HOLD THE LINE Summit

Chief Warrant Officer Five Alan Mack served over 35 years in the US Army, including 17 years in Army Special Operations. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze Stars, 10 Air Medals (one with Valor Device), and a Combat Action Badge. Mack was a CH-47D ""Chinook"" pilot during Operations Desert Shield and Storm, flew MH-47s while assigned to the Army's only Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and his crew was one of the first into Afghanistan after 9/11.

Mack later served as Commander of the West Point Military Academy Aviation Detachment and is now the Deputy Commissioner for Orange County, NY's Division of Emergency Management.

Alex Othmer is a former Navy SEAL and is CEO & Co-Founder of Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization chartered to revive and preserve the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders.

Alex has a Master's in Psychology from Penn State University and a Master's in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy and served as a Navy SEAL for over eight years. Alex has traveled the world with experience in Europe, East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

Bear Handlon served 7 years as a Navy SEAL Officer in the Special Operations community. He founded Born Primitive in his garage in 2014, the same year he earned his commission. Bear created Born Primitive Tactical after seeing the shortfalls in the gear he was being issued as an operator, while also seeing many apparel brands in the industry that did not actually support those who serve. He balanced being active duty while building what would become a global brand with zero outside funding.

Prior to his service, Bear played Division I football at Yale University and also competed at the CrossFit Games.

Beth-Anne Canero served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring in 2021 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her roles included Adjutant and Manpower Officer, Officer Candidate Platoon Commander in Quantico, VA, Battalion Executive Officer, and Recruiting Station Commander. She executed a deployment to Iraq in 2004, deployments throughout Europe, and a Humanitarian Service mission in New England to fight COVID in 2020.

Beth-Anne has a Master of Science in Human Behavior from Capella University and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Guardian Revival.

Master Chief Special Operator (SEAL) Jason Henderson retired in 2020 after having served 30+ years in the US Navy. After completing 16 combat deployments, “Hendo” evolved from combat veteran to philanthropist. He adapted battlefield tactics into de-escalation of force techniques for security professionals and families.

“Hendo” is the CEO of Henderson Security Consultancy LLC (training self-protection for families), Northstar Ministries (ministers to Combat Veterans, first responders, and professional athletes), and Four Pillars Collective (a non-profit that trains cops in underfunded cities).

Terry won amateur boxing titles, including State & Regional Junior Olympics, before he enlisted in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division. Terry was assigned to 1/319 Field Artillery “Charlie” company at Fort Bragg, won the 82 Abn “Iron Mike” Award, promoted to Corporal, graduated BNCO school, promoted to Sergeant, and was Honorably Discharged.

Terry joined the NYPD and served on the plainclothes anti-crime unit, Robbery Identification Program (RIP), Detective to the Street Crime Unit, Bronx Homicide Task Force, and was promoted to Detective First Grade. After 9/11, Terry joined NYPD/FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. On July 4th, 2008, while deployed overseas, Terry suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury.

PANEL HOST

Edward Heegan is a former FDNY Firefighter from Brooklyn, New York. Eddie is now a Mindfulness Meditation Guide and practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He works with Yoga, Breathwork and other Healing Arts Practices. Eddie studied Communications, Filmmaking, Psychology and Philosophy at Iona University.

Eddie is a current member of IAFF FDNY Counseling Service Unit, Board member of the ALS Watchdogs - Supporting Firefighters Battling ALS, and is a Team Chief for the Peer Division at Guardian Revival.

PANEL HOST

Monty Heath became a U.S. Navy SEAL and was in Naval Special Warfare Development Group’s Green team selection and training program when he watched the second tower fall on 9/11. He joined Red Squadron and deployed to Afghanistan in the winters of 2002, 2003, and 2004. He twice earned the bronze star medal, both with combat valor designation. One last deployment to Bosnia would uniquely complete his career.

He started a family and entered the defense contracting industry. Later, he began volunteering as a Special Olympics ski instructor, which then led to working with veterans and first responders with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

PANEL HOST

Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between medicine, mental health, and the frontline experiences of first responders, Dr. Popkin obtained her Medical Degree at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado, completed her Psychiatry Residency Training as Chief Resident at The George Washington University in Washington DC, and is currently completing of her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Brown University.

With a keen interest in the intersection of mental health, law, ethics, and humanities, Dr. Popkin brings her expertise to the forefront as the Medical Director for Tunnel to Towers providing comprehensive support and care tailored to the unique needs of first responders and their families.

Aaron Clark is a Marine Corps veteran and active member of Rescue 1 FDNY. A dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Aaron serves as a peer supporter with Friends of Firefighters and other organizations nationwide.

He has served as an advisor, spokesman, and board member with Guarding Project, Spartan Sword, Independents Corps, and Disabled American Veterans. Aaron has helped many firefighters amd police officers around the country over the last 10 years. Through attendance at veteran and first responder groups and functions, he aims to open up conversations about health with the men and women of his communities.

Aaron Leonard is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of small team and organizational leadership experience. As the Program Executive Director for Another Summit at Guardian Revival, Aaron leads a dedicated team supporting guardians with therapeutic outdoor adventure programs. He is also the Founder and Chair of the New York Outdoor Rx Coalition, representing 156 New York-based organizations.

Aaron is a leading expert in nature-based therapeutic outdoor adventures, dedicating his time and energy to helping others. He holds graduate degrees in Communications from Park University and Outdoor Education and Leadership from Prescott College.

Adam Reiber served 20 years in the US Army as both a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and a Commissioned Officer. Adam is a graduate of the US Army Ranger School, Special Forces Combat Diver Course, and the US Army Jumpmaster Course.

He served as the Director of Employee Wellbeing for a global law firm and at Microsoft. Adam is the founder of LeadWell Performance and holds two Master’s degrees (Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado). Adam has also taught as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Boston University and Boston College.

Andrew Columbia graduated from the New York City Police Academy and was assigned to the 9th Precinct in the Lower East Side of Manhattan during the 1980s and 1990s. He became a bank manager and then worked as a financial advisor and became manager of the Mutual Fund and Annuity Division with Prudential Investments. Andrew then followed his calling to become a pastor.

Pastor Columbia was part of the Ground Zero Clergy Task Force during & after 9/11. He now serves as the Lead Pastor of MCB Church in Carmel, and he is a Chaplain with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department & Kent Police Department in Carmel.

Annette Zapp, MA, CSCS*D, CISSN, is a biochemist who joined the fire service 20 years ago. She found it unacceptable that firefighters pledge their lives in the service to the public, and yet no one is taking care of them while they die of complications of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and suicide.

Annette finds research & resources and brings them to the fire service in a way that provides them with the "So what, now what?" Annette owns and operates Fire Rescue Wellness and hosts the FRW podcast.

Bill King served as the 9th Force Master Chief of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) at Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM), the senior enlisted leader over all SEAL Teams, from August 2018 to August 2022. He served 19 years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group, where he served at all the enlisted leadership levels to include Squadron Command Master Chief and the Development Group Command Master Chief.

He worked extensively in Afghanistan, Iraq, throughout Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa. He completed 11 deployments (9 combat deployments) and participated in multiple contingency operations.

Chris Knapp is a Marine Corps Veteran and the CEO of Von Wolfenfels K9 LLC. Chris oversees the breeding, training, and selling of any Von Wolfenfels dogs. As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, Chris takes pride in his work with fellow veterans in learning the language of the dog. ​

Von Wolfenfels K9 has been operating in the working dog industry for over 30 years. They have partnered with local non-profits to help award veterans and first responders dogs to aid in the battles they face at home. They also train dogs of any background and have aided many clients in gaining and maintaining behavioral stability in their troubled canines.

Erin started flying airplanes at 14 years old and studied Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning all FAA licenses. After a helicopter lesson, she pursued Airborne Law enforcement. Erin became the first female Pilot in Command of the Air Sea Rescue Helicopter. In September 2010, while doing security for then President Obama, they experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and made an emergency landing in Jamaica Bay, with the entire crew only suffering minor injuries.

Erin spent a year in Ghana, teaching young girls how to fly small ultra-light aircraft via Medicine on the Move.

George Fraser served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, volunteered for Special Forces in 1992, and became a Green Beret assigned to 7th Special Forces Group. Over the course of seven years, George served as an 18E Communications Sergeant and 18F Intelligence Sergeant. Following 9/11, George deployed countless times over twenty years.

In one of his last assignments before retirement, he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for a counter-Islamic State (ISIS) Task Force in Iraq and Syria. George's military awards and decorations include 3x Legions of Merit, 6x Bronze Starts for Valor, 4x Purple Hearts and various other awards.

Gregory Mack is Deputy Director of the New York Police Department’s Psychological Evaluation Section, Adjunct Professor of Criminal and Social Justice at Pace University, and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at New York Medical College. He holds a M.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, and an M.A. & Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University. Deputy Director Mack retired from the NYPD in 2007 at the rank of Detective Specialist after 20 years of service.

His research interests include Enhanced 360*Trauma-Informed Policing (E360TIP) and prevalence studies involving police suicide, PTSD, and postpartum depression among first responders.

Herb Daniels enlisted in the Army and was commissioned as an Armor Officer in 1998 through Western Michigan University ROTC. Herb attended many schools throughout his career but is most proud of his Ranger Tab and earning the Green Beret.

Herb struggled through life following his retirement as he navigated the VA healthcare system and tried to understand the profound effects of PTSD and TBI. Herb found healing through alternative treatment solutions. Herb is a trained peer supporter, teaches meditation through a veterans group, and advocates for better treatment options for victims of trauma.

Ian Shea is the Founder & CEO of I M Human, an advisory firm partnering with organizations to design, develop, or enhance World Class Wellbeing Strategic Initiatives. Sample partners include New York Police Department, American Psychiatric Association, LinkedIn, HSBC, O'Melveny & Myers, National Alliance of Mental health (NAMI), University of California at Berkeley, Cornell University, Nixon Peabody, and NYC private schools.

Ian earned an MBA from Columbia University & a BS in Economics from Cornell University. Ian is the author of the Wellbeing ChroniclesTM, a newsletter covering the mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing space.

Jane Strong is the Co-Founder of The Equus Effect, a curriculum that provides guardians with tools to rebuild healthy personal and professional relationships. Jane began her relationship with horses as a competitive rider. Years later, she began to study the principles and practices of natural horsemanship. She is an accredited Experiential Learning with Horses Instructor and certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.

Jane is also a professional coach & facilitator and Certified Enneagram Teacher, studied with the Coaches Training Institute, the Center for Authentic Leadership, and the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Jason Lacayo is an Instructor at O2X Human Performance, a world-leading organization focused on improving the health & performance of our Nation's heroes. Jason has been a police officer for over 18 years — first as a NYPD Officer, then City of White Plains Police Department, then Emergency Services Unit, and became a SWAT operator.

He is a state Certified PT instructor. Jason is also a CrossFit coach and takes great pride in helping others to improve their lives and overall quality of life through fitness.

Major Jessica Yahn, a native of West Virginia and graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara, is an active duty army signal corps officer currently serving in US Army Special Operations Command. She participated in US Army Special Operations Command’s Cultural Support Team program, which purposefully placed women at the tip of the spear — on combat missions in Afghanistan — before the lifting of the combat arms ban.

In honor of her teammates who paid the ultimate sacrifice, she founded a nonprofit, AllTru, and produced the documentary Guerrera to celebrate women of the special operations community and inspire the next generation of problem solvers and leaders.

Joe Parrello is a husband, father, entrepreneur and 18 year police officer with the Harrison Police Department. While living in Los Angeles & pursuing a career in Hollywood, Joe’s passion for becoming a first responder was directly influenced from the tragedies of 9/11.

Commonly referred to as Joe Nyce, he has always used a community policing philosophy to develop deep rooted relationships within his community. Aside from his daily occupational responsibilities Joe is an avid fitness enthusiast.

John LaBarbera served in the United States Marines Corps from 1971 to 1973. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department in 1978. Over 39 years of service, he was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Commander.

John began his volunteering with T2T in 2009, joined the Board of Directors in 2011, and became a member of the Executive Board in 2013. John serves on a number of programs for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

On September 11, 2001, retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective John Huvane was assigned to the Executive Protection Team for the Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani. There are no words to describe what the pile of debris looked like at Ground Zero unless you saw it firsthand.

Huvane’s current role at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation enables him to connect with the families of fallen heroes, to let them know that the Foundation and our country will never forget the sacrifice of their loved ones and that through the goodness of Americans, the Foundation is paying the mortgages on their homes in full.

Jon Turner served with the Marines from 2003-07 and deployed multiple times to Haiti and Iraq.

He operates Accipiter Fieldcraft and Wild Roots Community Farm in Vermont with his family, teaching food systems and outdoor living skills at home and abroad with partner organizations. Their farm practices are rooted in agroforestry, agroecology and whole systems thinking, and is dedicated to community resilience through food systems education, wilderness survival, and self-rescue.

Jon is a Guardian Revival Champion with his adventure race teammates, Flow State Endurance. They recently completed the Sea to Sea Adventure, a 72-hour expedition across Florida.

Kegan "SMURF" Gill is a former US Navy F/A-18E pilot who overcame life-altering injuries sustained during a high-speed ejection into the sound barrier at 695 mph. After undergoing multiple surgeries, overcoming prescription drug addiction and a grueling two-year recovery process, he triumphantly returned to flying Super Hornets.

Kegan eventually struggled with delayed-onset PTSD and cognitive issues stemming from a severe traumatic brain injury. He now shares his journey of holistic healing and competes in ultra-endurance events.

Kenneth Van Cott retired after 25 years with the New York City Police Department, 20 of which were spent in the Emergency Service Unit (ESU). He worked on patrol in ESU as well as at the ESU Specialized Training School, working as a multifaceted instructor in Scuba, tactics, and general topics.

In retirement, he is now working as a Law Enforcement & Corporate Trainer and as a Security Supervisor and Trainer for a nationwide security company.

Mary commissioned through Officer Candidate School and her first deployment was to Afghanistan as a Female Engagement Team Leader with the 82nd Airborne Division. She then attended assessment and selection for the Cultural Support Team (CST). As the Distinguished Honor Graduate, she went on to serve with a Direct Action Special Operations Joint Task Force in Logar Province.

She deployed again as the CST Officer in Charge, supervising CSTs in Afghanistan and all training of the female Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP). In 2017, Mary took command of the Accessions and Selection Company at the Joint Special Operations Command and assumed the role of CST Program Manager.

Rob Sweetman is a former Navy SEAL turned Sleep Scientist. Named the "Sleep Genius" in 2023, Rob started his sleep career in 2017 after the suicide of his teammate Navy SEAL Ryan Larkin. Ryan suffered from sleep related issues that impacted his mental health. Navy SEALs face extreme sleep deprivation by staying awake for 5.5 days straight in BUD/S training.

Rob's formal education is from the University of California San Diego, where he created Existential Technologies Inc. to build sleep technology. Now he runs the nationwide success 62romeo Sleep University.

Scott Nokes enlisted U.S Marines upon graduation of high school. He served as infantryman in 1st Battalion 8th Marines C Company and conducted two deployments. In 2013, Corporal Nokes was discharged and moved back to NJ to pursue a career as a firefighter.

In 2016, Scott went septic, which resulted in the loss both legs below the knee, all the vision in his right eye, and 80% in his left. Scott has a home thanks to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Howell, NJ. He enjoys helping veterans and first responders while he finds his new path.

Shawn Soler had a remarkable 29-year tenure as a dedicated first responder, with roles as a Paramedic, Police Officer, and Detective with the NYPD. His qualifications extend to rescue and medical specialization under FEMA's NYTF1. Shawn recently retired from the NYPD, culminating his service with the esteemed Emergency Service Unit as a Tactical Paramedic within the ESU's Apprehension Team.

Shawn founded ""Medicine in Bad Places,"" a training and consulting company specializing in the comprehensive training of modern-day first responders. He holds an array of national certifications as an instructor and is committed to the education and empowerment of fellow first responders.

Tom McClean served in US Army and was an Infantry Soldier in Vietnam, wounded on Jun 16, 1969. Tom was promoted in to Seargent E-5, becoming a squad leader. He returned to the states and served on active duty until Oct 1971. He was appointed to the NYPD. Tom was shot in the line of duty, resulting in medical retirement in the end of 1980.

As a civilian, he served in the corporate fields in security and investigations before becoming a fire safety director for high rise buildings in lower Manhattan, which led to being a first responder on 9/11. He ended his working years in security and investigations at the World Financial Center, across from where the towers once stood.

Wendy Skupien is a dedicated and seasoned New York City Police officer with over 16 years of service. She is currently assigned to the department's medical division, where she plays a crucial role in supporting fellow officers.

Wendy is also a certified New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She leverages her expertise in emergency medical services by teaching CPR and Basic First Aid, contributing significantly to the safety and preparedness of both her colleagues and the community she serves.