Who We Are

Born into a military family, Tom’s father served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, while his mother was an army nurse during WWII.Tom is passionate about helping combat veterans and their families, understanding firsthand the impact of post-traumatic stress.

Now retired from Oracle after a 31-year career as a Senior Account Executive, Tom dedicates 100% of his time to Warrior Connection.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Jason served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. 

In May of 2021, Jason graduated from Liberty University with his bachelor's degree in Biblical and Theological studies, with a focus on apologetics. He is now a true warrior of Christ and focuses his time and efforts on serving Warrior Connection and the Forge. He has first-hand experience and knowledge in combating post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.  

Originally from Houston, TX, Fernando is a combat veteran and enterprise transformation leader who brings private sector experience solving complex, high-stakes problems and driving measurable impact. After 11 years of service in the U.S. Army and earning his MBA from Duke University, he is focused on applying what he has learned in strategy and execution to help scale and strengthen Warrior Connection's mission.

Born in Jacksonville, NC, Buddy served as a Navy SEAL on Team 1. After his military service, he launched a successful PGA career at Jacksonville Country Club, excelling in golf property management for 38 years. 

Now retired, Buddy enjoys golf and family time. He now dedicates his time to Warrior Connection Healing Unseen Wounds Veteran Hope Golf Family

Wayne is a retired U.S. Army chaplain who served 28 years in the military, beginning his career as an enlisted Cavalry Scout before becoming an officer following Desert Storm. After September 11, he answered a call to ministry, completed seminary, and served as a chaplain supporting soldiers through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Having faced his own struggles with trauma, loss, addiction, and broken relationships, Wayne understands firsthand the challenges many veterans encounter after military service. Through faith, brotherhood, and a commitment to healing, he found a renewed purpose in helping others find hope and connection.

A member of Warrior Connection since its earliest days, Wayne serves on the Board of Directors and remains committed to the organization's mission of ensuring no warrior fights alone.

Michele is a board-certified family physician and healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in clinical care, health system leadership, and medical informatics. She serves as Director for Primary Care Informatics at Duke Health, where she leads large-scale initiatives to improve care delivery, provider efficiency, and patient outcomes while continuing to practice clinically. As the spouse of a 28-year U.S. Army veteran, she is deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families through her service and community involvement.

Born on Long Island, NY, after enlisting for four years as a Crew Chief in the Air Force during Vietnam, Jim served as an Army Chaplain for over twenty-eight years. He retired at the rank of Colonel.

After retiring, Jim earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Midwestern Baptist Seminary with a focus on Biblical Resiliency. Out of his Doctoral thesis came the biblical ideas of Faith, Family, Fulfillment, and Freedom as a means of remaining strong and resilient during tough times. 100% disabled himself, he knows what it takes to recover physically, mentally, and spiritually from the wounds of war. He continues to serve with a passion for helping other veterans and their families through Warrior Connection.

Alexis was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and began his military service in the Army Reserves and then transitioned to Active Duty with the U.S. Marines. After almost 11 years of military service, he transitioned to Law Enforcement and later began working in hospitals as a chaplain, and then in mental health outpatient and inpatient settings. He earned graduate degrees from Duke University and Wake Forest University and is currently involved with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a licensed mental health provider and provides services in South Carolina and North Carolina through his office in Chapel Hill, NC.

Alexis is committed to Warrior Connection's mission and hopes to support the organization and its members' growth by attending to their practical, cognitive/emotional, and spiritual needs.