying 10 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Pacific Eagle, and the global war on terror.
For his achievements in combat and service to our nation, Brian was awarded numerous awards for valor and achievement, including the Navy Cross, The United States Naval Service’s second-highest military decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy force.
shawn menard
ADVISOR
Shawn Menard is a United States Army (RET) 1SG who has served 28 years total (22 Active, 6 Traditional Guard) in the US Military. He trained over 10,000 soldiers for deployment to the Middle East and trained over 9,000 in small arms marksmanship. He participated in the invasion of Iraq, followed by deployments to Afghanistan as an Infantry Advisor and Sniper Team Leader, wrapping up his career as an Infantry Weapons Company First Sergeant.
Shawn earned two degrees from Lake Superior State University in Exercise Science and Criminal Justice. He currently resides in Central Michigan with his wife, and co-owns 2 companies with his sister, SFC(RET) Ann Dailey: Ogitchidaa, a government services contracting company, and Company K, a small law enforcement training company. One of Shawn’s new passions is as an advisory member for Transcend Foundation and is working towards creating the awareness of many service members and veterans that struggle with physical and mental health issues daily.
Katie Hernandez
ADVISOR
Kaitlyn Hernandez, a dedicated veteran with over a decade of service in the US Army, is a fearless leader who thrives on challenges and embraces new adventures. Her remarkable journey began with an Army ROTC commission, leading her to specialize in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Kaitlyn’s service includes a deployment to Afghanistan in 2018-2019 and a commendable two-year tenure as the Commander of the 717th OD CO (EOD). Notably, she achieved a world record by running a mile in a bomb suit in just 10:23, showcasing her exceptional dedication and physical
prowess.
Beyond her military achievements, Kaitlyn is a passionate advocate for mental health care for veterans, first responders, and current military personnel. Currently serving as a Professor of Military Science at Florida Atlantic University, she is committed to shaping the next generation of officers. Kaitlyn’s relentless pursuit of excellence extends to her hobbies in fitness and shooting, and she’s poised to make her debut as a rookie in the elite female division of the Tactical Games.
Janina Jacobs
ADVISOR
Janina Jacobs, a Detroit native, was the first woman to play collegiate golf and earn a varsity letter on the men’s golf team, achieving this milestone in the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons at Wayne State University. In 1975, she secured victory at the Central Michigan Invitational and gained recognition with a nomination for the United Foundation’s “Sportswoman of the Year” in 1978.
Ms. Jacobs is a seasoned multimedia consultant, freelance writer, and radio host, known for her insights into golf, business, and women’s issues. Her work has been featured in national, regional, and local publications, and she has a wealth of experience in radio and television, co-hosting UPN-50’s “Million Dollar Hole-in-One shootout” since 1996. As a professional speaker, she’s inspired audiences nationwide and holds the distinction of being the first woman golfer on the cover of Private Clubs Magazine. She’s also served on Golf Digest Magazine’s “100 Greatest Courses” ranking selection panel.
Ms. Jacobs is deeply involved in the golf community, founding the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Executive Woman’s Golf Association and advising various women’s golf organizations. She’s an active contributor to the Golf Association of Michigan and the PGA’s First Tee-Michigan program. Beyond her professional life, Ms. Jacobs is a talented musician and recording artist, and she and her husband, Gary, own and operate two renowned restaurants. They reside in St. Clair, Michigan, with their three German-Wirehair pointers. Ms. Jacobs’ impressive journey is a testament to her dedication and expertise in multiple fields.
CHArlton grant
ADVISOR
Charlton “Charjo” Grant is currently an Active Duty Officer in the Army National Guard. Upon enlistment in 2002, he served in the Sustainment and Logistics realm for 20 years with one deployment. After 9 years as a traditional guardsman, Charjo then decided to pursue his dream of becoming an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Officer by accepting an ADOS tour at the National Guard Bureau (NGB) in Arlington, VA. After working diligently for two years at NGB, Charjo was accepted into the AGR program in 2018.
Since then, Charjo has served in multiple positions, including Senior Marketing Officer of the National Guard and the Team Chief in the Joint Operations Center. As a result of outstanding performance, in 2021 Charjo was selected to attend the Residence Command General Staff Officer College (CGSOC) located in Fort Leavenworth, KS. Upon successfully completing CGSOC in the summer of 2022, Charjo obtained a Master’s degree in Operational Studies.
Outside the military, Charjo is a professional bodybuilder in the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB). He started his bodybuilding journey in 2018 and is currently ranked 4th in the world for the Men’s Physique Division and is very passionate about service members’ health and wellness within the force. He currently resides in Virginia with his wife and children.
MATT CABLE
ADVISOR
Matt Cable is a 2x leukemia survivor. Matt had his bone marrow transplant on August 12 of 2019 and is in remission. Matt’s biggest goals are to help others and to impact their lives greatly through his story and journey. Matt made the Warrior Games team in 2017 for team Air Force and won 3 Gold medals and a silver. Shortly after the Warrior Games, he got a call from NBC’s The Titan Games and competed in season 1, episode 6.
After relapsing and battling for the next 3 years, Matt qualified and competed for team USA at the 2022 Invictus Games and brought home 7 medals. When he got back, he then qualified for The DOD Warrior Games and competed for the team Air Force. Matt earned another 7 medals (4 golds, 2 silvers, 1 bronze) at the Games.
“The fight is what keeps me motivated each day. One of my biggest goals in life is to help as many people as I can by overcoming whatever obstacles lie in their path, no matter how big.”
Nicholas Zinani
ADVISOR
Nicholas Zinani is a dual certified Athletic Training and Strength Coach for a military contractor serving Air Force Special Operations Personnel. Throughout his career in the human performance sector, Nick has worked with a range of elite performers in both military and college/professional athletics. He previously served as a body coach in Foxboro, Massachusetts, working for the TB12 performance and rehabilitation center. While there, Nick provided medical coverage for their clientele while also heading up the TB12 Foundation’s work with Brockton High School as a strength and conditioning coach for underserved high school athletes.
Prior to working for TB12, Nick worked 4 years at Wake Forest University, finishing his time there as the Assistant Director of Sports Performance for the football team. Nick received his dual bachelor’s/master’s degree from Long Island University in 2016. Since his time in college, he has worked closely as a fundraising partner with several charities, including Barbells for Boobs (a breast cancer org.), American Parkinson’s Disease Association, The Brooklyn Parkinson’s Group, Project New Hope, and the All-Secure Foundation.
Nick was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne from 2004-2008. He successfully completed Army Ranger School in 2006 and was deployed with his unit from 2007-2008 as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently splits his time between New York and Massachusetts, where he lives with his wife, Cait. Nick loves serving the military community and looks forward to contributing to the success of the Transcend Foundation.
AARON SEKULOV
ADVISOR
Aaron served for six years as a Marine Raider. Prior to that, he was in a Marine Scout Sniper Platoon for two years. Since being Honorably discharged, Aaron graduated from the NSA-funded Cyber Skills 2 Work program, earning his CompTIA A+, Net+, and Sec+ certifications. Aaron is currently attending Syracuse University to earn his CISSP.
Before enlisting in the Marine Corps, Aaron graduated from Michigan State University with his Master of Arts, double majoring in Educational Leadership and Sports Leadership; he graduated from the University of Michigan, majoring in Philosophy, Art History, and Urban Studies. Aaron is a certified Jeet Kune Do Instructor, Chi Gong Instructor, and Usui, Prime, Kundalini Reiki and Seichim Master.
CHRISTIAN MEYERS
ADVISOR
Christian Meyers is an eleven-year veteran, performing as a Special Missions Aviator for Combat Search and Rescue with the US Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, Christian had three combat deployments to Afghanistan, and East Africa twice. During this time, Christian performed over 140 Combat Missions, including MEDEVAC, CSAR, SOF Integration, body and aircraft recovery, and local humanitarian support.
Outside of combat time, Christian has responded to nearly every major natural disaster or civil unrest event in the last decade, including Hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, and Florence, CA wildfire MEDEVAC and Helicopter Firefighting, integrated operations with the DEA, CBP, FBI SWAT, among other agencies, and a litany of other training and stateside operational events. Overall, Christian retired with over 1600 flight hours and has been a part of 300+ lifesaving rescues, received 9 Air Medals, and achieved the final rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6).
Outside his military career, Christian is very passionate about being active and philanthropic. During Christian’s pursuit of all things exciting, he fell in love with skydiving and other air sports. Accruing well over 2000 skydives, receiving multiple instructional ratings, and a professional rating endorsement as well. Additionally, he has taken over 1000 people on their first skydives, including over 100 veterans, for free introductory skydives to help get them involved in new communities.
Christian’s other interests and passions include BASE jumping, weightlifting, and snowboarding. Christian is currently the Chief Product Officer at Terra Arma, and Co-Host of The MEDEVAC Podcast.
Jackie Syverson
ADVISOR
Jackie Syverson comes from a long family line of military and law enforcement service members. She is the surviving spouse of Maj. Paul Syverson III, daughter of Col (R) Donald R. Kirk, sister of an active-duty Army officer, and the mother of a current Sheriff’s Deputy. Jackie began her volunteer services helping with family support groups while her father deployed in support of Operations Just Cause and Desert Storm. When she married Paul, she became active in the support groups, serving on boards at platoon, company, battalion, and group levels. She was an Army Family Team Building leader and educator and spoke at the National Army Family Action Plan conference about mission readiness from the family perspective.
After the death of her husband, she became an active volunteer and board member with the Special Ops Survivors. Charity helped plan and execute conferences around the country for surviving spouses. She has volunteered with the Traged Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and has written for TAPS magazine about the anti-depressive effects of exercise and taught fitness classes for survivors. While living in Carlisle, Pa, Jackie was a member of the Carlisle Barracks Spouses Club and served on the board as the Community Liaison, planning local events to bring the civilian and military communities together to promote awareness and foster a working relationship between the two. Jackie worked with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, speaking at the annual Salute to Heroes Dinner for donors and families. Jackie has volunteered since 2017 and served on the board of the Emerald Coast Honor Games, raising funds for military and first responder charities. She currently volunteers with the Travis Manion Foundation and is the Race Director for the annual 9/11 Heroes Run in Destin as well as attends service expeditions with the Foundation.
Jackie has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. Her son works in the adjacent county in Florida and her daughter attends university in Nashville, Tn. She lives in Destin, Fl with her faithful puppy, Vito.
Andy Potanin
ADVISOR
Andy Potanin’s remarkable career, spanning nearly two decades, exhibits his exceptional leadership and innovative abilities within the technology industry. As the mastermind behind UDX, a veteran-owned small business, Andy has made exceptional breakthroughs in the domains of cloud engineering, development operations, and artificial intelligence. His unique blend of military experience and data operations expertise equips him with an exclusive perspective that fosters innovation and fuels his imaginative problem-solving outlook. His role in the US Marine Corps played out at the forefront of cyber operations and reconnaissance strategies during Operation Iraqi Freedom. These experiences ingrained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders and the utmost necessity of their post-service support mechanisms.
Andy demonstrated the transformative power of technology in his professional roles, underscoring his leadership approach’s principal core. At the heart of Andy’s leadership approach is a steadfast commitment to service, a relentless drive for innovation, and unwavering belief in technology’s potential to transform lives. Andy’s work is an embodiment of the principles of service, innovation, and transformation. His leadership, vision, and commitment to these principles stand to make a substantial impact on any organization that resonates with these values and is committed to making a measurable difference in veterans’ and first responders’ lives.
Andy’s role in the tech industry and his efforts to aid in the transition of military veterans into this sector serve as testament to his dedication to community service and the betterment of others.
Kristy Sobel
ADVISOR
Kristy’s life experiences range from being a Global Goodwill Ambassador, entrepreneur, spokesperson, business owner, prizefighter, veterans advocate, and breast cancer survivor.
After an unfortunate car accident took the life of her unborn daughter and critically fractured her spine, complications from artificial disc surgery initiated an incurable illness. For over 15 years, Kristy has fought for hope against chronic pain, and in her darkest days she found support from our veterans. In turn, a new life mission was born.
Lance LEBaron
ADVISOR
Lance self-sponsored his way to the Idaho State Police Academy, marking the beginning of an eight-year stint as a police officer. His service encompassed various law enforcement agencies, including the Filer Police Department, the North Slope Borough Police Department, and the King Cove Police Department in Alaska, before culminating at the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office. During this period, Lance experienced the profound joy of becoming a father when his son, Austin LeBaron, entered his life. This life-changing event prompted him to transition away from night shifts and embark on a career in home construction, where he has thrived for the past two decades.
In recent years, Lance has actively contributed to his community by serving on the board at Valley House and assuming the role of president at the Magic Valley Builders Association. His enduring commitment to the Blue Lakes Country Club, where he has been a member since 2006, has led to the development of meaningful relationships with fellow members. Lance is enthusiastic about the prospect of serving on the club’s board, eager to continue contributing to its growth and success.
Jason Wheat
ADVISOR
Jason Wheat was born and raised in Miami, FL. Jason attended The University of Illinois and obtained a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science where he also played football as a defensive end and earned his way into the AFL and XFL. Jason soon had a bigger calling when he went and enlisted as an Army Combat Medic from 2000-2003. Jason then became a fire fighter/EMT for Orange County Fire Rescue in Orlando Fl for the last 18 years.
Jason is currently the Head Orange County FL Fire Peer Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist. In 2019 Jason competed and won the award for Florida State Firefighter of the Year. Jason is now the Co-Director of Peer Fitness for First Response Training Group’s Fire Academy in Orlando Fl, Lead Trainer and sales management officer for Firesled Fitness and volunteers his time contributing to the Transcend Foundation to get these firefighters the help they need.
Patrick burroughs
ADVISOR
Patrick currently serves as a Lieutenant in special operations for fire rescue along with being a task force officer for the federal organization, serving on both technical rescues, WMD teams, joint terrorism task force and support swat as a paramedic. He is a nationally registered paramedic.
Patrick has worked in counterterrorism units and has over 14 years’ experience in emergency medical services. He holds a degree in EMS and countless numbers of certifications for medical practice. Over the years, he has worked on numerous governmental contracts with the military and DOD both in United States, overseas in the Middle East and a special medical project with Space X.
Patrick currently trains and teaches prolonged medicine in austere environments and tactical combat casualty care. He has worked in special operations as a medic in the field and in level 1 trauma emergency rooms, pediatric/adult and critical care. As an avid athlete, living in south Florida, he is a runner, surfer, CrossFit junky and Olympic weightlifter. He dedicates much of his time to studying neuroplasticity and natural ways to sustain the body in traumatic environments. He has a passion for healing, PTSD awareness, mental difficulties and helping others get through tough times by showing them the true warrior way. It is his ultimate passion to allow God to work through his hands and heal as many humans as possible who are in need.
Rick Morris
ADVISOR
First and foremost, Rick is a father to some amazing boys! Rick has been a firefighter/ paramedic since 2006. He works full-time with Waterford Regional Fire and has been doing so since 2013. Rick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys sharing those outdoors experiences with family and friends. As someone that has the opportunity to help care for those experiencing a mental health crisis, Rick looks forward to making a difference beyond the time he gets with those individuals in the back of the rig.
Erin Scheele
ADVISOR
Erin Scheele is the owner and lead trainer at The WorXout. Erin’s passion for fitness was ignited when she was 16, when she began to lead step classes at the local gym. Erin then went on to attend Indiana University, where she earned a B.S. in Kinesiology. As she increased her knowledge of the human body and exercise, so grew the intensity of her passion, and after completing her degree, Erin began her personal training career.
Today, that has blossomed into fulfilling clients’ hopes & dreams through fitness at her facility, TheWorXout. Erin changes lives, creating stronger, happier clients through her holistic approach to fitness, massage, nutrition, and yoga. She molds her clients through a path of their choosing to get clients exactly where they want to live. Erin has also participated in and hosted several veteran awareness fundraising projects on physical and mental health and loves working with the veteran and first responder community.
Steve Chenet
ADVISOR
Steven Chenet grew up in Clarkston, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University in 2008. Upon graduation, Steven was hired by the Michigan State Police and was assigned to the Paw Paw Post. After 5 years working the road at the Paw Paw Post, Steven accepted a temporary transfer to the Michigan State Police Training Academy, where he taught Physical Training and Defensive Tactics.
Steven has been assigned to the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team for the past 10 years, where he was promoted to Sergeant and where he continues to serve today. While assigned to the Training academy, Steven’s passion for mental and physical health grew to a lifelong commitment to helping others achieve their goals with complete holistic health.
Outside of work, Steven is a husband and a father to two children. Steven enjoys setting up group workouts and workout challenges and coaching his son’s baseball team. Steven is excited to
team up with other like-minded individuals to create awareness for the charity. Steven currently resides in Michigan with his wife and two children.
Gregory Giles
ADVISOR
Gregory Giles is co-founder and an owner of Transcend Company who specializes in web design and project management. Prior to Transcend, Greg worked as an IATSE stagehand supporting top touring bands and theatrical productions. Subsequently, Greg spent twenty years in commercial radio where he worked as an on-air host, interviewer, engineer, and audio editor. Greg possesses proficiency in various digital audio and video software mediums, including studio instrument tracking, MIDI, ProTools, the Adobe Suite of audio/video software, and more. Additionally, he has worked as a live venue host for events, a musical performer, and a published album reviewer.
Greg’s life has been marked by resilience and strength. Having endured six open-heart surgeries and numerous near-death experiences, Greg has become proficient in navigating physical, mental, and emotional stress. Greg lives in Michigan with his amazing wife and two cats.
