Thomas Maher Thomas grew up in Oxford, Michigan, in a close, blue-collar family shaped by hard work, service, faith, and the outdoors. Both of his grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II, and his father served in the Army in Vietnam. Those examples, along with experiencing 9/11 while he was in high school,…
Phil Macheca Phil grew up in southeastern Wisconsin and West Virginia before moving to Michigan in 1999 to work at a YMCA camp. Within a week, he met Karyn, his future wife. They married in 2001 and recently celebrated their 25th anniversary with their sons, Jacob, 26, and Marcus, 22. Family, close friendships, and helping…
Conrad Hutson Conrad grew up in Georgetown, Guyana, where he learned early how to adapt, work with what he had, and keep moving forward when circumstances were difficult. Those lessons have stayed with him throughout a life shaped by family, military service, education, fatherhood, and a belief that some of our greatest growth comes not…
Dorian Reeves Dorian Reeves has always belonged in the outdoors. Born in Corpus Christi and raised in Rockport, Texas, with time also spent in San Antonio, she grew up surrounded by family, salt water, and a love for adventure. She later attended the University of San Diego, drawn there by the ocean, and studied business…
Avery Vincent Growing up in Houston, Texas, with her parents, two brothers, and a black Labrador, Avery was surrounded by a close and supportive family. As the middle child, she considers her brothers two of her best friends. She is also recently engaged to her fiancée, Lyn, after three years together. Family and relationships have…
Marvin Donald “Don” DeLong III, USMC Corporal Don was born and raised in Houston, Texas, spending most of his life in and around the city, with some childhood years also spent in Alabama. Active, athletic, and happiest outdoors, Don grew up running, climbing, and playing every sport he could, football, basketball, and later softball as…
Brittney Melick LCpl, U.S. Marine Corps Resilient, determined, and quietly strong, Brittney Melick has spent much of her life adapting to challenges that would stop most people in their tracks. Growing up in Michigan, Brittney learned perseverance early, moving between schools, enduring family hardship, and even losing her home to a fire during childhood. Raised…
Mark Fitzpatrick Mark was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where his childhood was filled with the simple joys of family, neighborhood friends, and plenty of time outdoors. He loved swimming, playing baseball, softball, and football, and by junior high had developed an interest in the family’s electrical company, a business he once thought he might…
Shelby Estocado Shelby Kawehi Estocado was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is proud of her Hawaiian and German roots. Athletics have always been at the center of her life. She excelled in softball and basketball at Bishop Gorman High School before continuing her softball career at the University of Tulsa, where she…
Rev. Arthur Mavrode, MSgt. USAF (Ret.) M.A. Arthur, has dedicated his life to service through ministry, education, and more than two decades in the United States Air Force. Growing up in Miami’s Little Havana, Arthur became bilingual at an early age, a gift that shaped his career as a cryptologic linguist and later as a…