monty@theheroesjourney.org

Monty Man co-founded The Heroes Journey with Scott after their experiences with his transition out of the Army. As a military spouse and parent, she co-wrote the books Mommy Keeps Us Free and Daddy Keeps Us Free to help children cope with the fear, anxiety, and big feelings that come along with a parent being deployed by making them feel like they are part of the mission. Monty also serves as the Executive Producer of the theatrical production Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret.

Greg Parsons graduated from Princeton University in 1994 with a degree in political science, and in 2008 he joined Semper Capital Management where he now serves as CEO. In addition to leading the business of Semper Capital, Greg serves as Chairman of the Investment and Risk Management Committees and is also a member of the Compliance Committee. Before Greg began his financial career over 20 years ago, he served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps deploying multiple times to the Middle East. When Greg began his financial career, he was dismayed by the absence of a military mindset which is all about the team, mission, and purpose. Not only did this experience shape the values on which he has built Semper, but this has served as an impetus to increase awareness of the value of hiring military veterans. Greg brings a dedication to military transition, rooted in first-hand knowledge of the stumbling blocks along a veteran’s transition path, to the mission of The Heroes Journey: helping veterans overcome challenges, find their voice, tell their story, and continue to lead this country.

Jerry Lujan is the founder of Elevation180, a company focused on improving the profitable growth of producers and agencies in the insurance industry to be able to create bigger, better results faster and easier. Jerry has over 30 years of experience as a producer, manager, and owner in one of the largest privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Southwest. Jerry brings his motto of “Win on Purpose” to The Heroes Journey, creating a win-win for everyone involved.

David Martin is a consultant and business coach for leaders who must transform how they achieve results. Across two decades and five continents, he’s helped thousands of Fortune 50 executives and entrepreneurs achieve results that once eluded them. David is a master storyteller who can quickly elicit insights in people, sparking the evolution of how they think, perform, and lead, making him a unique asset to the mission of The Heroes Journey. 

Alpine skiing guide Kim Seevers has been involved in the ski industry for more than 30 years as an instructor, coach, educator, and director for the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). A former boarding school teacher, Seevers currently works full-time as the Deputy Director and grant writer for The Heroes Journey.

kari@theheroesjourney.org 

Kari Ellis is a retired Forensic Video Analyst/CSI who joined our team as the 2019-2020 Tour Manager of Last Out:  Elegy of a Green Beret while it toured the country.  She now is our Community Outreach Director.  Kari is a former military spouse who lost her husband of 24 years to suicide in 2017.  She now devotes her time in helping other veterans and first responders find their voice and learn to heal through storytelling.  Having been a first responder and a military spouse allows her to understand the stresses of serving in high profile positions.

Chris enlisted in the Army Infantry in 2006.  On a routine patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by a massive IED that completely destroyed the vehicle and buried him and his squadmates alive. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action, which included a traumatic brain injury and a broken leg.  He struggled with those scars for over a decade before The Heroes Journey taught him how to turn that trauma into a powerful story, and now he helps other warriors find their voice and tell their story in transition. 

Zeke Vanderpool has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. After serving 23 years with Army Special Forces, Zeke went on to work as a deputy sheriff, a federal police officer, a federal agent, a federal intelligence operations specialist, and a law enforcement liaison officer.

As a co-founder of the non-profit organization, Operation Angel Wing, and a member of the Transition Support Team for The Heroes Journey, Zeke continues to serve our nation’s warriors by providing Question/Persuade/Refer (QPR) training for suicide prevention, Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol, and PTS intervention services. He is a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and he uses music as a vehicle for story to bridge the gap for transitioning veterans and first responders.

As a public speaker, warrior storyteller, and coach with Rooftop Leadership, Zeke shares his scars and lessons learned with business leaders, veterans, first responders, and civilians, and he teaches them to harness the power of story.

operationangelwing@gmail.com  |  PHONE: 865-352-6699

Mary Millsaps, co-founder of Operation Angel Wing and a member of the Transition Support Team with The Heroes Journey, dedicates her time to supporting the psychological and emotional needs of our nation’s heroes. Mary is a 20-year retired Paramedic and continues to serve through crisis intervention, counseling, suicide prevention, and education. She is certified in the RTM protocol and is a Diaphragmatic Breathe Coach.

Through Operation Angel Wing’s Peer Advocacy Program, Mary serves our nation’s veterans, first responders, and their families by using several teachings and techniques, including Equine Therapy, Psychological First Aid, and guided imagery.