Who We Are...

Preston “Papa Whiskey” Wall, hails from San Antonio, Texas. Enlisting in the United States Air Force after high school, he served with distinction during deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, stationed in Balad "Mortaritaville" Iraq and Mosul, Iraq. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautics and actively pursuing a Masters of Military Operations, Preston's commitment extends to his role as the Chief of Drone Operations and Special Projects Officer at Joint Base San Antonio. Additionally, he serves as the President of Frontline Heroes Outdoors. Outside of his military duties, Preston is a devoted family man, married to Nicole, Vice Principal of an elementary school, and proud parents of three children: Kinsley, Casen, and Carrigan.

Tom, our resident “spaceman” was born and raised in Long Island, New York and after high school enlisted in the United States Army. He earned his commission from the University of Tampa in 2012 and has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom twice, and Operation Iraqi Freedom once. Tom has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Master’s degrees in Homeland Security and Space Studies, and is currently finishing up his PhD in Security Studies focused on space policy and strategy. Tom currently serves as the Chief of Space Operations for U.S. Army South at Joint Base San Antonio and holds the position of Secretary for Frontline Heroes Outdoors. Tom is married to Alyssa, a Civilian Attorney for the U.S. Air Force and they have two children together, Peter and Ella.

Andrew Scott, a dedicated member of the Frontline Heroes Outdoors board, brings a unique perspective to the organization. Born with a hearing impairment that prevented military service, he nevertheless lived the military life as an "Army brat" during his father's 35-year Army career. With a deep-seated passion for assisting veterans, Andrew, armed with a bachelor's degree in business management, has found his calling in marketing and management. Currently serving as the Events Director at Frontline Heroes Outdoors, he channels his commitment to supporting our nation's finest. Andrew shares his life with Ashley, an elementary school administrator, and together, they are proud parents to two children, Cooper and Connor.

Keegan Donnelly, an active duty Master Sergeant of the US Air Force, proudly hails from Albany, NY. When he's not orchestrating large-scale global exercises or mentoring aspiring Ranger candidates through rigorous training, you can find him soaring through the skies as a passionate skydiver and wingsuiter. His thirst for adventure extends underwater as a dedicated free diver. Since embarking on his Air Force journey in 2008, Master Sergeant Donnelly has navigated a whirlwind of deployments and missions, including facing conflict in Afghanistan and Africa. With expertise in Base Defense and Tactics Training Instructor, he has led teams in high-pressure situations as a Deployed Aircraft Ground Response element (DAGRE) Team Leader and Squad Leader. Alongside his supportive wife and young son from Valdosta, Georgia, his life is a harmonious blend of adrenaline-fueled pursuits and cherished family moments.

Tricia Dang, a native of Georgia's suburbs, embarked on her journey as an active duty Air Force officer after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. Armed with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Cyber Science, as well as a Master's in Cybersecurity from the Georgia Institute of Technology, she became the first of her family to serve in the military as a Defensive Cyber Officer. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming and playing the violin. Tricia finds unwavering support and companionship in her spouse, Il, who stands as her confidant and steadfast ally.

Lance Stump, originally from Virginia, enlisted in the Air Force after high school. He was a Loadmaster on C-130's his entire career. He deployed 14 times to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa before retiring after 20 years of service. He is now a civilian contractor at Dyess AFB and he schedules C-130 aircrews. He has been married to his wife Erin for 20 years and they have two children. When not spending time with his family he is giving back to to those serving or who have served.

Cody Bertram, hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Cody enlisted in the Air Force shortly after high school and has served on multiple deployments and contingencies across Europe and the Middle East. He specializes in Cyber Warfare Operations with a focus on defensive cyber and incident response. Outside of work Cody enjoys hunting, hiking, traveling, and the outdoors. He is married to his wife Nicole, who always supports him in anything he does.

Alex "Franco" Brown, originally from Philadelphia, embarked on a remarkable journey by enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 18. Stationed at Lackland AFB and Eglin AFB, he honed his skills and dedication, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and the level of craftsman in Airfield Operations. Alex's military service included two deployments to Kuwait and one to Turkey, showcasing his commitment to duty. Currently, he serves as an airport manager for the port of San Antonio, seamlessly blending his expertise with civilian responsibilities. In addition, Alex plays a crucial role as a mission coordinator for Frontline Heroes Outdoors, contributing to the organization's impactful initiatives.

Brandon Davis, born in Fort Worth, TX in 1983. Joined the Air Force in 2003 and became a C-130 Loadmaster where I was stationed at Dyess AFB, TX. After 6 years at Dyess, I was picked to become a part of select-ably chosen assignment . I have a history with many SOF units and chose to return to Abilene, TX to retire with my wife and two kids.

Mike "Koolaid" Dean, originally from Kansas City, enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1998 at the age of 21. During his nearly 25 year career, he served as a Security Forces member, Combat Arms Training & Maintenance Instructor, and Loadmaster on the C-130. Mike has 11 combat deployments to numerous locations around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, and the Horn of Africa. He holds a number of degrees and certifications in Leadership, including a Bachelor's of Management with a concentration in Human Resources, and is actively pursuing his Master's of Science in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Mike tries to stay active within his community, giving back wherever and whenever possible. He services on a number of boards and committees, including the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee, Leadership Abilene, and is an active member of his VFW Post. Mike is married to his bride of 25 years, Dawn, and they are blessed with three wonderful children, Brayden, Rylan, and Morgan.

Jonathan Dula, a proud Texan born into a military family with nearly six decades of combined service, embodies the spirit of adventure and duty. Raised in San Antonio, he thrives in the outdoors, honing skills in hunting, fishing, and golf. With 13 years in the United States Air Force Security Forces, his journey has taken him from Germany to Korea and back to Joint Base San Antonio, where he's tackled roles from Armorer to NCOIC of Integrated Defense. Twice deployed, he balances service with pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security and community involvement. As Mission Coordinator, his towering presence ensures our mission's success, turning goals into reality with unwavering dedication and expertise.

Pam "Pistol" Dunbar was raised on a cattle ranch in Eastern Oregon. She enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school and served 4 1/2 years. Pam has a bachelor’s of science in psychology with a minor in child development and family studies. She is pursuing a master’s in non-profit management from Our Lady of the Lake university in San Antonio. Pam works as a Family Career Advisor for Texas Veterans Commission, is active on the beef cattle committee for the San Antonio livestock show and rodeo and is on the board for the San Antonio chapter of the Safari Club.

Ethan is from northern Mississippi and has loved being outdoors from a very young age. Some of his favorite childhood memories are of spending time in the woods hunting with his father and grandfather. After high school, he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force to become an intelligence analyst stationed in San Antonio. Ethan’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, archery, hiking, and supporting the Trinity University Polo Team as its unofficial water boy. He has found solace in helping others and spending time in nature. Moreover, he hopes to make a positive impact on the mental health of our nation’s heroes by sharing his passion for the great outdoors.

A United State Navy Corpsman that spent 8.5 years with the Marines as a combat medic and often forward deployed throughout the world. My adventures landed me all over Asia, West Coast, and Combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coming from a long line of retired service members from all branches, I felt compelled to carry the torch for the future generations of medical professionals. After fulfilling these duties, I challenged myself to be a small business owner and assist with those same veterans that seek adaptive remodels- and speciality access within their home. I find myself outfitting veterans with new wheelchair accessible showers, handrails, grab bars,exterior ramps and hardwood flooring changes just to name a few. I joined this organization to continue to share the outdoors with fellow veterans and like minded frontline heroes.

Donnie Harmon, originally from Illinois, was the first person in his family to serve, enlisting in the Airforce as a loadmaster eventually flying on the C-130J. In his time so far on the Herk he has amassed over 2000 flight hours, visited over 30 countries and participated in countless exercises, some partnering with other nations. After spending 5 years on active duty he transitioned to the Texas Air National Guard and is still serving, doing the same job. He grew up fishing with his grandpa and later on got into hunting through waterfowl and has only expanded from there. While at home in Fort Worth he is never bored with 2 dogs, a cat and his fiance.

Sam Motto embarked on a fast-paced journey by enlisting in the Air Force straight out of high school, leading him to San Antonio, Texas, where he has proudly served as an Active Duty member since 2021. His time in San Antonio has been instrumental in shaping and refining his skills in the Cyber field, engaging in a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. From an early age, Sam cultivated four core passions: serving veterans and first responders, photography, videography, and hunting. Whether he's behind the camera lens or out in the woods, these passions define much of his life. Upon arriving in San Antonio and discovering the abundance of opportunities to pursue these interests, Sam sought a way to integrate them all into a meaningful endeavor that would give back to the community. Through prior engagements, Sam crossed paths with Preston and the team, recognizing their shared dedication to making a positive impact. Eager to contribute his expertise in photography and videography, Sam joined the organization as a mission coordinator and team photographer/videographer. This role allows him to blend his passions seamlessly, capturing unforgettable moments during events and providing families with cherished memories to cherish forever. For Sam, being part of this team is not just about giving back; it's about sharing the transformative power of the outdoors and ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much are honored and celebrated. In every snapshot and video clip, Sam strives to encapsulate the essence of these experiences, leaving a lasting impression on those who participate and those who view his work.

Tyler "Brocklobster" Smith, boasts a diverse 12 year career career in Security Forces as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Air Force. His journey included stations in Japan, Montana & Hawaii before he retired at his final location, Joint Base San Antonio. Tyler's dedication and expertise led him to attend sniper school, FLETC, San Antonio SWAT, and other many other specialty courses in between. Additionally, Tyler stepped into the role of First Sergeant, overseeing the mental health and welfare of over 203 Airmen. Notably, he was hand selected as the Executive Officer to the Command Chief at Joint Base San Antonio, overseeing the well being of more than 88,00 people on the largest base in the Department of Defense. Transitioning into civilian life, Tyler has taken on the role of Director of Operations at a prominent roofing and remodeling company in San Antonio. Beyond his professional achievements, Tyler is a musician, graceful dancer & devoted father to two daughters.

Brandon Stowe hails from Houston, Texas. Upon graduating from high school he attended Texas A&M and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and joined the workforce. It wasn't until the age of 28 that Brandon joined the military, serving in the Texas Army National Guard in an intelligence unit. He has lived in San Antonio for the last 7 years with his wife, Shannon, and their three children. In his free time he enjoys anything that will keep him in the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and golf.

Born and raised in the heart of San Antonio, Thomas Torres has always had a deep connection to the great outdoors. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University’s Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Science program, Thomas combines his academic knowledge with 10 years of hands-on experience in the hunting industry. As the owner and operator of a premier hunting outfitter, Thomas is dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels. His expertise in wildlife and land management allows him to curate sustainable and memorable adventures while prioritizing conservation. Beyond his business, Thomas is passionate about giving back to his community, leading conservation efforts and outdoor education programs to inspire future generations to appreciate and protect nature. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just beginning your journey, Thomas Torres is committed to helping you make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Aaron "Troj" Trojacek roots comes from the small Czech town of Ennis, Texas. With 23 years of dedicated service as a C-130 loadmaster in the United States Air Force. Aaron has bravely undertaken multiple deployments in support of various operations including Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Horn of Africa, and Resolute Support Mission. Throughout his career, his steadfast pillar of support has been his wife Amanda and their three children, Graysen, Skylar, and Wyatt. Which allowed him to complete in his academic achievements, including an MBA with a minor in Project Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Organizational Management. He has held various leadership positions and served in many diverse assignments such as the Contingency Response Wing and Air Mobility Command. Notably, he has earned a Master Instructor Badge and CCAF Instructor Certification-III while at the C-130 schoolhouse. Currently transitioning out of the USAF through the DOD Skill bridge program, “Troj” is pursuing his Project Management Professional Certification. His passion lies in supporting the mission of FHO and assisting those who are in need, particularly understanding the mental stress and challenges of PTSD faced by individuals in frontline careers like military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

Brandon Vaca, originally from the small town of Colusa California, enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after high school. He was an amphibious assault vehicle crew chief as well as an instructor. He deployed twice on two different Marine Expeditionary Units. He is currently in the career field of HVAC but is currently going through the process do become a Dallas firefighter. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, spending quality time with family, helping anyone in need, and supporting the mission of FHO.