Helping Wounded Warriors Find Their Way Home

Table of Contents

Roever Foundation

Organizational Background Information

Who are the Wounded Warriors?

Eagles Summit Ranch Facilities

Patriot Tour

Wilderness Activities

Roever Foundation Funding Needs

Operation Warrior RECONnect Programs

Voices of the Warriors

Current Program Overview

Winning with Integrity

Tragedy to Triumph Customized Programs

Marriage Encounter

Warrior Family Camp

School for Military Ministry

Program Accreditation

Contact Information

Team RECON

Management & Staff

M. David Roever, D.D.

Matt Roever, M.S.

John T. Gaither

Mary Gaither

Beverly & Jerry Shoemaker

Special Presenters*

Michael Beeson

Brandon Byers

Brad Hearon

Brian Fleming

Roever Foundation

Operation RECONnect Contact Information

The Mission of Roever Foundation

*Note: Presenter list is provided as an example. Presenters are based on participant and

program requirements.

Organizational Background Information

Helping Wounded Warriors Find Their Way Home

PO Box 136130, Fort Worth, TX 76136 817.238.2000 roeverfoundation.org

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Roever Foundation, Inc., a public benefit corporation founded by Dave Roever, was

organized in 1991 to establish, conduct and

maintain programs for charitable and educational

purposes, with regards to problems of young

people, while promoting education, patriotism and

character. In the early years the organization

focused on high school students. After 9/11 the

focus group shifted to the military with the focal

point being that of the wounded returning from the

War on Terror

Mr. Roever’s message is one of hope. He uses his war experiences of loneliness, peer

pressure, disfigurement and pain, combined with his understanding of wholesome

family relationships, to present concrete solutions to problems such as substance abuse,

low self-esteem, suicide, Post Traumatic Stress, and overcoming physical injuries

related to war. During his career, Roever has spoken face-to-face with over six million

students in public schools. As a Resiliency Coach in the U.S. Army’s

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, he made six tours into the AOR which

included Afghanistan, Cypress, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab

Emirates, and Iraq speaking to countless thousands of soldiers.

Seeing the great need of our military personnel, he began construction in 2005 on

Eagles Summit Ranch in Westcliffe, Colorado to facilitate Operation Warrior

Reconnect programs to assist our Wounded Heroes overcome the trauma related to

war. The first session began on September 11, 2007 with an opening ceremony

featuring Attorney General John Ashcroft and Lieutenant General Bruce Wright,

Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, and Commander, 5th Air Force, as guest speakers.

Who are the Wounded Heroes?

The Wounded Heroes are men and women returning home from the war on terror

who have suffered devastating injuries. Recently the program has been

expanded to include Wounded Heroes from the war on drugs

(methamphetamine) and first responders wounded in the line of duty. The

Wounded Heroes attending our sessions have suffered from a variety of injuries:

severe burns, missing limbs, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mild

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), etc. No discrimination is made on the basis of

race, sex or religion.

The families of both our wounded and fallen warriors are included in several

programs and activities.

Eagles Summit Ranch Facilities

Eagles Summit Ranch

Colorado is located in the

wilderness environment of the

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

only ninety minutes away

from Fort Carson. This setting provides for

challenging, yet fun, activities

that include hiking, four-

wheeling in the high mountain

passes, horseback riding, a

fitness center, skeet shooting

and quiet evenings around a

fire. In addition, we offer ranch activities that are associated with the day-to-day

operations, lifestyle and culture of a ranch within Custer County, Colorado.

Eagles Summit Ranch

Texas, in the Texas Hill

Country is in close proximity

to Fort Hood, Fort Sam

Houston, Brooke Army

Medical Center, and the

Center for the Intrepid. Eagles

Summit Ranch, Texas opened

September, 2011. This setting

also provides for challenging,

yet fun, activities that include

hiking, four-wheeling, skeet

shooting and quiet evenings around a fire. In addition, program participants can

view a variety of wildlife. White tail, fallow and axis deer along with elk and

emu roam freely. The Chris Kyle Memorial Gym with state of the art fitness

equipment is a major attraction at the Texas facility.

Off-Site Third Party Facilities are utilized by Roever Foundation on a case by case basis to

meet the special needs of our participants.

Operation Warrior Reconnect Patriot Tour

The Patriot Tour is a one of

a kind event that reaches

into the hearts of an

audience. The amazing

impactful stories and

testimonies of tragedy to

triumph of these warriors

gives hope to people of all

ages and walks of life by the

relevance and transparency

in which they are expressed.

Whether there are veterans in the room or not, all can connect in their own way

with the tough situations humanity faces in this life. They leave each listener

with this challenge: “If I can make it, so can you”!

Wilderness Activities

The secluded wilderness aspect of our program is essential to the healing process

of our participants. A wide range of activities within the boundaries of a

sheltered ranch away from stress, responsibilities and the prying eyes of the

public, provide our participants an opportunity to rise above their current life,

refocus and commit to a new future.

Roever Foundation Funding Needs

The programs of Operation Warrior Reconnect and

Eagles Summit Ranch have more applicants than can be

accommodated. It is always a challenge to raise the funds

necessary to meet the demands because we do not require

payment from Wounded Heroes. They have paid in full

by their service to our country. Therefore, scholarship

funding and facility maintenance must be solicited from

individuals and organizations.

Scholarships include travel costs (airfares), activities,

lodging, meals, class materials and textbooks.

Scholarships do not include tuition fees at accredited colleges and universities

that work with Operation Warrior Reconnect. To donate to Roever Foundation

go to http://roeverfoundation.org.

OPERATION WARRIOR RECONNECT

PROGRAMS

Helping Wounded Warriors Find Their Way Home

Voices…

You have done for me what no hospital, doctor or drug could do.

I’ve never been treated like a king before.

I’m having a hard time focusing. For the last three years, I haven’t had to look

beyond the 12 feet from my bed to the basement wall. In these mountains, I

can see forever.

I was a guest at the Eagle Summit Ranch in Colorado while I was in the Ft.

Carson WTU. The whole experience of my week there has changed my life. I

do, as most do, have set backs occasionally, but your program gave me the very

important tools needed to keep going on.

After attending the program in Colorado, this soldier passed from injuries

received in Iraq. His mother-in-law writes…While planning Scott’s memorial,

we found his Bible. Tucked away in his Bible was a piece of paper with “his

story” written on it. It was the speech he had given at the graduation ceremony

at Eagles Summit… we read his speech at his memorial service.

Over and over again they (the Army) send us to suicide prevention classes. We

all hate them. Our instructors read to us from books and then they tell us not to

kill ourselves. The instructors don’t want to be there; we don’t want to be there.

Then you invite us to your program and everybody here speaks from the heart

and we listen… with our hearts. What a difference the last few days has made in

my life.

I met Dave Roever while working with the Warrior Transition Battalion. I have

attended two of his training sessions at Eagles Summit Ranch. He gave me the

coping skills to deal with my issues regarding combat. Last year, he invited my

family to join him and his team at Family Camp. We were excited and nervous

all at the same time not knowing what was going to happen. All I knew was that

“

if he could help me, then he could help me to help my family cope and

understand.

Going to Family Camp really gave us the tools and the patience to really cope

and work out our difficulties. It gave my kids a chance to be kids again. My wife

and I were able to talk, really talk. Listening to others share about their past

experiences showed us options in dealing with our problems. Family Camp was

the best experience we have ever had.

I went into the Army to fix trucks that were broken. I came to Eagles Summit

Ranch because I am broken and I need to be fixed.

From a wife to her husband who was attending the program…“when I talked to

you tonight I could hear a huge difference in you...you sound happy again... I

am so glad you had this opportunity because to hear the happiness in your voice

means more to me than you will ever know. All the hell we have been through

the last couple of years is all worth it just to hear you happy. I love you baby and

so glad to hear that man I fell in love with all those years ago.”

My husband came out of his shell.

Doug was invited to Eagles Summit to take a week long class with other male

veterans learning how to fight for what is important – family and faith. That

week long class with Rangers and Snipers had THE biggest impact on his life…

The pain of war isn’t the only pain I will know. But I’ve learned that I can take

that pain and make it a weapon against the enemy of my soul.

I have never felt unconditional love like I have here!

Eagles Summit did for me in two weeks what the military and all their

medications couldn’t do for me in 14 months. I don’t know where I’d be today

without them!

The Army has nothing like this…

of the Warriors ”

Current Program Overview

Operation Warrior Reconnect (Team RECON) at Eagles Summit Ranch is a

unique program that provides numerous services to

warriors and their families. The programs/services

and activities include, but are not limited to, the

following:

Mentoring, both one-on-one with instructors and

within small groups

On-site Seminars

On-site Classes, both certificate and university

accredited

Off-site, internet courses both certificate and

university accredited.

Special customized programs

Examples of topics include:

Core Values Planning Your Life Post Traumatic Stress

Failure Family Parenting

Leadership Public Speaking Suicide

Marriage Drugs and Addictions Resiliancy

Many of our participants come

in search of a new beginning. In

addition to the classes, the

warriors and their families are

provided encouragement and

time to adjust to the challenges

in their lives. They have been

forever changed by war but they

still have a bright future ─ a

future greater than what they

may have ever imagined.

Trained and certified counselors are available.

Winning with Integrity

Most of our participants start with the Winning with Integrity Program. The Winning with

Integrity program through the Operation Warrior Reconnect (Team RECON) is an excellent

choice for Wounded Heroes, chaplains, line officers, and young leaders. (Under provision,

this program may be accredited through participating universities.) Upon completion, the

student will be awarded a certificate of accomplishment from Team RECON.

Who qualifies?

Wounded Heroes, chaplains, line officers, and young leaders qualify for programs at Team

RECON.

Application

All students must submit the Winning with Integrity Admission Application. The application

should be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the class start date.

All Winning with Integrity Admission Applications are reviewed and approved by

the Academic Dean.

Application Deadline

Three (3) months prior to the class start date.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships are provided for all wounded and active duty military.

Program Description

The goal of the Winning with Integrity program is to rebuild self-esteem, confidence and

family relationships in Wounded Heroes and other qualifying students by providing a program

within the wilderness environment of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Hill Country of

Texas that includes mentoring, educational opportunities and hands-on training in public

speaking. Our goal is to help our students return home to full and productive lives.

We believe concealed pain can be healed by sharing past experiences, situations and crises.

Learning to speak publically about these experiences is an excellent means to accomplish the

healing objective. Classes include Overcoming Devastating Injuries, Leadership, Suicide

Prevention, Substance Abuse, Failure, and Family Values.

Facilitator: Dave Roever, D.D.

Matthew Roever, M.S.

Tragedy to Triumph Customized

Programs

Tragedy to Triumph is a unique program that prepares Wounded Heroes, chaplains, line

officers, and young leaders for the future. The staff of Operation Warrior Reconnect (Team

RECON) is uniquely qualified to provide a large range of specially customized programs

designed to fit the needs of the participants.

These programs are conducted at Eagles Summit Ranch. The wilderness experience provides

the perfect setting to rediscover one’s self. In addition, students will spend time enjoying

challenging, yet fun, activities, such as hiking, four-wheeling, horseback riding and quiet

evenings around the fire.

Customized programming.

Requests for customized programs must include a detailed program description and

objectives. All customized program request must be discussed with the Academic Dean.

Customized programming may include:

Marriage seminars

Pre-deployment and post-deployment sessions

Programs for children of Wounded Heroes

Programs for spouses of Wounded Heroes

Programs for spouses and children of

deployed soldiers

Programs dedicated to Vietnam Veterans

Leadership Development programs

These non-accredited seminars are available on a

group bases.

All requests will be reviewed and approved by the Academic Dean.

Who qualifies?

Wounded Heroes, chaplains, line officers, military family members and other young leaders

qualify for programs at Operation Warrior Reconnect.

Tuition and Fees:

Cost will be determined by the scope of the request. Scholarships are provided for all wounded

and active duty military.

Marriage Encounter

The Roever Foundation Marriage Encounter is a faith-based program offered for wounded

heroes and their spouses. Participants will seek to discover the truth about PTSD and the

struggles within their marriage; providing couples with the support they need to successfully

delve into their recovery process. Topics include forgiveness and letting go of past hurt, while

identifying both spouse’s needs and expectations. Couples will leave the session knowing

what a successful marriage looks like by God’s design and how to achieve it.

Who qualifies?

Wounded Heroes, chaplains, line officers, and young leaders that have attended a Roever

Foundation Program. All participants are subject to approval by the Roever Foundation

President.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships are provided for all wounded and active duty military.

Facilitator: David Roever, D.D.

Warrior Family Camp

Operation Warrior Reconnect recognizes that when a warrior is injured on the battlefield the

entire family is affected. Therefore, in 2010 the Warrior Family Camp was initiated. We began

with fifteen families. Since then, attendance has double each year. We supply a week of fun

and specialized instruction with a spiritual life emphasis. Warriors relate to warriors. Spouses

discuss pertinent issues on coping with husbands’/wives’ war injuries and children can

become carefree children again. Warrior, spouse, and all the kiddies come with all expenses

paid.

The Warrior Family Camp not only changes lives;

it changes families

School for Military Ministry

In Partnership with REAP International

Impacting Eternity

Winning the lost and training the found - everywhere!

Roever Educational Assistance Programs (R.E.A.P International) and Global University (GU)

have developed an on-line Christian discipleship program to meet the specific needs of the

active duty soldier, veteran and their family. The medical profession puts them back on their

feet with artificial limbs, skin grafts and the many medical advances of recent years. However,

these programs cannot place them back on their feet spiritually and help them grow into

mature Christians. Our mission is to help our Warrior Heroes return home by RECONnecting

them to self, community, family and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The School for Military Ministry offers two programs of study.

CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM

The Christian Life Program provides discipleship training and orientation to the Christian

Life. Eighteen courses cover four general areas: Devotional Development, Doctrinal

Development, Character Development and Service Development.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM

The Christian Service Program provides ministry training for leadership in the local church.

Eighteen courses cover topics divided into four units: Missions and Evangelism, Practical

Ministry Skills, Spiritual Development, and Biblical Studies.

Who qualifies?

This program is offered exclusively to Military, Police, Fire, and EMS personnel and their

families and/or spouses.

Application

All students must submit the School for Military Ministry Application.

All applications are reviewed and approved by the program director.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships are available for all wounded and active duty military.

Facilitator: Mary Gaither, M.A.

Program Accreditation

Operation Warrior RECONnect is dedicated to rebuilding self-esteem,

confidence, and family relationships in our Wounded Heroes by providing

programs that include overcoming war injuries, mentoring, educational

opportunities and hands-on public speaking experiences. Through the programs

of Team RECON, we are assisting our Wounded Heroes return home to full and

productive lives.

Some of our classes and seminars are university accredited.

Colorado State University-Pueblo Program

June 26, 2008 Operation Warrior Reconnect

and Colorado State University-Pueblo

signed an agreement to assist program

participants begin their CSU-Pueblo

Independent Study Program by providing

encouragement, assistance and continued

motivation to complete a university program

and achieve their educational goals.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University Program

For those wishing to pursue religious

education, on September 11, 2007,

Operation Warrior Reconnect signed an

agreement to provide accredited university

classes at Eagles Summit Ranch with

Southwestern Assemblies of God

University.

Since 2008, other college and university programs have honored our

accreditation and given college credit for our programs.

Roever Foundation Program Leadership Team

Helping Wounded Warriors Find Their Way Home

Dave Roever D.D. Founder, Chairman, and President:

Roever Foundation, Inc.

Eagles Summit Ranch

Operation Warrior Reconnect

Dave Roever grew up in a loving, committed family in South

Texas. The last thing on his mind was going to war. At the

height of the Vietnam War, he received his draft notice.

Having no desire to serve in the infantry, he joined the Navy

and served as a river boat gunner in the elite Brown Water

Black Beret in Vietnam.

Eight months into his tour of duty in Vietnam, Dave was

burned beyond recognition when a phosphorous grenade he

was poised to throw exploded in his hand. The ordeal left him hospitalized for fourteen

months, where he underwent numerous major surgeries. His survival and life are miraculous.

Today, with his humorous style, Dave Roever is enthusiastically received both nationally and

internationally as a public speaker. He is a gifted communicator and speaks in a variety of

settings including public schools, military installations, business conventions and churches.

Dave is a frequent guest on national television talk shows.

In every setting, Mr. Roever's message is one of hope. Using his life as an example, he

addresses issues relevant to his audience and presents concrete solutions to life's problems.

Often drawing upon his war experiences of loneliness, peer pressure, disfigurement and pain,

as well as life's triumphs, Dave weaves a message of courage, commitment and survival that

touches and transforms those who hear him.

Thirty-four years after his injuries, the Department of the Navy corrected its oversight by

awarding Dave a Purple Heart, along with several other service medals. Because of his war-

time experience of service, injury and recovery, he is uniquely qualified to speak to the needs

of military personnel. He is called upon regularly to address troops on domestic military bases

as well as those deployed in other locations around the globe.

In May 2005, Dave was awarded an honorary doctor degree in recognition of his remarkable

life and service.

Mr. Roever is no stranger to the war on terror. He has made six tours to the Middle East

encouraging our soldiers in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab

Emirates and Iraq.

MILITARY AWARDS

PURPLE HEART MEDAL

NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION RIBBON

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL with 3 bronze stars

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION

(Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm)

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION

(Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color with Palm)

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL with 1960 device

CIVILIAN AWARDS

OUTSTANDING CIVILIAN SERVICE AWARD – the third highest honor within the

Department of the Army Civilian Awards bestowed by the United States Department of the

Army to a private citizen. This award was presented to Mr. Roever for “outstanding service

to wounded warriors and their families” in May, 2012.

Matt Roever, M.S. Vice President & Director of Eagles Summit Ranch Texas

Academic Dean of Operation Warrior Reconnect (RECON)

Matt Roever is a gifted communicator and a graduate of

Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a Master's

Degree in Theological Studies.

Matt excels in public speaking, especially in public schools

where he has spoken to approximately one million students in

the last decade. He conducts men's conventions and youth

conventions. He speaks frequently in churches and on

university campuses. His humorous yet engaging style has

provoked highest praise from those who attend his seminars

and school assemblies.

Matt traveled to Iraq as a part of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program. He has also

toured in many third world nations including Vietnam and El Salvador presenting a message

of hope and restoration.

Matt is an adjunct professor with Southwestern Assemblies of God University and is presently

Professor of Record at Operation Warrior Reconnect (RECON) where he and his father, Dave

Roever, train Wounded Heroes in the art of public speaking preparing them for a future.

He also starred in the docudrama, Scars that Heal, a World Wide Pictures' film. He has

produced and directed multiple music videos and other religiously oriented film shorts.

Matt married the love of his life, Jaime, and has two sons. The family resides in Junction,

Texas.

John T. Gaither Corporate Facilities and Project Manager

John is a retired City of Huntsville Alabama,

Construction and Engineering Inspector. He has

experience and extensive knowledge of planning &

zoning requirements, code/regulation

implementation and enforcement while working

within a government management/team. John has

experience in the management, supervision,

inspection and coordination of multiple multi-million

dollar engineering infrastructure construction

projects (roads, bridges, etc), including evaluations

regarding specifications deficiencies, feasibility of

design changes, cost analysis and documentation. He was responsible for the

inspection and certification of existing structures such as bridges and culverts as

required by the Federal Administration and the State of Alabama Department of

Transportation. He holds a Federal NBIS Bridge Inspector Certification. He has

provided technical assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Assistance

(FEMA) and calculated estimates for tornado storm damages and other projects.

John has been the owner of three businesses; these include two full service high

precision machine shops and a commercial, residential maintenance and

fabrication service. As a self-employed business owner, John was responsible

for all phases of the business administration (both corporate and sole

proprietorship), property and equipment acquisition, and ground and building

maintenance.

In June of 2006, John and his wife, Mary, joined Roever Foundation. He served

for several years as the Ranch Manager of Eagles Summit Ranch Colorado

before becoming the Corporate Facilities and Project Manager. His current

responsibilities include the management of Roever Foundation facilities,

infrastructure systems, project management and extracurricular care of guests

and Wounded Heroes.

John and Mary are parents of one adult child and the grandparents of one

grandson.

Resume’ available upon request.

Mary Gaither, M.A. Accademic Dean, School for Military Ministry

Roever Educational Assistance Programs (REAP)

Program Development Manager and Registrar

Roever Foundation

Corporate Phone Number: 817-616-1864

Email: mary@roeverfoundation.org

Mary spent most of her career in Corporate America prior to

joining the staff of Roever Foundation. Throughout the past

thirty years she has held several different positions, from

Accountant to Manager of a Contract Department, Contract

Negotiator, Program Administrator and Financial Analyst. In

these positions, Mary was responsible for reviewing and preparing several multi-million dollar

competitive bid submissions. Her responsibilities included response to customer terms and

conditions in accordance with company policies, procedures and customer requirements

including research, recommendations, internal and external negotiations and analysis of

contractual risk. She has served as an ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Department Representative and ISO Corporate Internal Auditor, which included process

improvement, documenting procedures, guidelines, internal auditing and personnel training.

She has also taught several business classes at Virginia College in Huntsville, Alabama.

In June of 2006, Mary and her husband, John, joined Roever Foundation. Mary is the Dean

of the School for Military Ministry, a Roever Educational Assistance Program (REAP) and

Global University (GU) partnership. She is also the registrar and program development

manager for Roever Foundation. Her responsibilities include acting as the program

facilitator/liaison with military organizations, 3rd party owned facilities, Southwestern

University and Colorado State University. In addition, Mary works closely with the students

to equip and empower them for the future.

Mary and John are parents of one adult child, Amanda Reed, and the grandparents of one

grandson.

Beverly & Jerry Shoemaker Eagles Summit Ranch Colorado, Director Team

Operation Warrior RECONnect Speaker

In January 2013, Beverly and her husband, Jerry,

became the Directors of Eagles Summit Ranch

Colorado. They handle the day-to-day

operations of the facility, ensuring that it is kept

in proper order and ready to be used at any given

time. They also speak to various groups, raising

awareness and funding for Wounded Heroes who

attend the programs at Eagles Summit Ranch

Colorado. They are visionaries continually

looking ahead for better ways to assist those who

come to the Colorado Ranch.

Beverly Shoemaker was born and raised in a suburb of Dayton Ohio. Beverly spent most of

her career in the medical field as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She holds her degree in

Applied Science from Sinclair College in Dayton Ohio. Throughout her career she worked

in various areas including critical care, home care, medical sales and management. She has

always had a desire to help others in a healing way. She always felt a deep compassion and

empathy for the wounded, ill as well as the families as they journeyed through their loss and

suffering.

Beverly’s story is about the tragic decisions made by others in her life that sparked a change

that would forever affect the direction her life would take. She traded her brokenness for

unbreakable strength. Beverly has developed a passion for helping the military, their families

and others across the United States. She brings a message of hope, encouragement and

inspiration to others suffering from their own personal tragedies and how she has relied on

her deep faith to conquer her darkest moments.

In 2007 Beverly met Dave Roever while touring the newly built Eagles Summit Ranch in

Colorado. One year later she participated in what is now known as the “Operation Warrior

RECONnect” program at the ranch. In addition to being part of the leadership team at Eagles

Summit Ranch Colorado, Beverly often shares her testimony during Operation Warrior

Reconnect Programs.

Beverly is married to her husband Jerry. Between them they have three children and seven

grandchildren. They currently reside in Westcliffe Colorado.

SGT Michael Beeson US Army (Ret) Operation Warrior RECONnect Speaker

Michael Beeson enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2003,

completing Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson in August

of 2003 and the Paralegal Specialist Course in 2005. During

his time in the National Guard, Michael served in support of

Operation Vigilant Relief in Gulfport, Mississippi in the

aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2007, Michael re-enlisted to enter active duty and change

career fields. After completing the Unit Supply Specialist Course at Fort Lee, Virginia,

Michael was assigned to the 4th Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado.

In February of 2009, Michael deployed with 4th Engineers to Baghdad, Iraq. Two months

later the battalion was shifted to Kandahar Airfield, Kandahar, Afghanistan. Soon after

arriving in Afghanistan, he was injured during a rocket attack on the airfield. Unknown at the

time, he suffered multiple injuries. It was not until some six weeks later, upon his return home

due to emergency family issues, that the full extent of the damage came to light. The ensuing

medical melee found Michael reassigned to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Carson,

Colorado and later, medically retired in June of 2011.

Michael resides in Bulverde, Texas, just north of San Antonio with his wife Roxanne, and his

two children, Taylor and Gorman. He presently works with Operation Warrior Reconnect

(RECON) in an effort to help future generations of service members reconnect with their lives,

families, and friends. He is fiercely patriotic and thoroughly enjoys inspiring others with his

story of service, struggle, and an all-out fight to get back to something called life. With the

help and mentorship of the Operation Warrior Reconnect Team, Michael received his

speaking certification, completed his undergraduate degree at Southwestern Assemblies of

God University, and is near completion of the first of his graduate degrees.

Education

Bachelors of Science Degree in Professional Development with emphasis in Management

and Computer Information Systems, Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Major Awards and Decorations Army Commendation Medal

Army Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Overseas Service Ribbon

NATO ISAF (International Security Assistance Forces) Medal

Mississippi National Guard Emergency Services Medal

SrA Brandon Byers, Retired Operation Warrior RECONnect Speaker

Brandon Byers enlisted in the Unites States Air Force on

May 10, 2005. His first duty station assignment was Nellis

Air Force Base located in Los Vegas, Nevada, with the 99th

Security Forces Squadron

Brandon deployed in 2006 under the 586 ESFS Army

Command. He was trained as a 50 Cal. turret gunner and was

assigned to the ASO (Area Security Operations) Unit at

Camp Bucca, Iraq. After five and a half months of

conducting operations outside the wire, he was injured by an

IED (Improvised Explosive Devise) after securing a route for

a supply convoy. Brandon’s body was riddled with shrapnel,

causing severe nerve, bone and muscle tissue damage to his left leg and right hand.

Three years later, despite numerous surgeries and months of physical and occupational

therapy to overcome his injuries, the United States Air Force medically retired SrA Byers on

September 28, 2009. In February of 2013, after more than six years of limb salvage surgeries,

Brandon had his left leg amputated above the knee to improve his quality of life.

Presently, Brandon with his wife Megan and their two children, Cameron and Preston, make

their home northeast of Dallas, in McKinney, Texas. Brandon loves America and lives to

inspire others with his powerful story of overcoming a life-altering injury in the service of his

country. The Byers family is currently starting their own full time ministry to help others

overcome hardships and find hope.

Education Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Administration and Disaster Planning and a Minor in

Criminal Justice, University of North Texas.

Major Awards and Decorations Purple Heart

Air Force Commendation x2

Army Commendation

Air Force Combat Action Medal

Army Combat Action Badge

National Defense Service Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border

Air Force Longevity Ribbon

Small Arms Expert Ribbon

BRAD HEARON Substance Abuse Specialist

CHOICES, LIES AND CONSEQUENCES!!!

Brad Hearon was born in Liberal, Kansas and always dreamed of

being part of his family’s farm operations. He loved to drive

tractors and work on machinery. He never dreamed he would

become addicted to methamphetamines and sustain burns over

80% of his body.

At the age of 19, Brad was manufacturing “meth” in his El

Camino pickup when the mixture exploded leaving him with only

1% chance of survival. After spending most of 2003 in the

hospital and undergoing numerous surgeries, he has an amazing

story of survival.

Brad has always had a love for life and sees the humor of any

situation. Even though he has scars on the outside, Brad still has

the same love and humor on the inside.

Brad’s story is all about choices. Using his life as an example, he challenges his audiences to

realize that every choice has a consequence. Choices not only affect the individual, but also

families and peers. Brad has dedicated his life to serving others ─ to teach them the importance

of making positive life choices that will help determine the success of their future. The coined

phrase, “Show me your friends, and I will show you your

future,” is an undeniable truth.

In 2007 Brad met Dave Roever and was privileged to participate

in the Operation Warrior Reconnect programs at Eagles Summit

Ranch. Brad Hearon was not wounded in an honorable way

fighting on the battlefield, but now he is fighting the war on

drugs and speaking the truth about their destruction.

Brad Hearon is the founder and president of HELP, INC. He is

an accomplished, motivational speaker whose story is timeless

and powerful in any venue.

Brad is married to Autum Hearon and they reside in Westcliffe,

Colorado.

Brian C. Fleming "What happens to you in life isn’t nearly as important as what you choose to do with

what happens to you in life."

Brian C. Fleming has rapidly emerged as a

symbol of perseverance and unconditional

victory among 21st century combat-veterans. His

is a face of hope and promise, survival and

success. Having been blown up twice while

fighting the war in Afghanistan, he overcame the

odds and lived to tell about it. With wisdom and

perspective beyond his years, Fleming is

dedicated to seeing others succeed in the midst of

their own challenges.

Brian served as a Team Leader in a

Reconnaissance Platoon (11B-Infantry) with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. A

Purple Heart recipient, he sustained multiple life-threatening injuries from an attack by a

suicide bomber who exploded an IED three-feet away from him in Kandahar, Afghanistan on

July 24th, 2006. He awoke, burned and bloody, laying face-down in a ditch on the side of the

road. He sustained second and third degree burns to his hands, his face, and his neck. After

enduring reconstructive surgery and fourteen months of burn treatment and rehabilitation at

Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, he finished writing his book, Never the

Same, about his war experiences.

Fleming charged into a full-time speaking career, inspiring, informing and entertaining

countless thousands in live audiences across North America with his unique and poignant

message of hope beyond tragedy. A hugely charismatic and popular communicator, Fleming

encourages corporations, businesses, colleges, faith-based and military/veterans organizations

to become strong leaders in their own spheres of influence and to adopt an optimistic and

courageous attitude toward the obstacles they face. Empathizing with other veterans,

especially those injured in combat, Fleming speaks candidly to these groups - since he speaks

from personal experience - challenging them to rise above the circumstances they've faced

and demand unconditional victory in their own lives.

Appearing on Fox News, CNN, CSPAN, ESPN, The 700 Club and several others media

venues, Fleming has also shared the stage with several well-known world leaders and

celebrities, as well as presidential candidates and dignitaries. He is the author of five books,

including Never the Same, the story of his personal encounter with a suicide bomber, and co-

author of Redeployed. He continues to serve his country by sharing his incredible, real-life

story of hope and faith ─ and showing others how to overcome their own challenges!

Brian Fleming is a graduate of the first class of Operation Warrior Reconnect at Eagles

Summit Ranch in Colorado.

Helping Wounded Warriors Find Their Way Home

Team RECON Contact Information:

For more information on Operation Warrior Reconnect

Contact:

Mary Gaither

Program Development Manager and Registrar

Phone Number: 817-238-2000

Email Address: mary@roeverfoundation.org

Web: www.roeverfoundation.org

The Mission of Roever Foundation

To establish, conduct and maintain programs for charitable and educational

purposes, counseling and dissemination of information, with regard to problems

of young people, toward promoting education and scholastic excellence,

patriotism and character.