MISSION

Provide happier, healthier lives
for veterans living with trauma.

HISTORY

Ten years after serving in combat our founder returned to hope and happiness. Seeing many of his Marine Corps brothers continue that struggle, he vowed to grow an organization that could give them a chance to earn their happiness.

Personal trainers, positive psychologists, and military personnel collectively created the 23V Recon Playbook. A unique 14-week full-exposure and holistic approach to removing the negative effects of trauma. Based on self-reported data, this is one of the most effective programs developed for military and veterans who’ve experienced trauma.

100% of graduates have reported living a happier and higher quality of life. Many graduates have returned to the workforce, healthier family lives, and stronger contributors to their community.

VISION

Give U.S. veterans a future of hope,
opportunity, community, and inner peace.

VALUES

Gratitude

Often voice something you are grateful for. Studies have proven that a focus on what we are grateful for leads to optimism and happiness. Talking about what we are grateful for is a simple lifestyle practice that allows us to enjoy all the moments in life. When exercising gratitude on a daily basis, those brain connections grow stronger allowing us to unwillingly find the positives in situations that used to draw only negatives.

Compassion

Show others you care, especially those who need it most. Struggling veterans can be difficult work with. They are often frustrated with life and direct that anger to those trying to help. We remain compassionate to everyone, even in the face of cruelty. It’s only through your leadership by example that a frustrated veteran will learn 23rd Veteran is a place they are accepted, and place we welcome negative thoughts by truly listening to and understanding concerns with composure and
compassion. Allowing that veteran to accept us is our only hope at giving them a life they want to live.

Authenticity

Be honest, even when it’s scary. Most military and veterans don’t trust people they didn’t serve with. Being less than authentic can permanently damage a veterans trust with our organization, preventing them from receiving the help we work so hard to provide. Here we welcome fears and failures and encourage you to share yours right along with sharing your successes

MEET THE TEAM

Mike Waldron

Executive Director

Mike served in time of peace for 3 years of training in preparation for possible combat. In 2001 Mike spent 6 months in the Pacific Ocean where he experienced building schools for children in Indonesia, training on islands of Japan, and preparing for non-lethal extraction of a U.S. Ambassador.

In 2002 Mike was meritoriously promoted for his dedication and duties as a Marine. Afterward, he deployed to Kuwait as a show of force leading to Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spent two months living in a hole he and his team dug in the desert, waiting for President George W. Bush to “declared war”. Mike and his unit were the first to cross the border into Iraq, spending his 21st birthday securing enemy prisoners of war near Al-Bashara. He returned from Iraq after 8 months overseas and was honorably discharged into civilian life.

Following the Marine Corps, Mike obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Managed Federal Buildings and U.S. Courthouses throughout the Midwest. Once he began to re-discover happiness, Mike returned to Purdue to learn Entrepreneurship through EBV, and created his life purpose in serving other veterans.

Brittney Becker

Special Events Manager

Brittney Becker comes to 23rd Veteran with seven years of non-profit event and development experience. Brittney grew up in Wichita, Kansas and recognized her love for details and events from an early age. She attended college at Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated with a B.A. in Communication and a minor in Business. After graduation, she was an Event Planner at the Alamodome. Searching for a deeper sense of purpose in her work, she became a Development Manager for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) where she got to plan and execute galas and walks that raised millions of dollars for the organization.

Brittney married her husband Kyle in November 2013. Kyle is a Captain in the Army and had the privilege to serve as Commander for the Bravo Company at the Warrior Transition Battalion in San Antonio. He currently serves on the 3rd WMD Civil Support Team (CST).

Tom Nathe

Chairman, Board of Directors

Tom Nathe is a graduate of North Dakota State University and grew up in Central Minnesota.

Tom was introduced to 23rd Veteran by means of a Nearly Naked Ruck March flyer. Intrigued by the flyer, Tom spent many hours learning about 23rd Veteran on their website. Inspired to make a difference, he became a civilian volunteer for the 23V Recon program in Minneapolis. After meeting Mike Waldron, Tom was invited to be the first civilian to attend week one of the Recon curriculum in North Carolina in October of 2018. Tom’s time in North Carolina was so beneficial to the Recon program, it opened the door for civilians to attend week one of future Recon programs.

Tom’s wife served in the Air Force and was deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Between Tom and his wife, their family trees include service in Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, the Civil War, and the Revolutionary War. Tom is inspired to give back to, and to be there for today's Veterans. The following quote sums up his feelings toward our Veterans…

“Only two defining forces have ever volunteered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your Freedom” – author unknown."

Zac Stanley

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Zac was introduced to 23rd Veteran in 2019. The passion of those involved with 23rd Veteran is evident from the first moment you speak with them, and Zac feels fortunate to be able to serve a great organization and most importantly fellow veterans.

Zac Stanley is an Advisor at UBS Financial Services. He began his career at UBS focused on helping other Advisors implement financial planning with their top clients. He has taken those lessons learned and implemented them into his own practice with the Hardy Wealth Partners. Zac graduated from Malone University with a bachelor in Computer Science, and has earned the designations of Certified Financial Planner ™ (CFP®) and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA). Prior to joining UBS, Zac Spent 10 years serving in the United States Marine Corps. Zac stays involved with his community by serving in various roles with organizations such as Cleveland Sight Center, Malone University, and mentoring local college students through the College Now Program.

Zac lives in Copley, Ohio with his wife Beth and three boys; Liam, Colin, and Luke. He stays active by chasing the boys around whatever ball field or court is in season at that time.

Nathan Helder

Secretary, Board of Directors

Nathan Helder is the Manager of Operational Technology at ALLETE, where he is responsible for leading the teams that support the various operational and control networks across ALLETE's subsidiaries, including ALLETE Clean Energies, Minnesota Power, and Superior Water, Light & Power. Nathan joined ALLETE as an intern in 2001 and has a background in application programming, enterprise integration, systems administration, and compliance. He grew up in the small country town of Mantorville, MN and moved to Duluth in 1998 to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where he received Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Psychology in 2003. Nathan later attended the College of St. Scholastica where he earned Master's degrees in Management and Business Administration in 2016. He has a wife, Joanna, and two children, Xaria and Torin.

Nathan was introduced to 23rd Veteran while participating in the Leadership Duluth class of 2016-2017, where Mike Waldron was also a participant and gave a presentation on the 23V Recon program. Compelled by the notion of helping veterans to lead more successful lives, Nathan participated on the planning committee for the 2nd annual Nearly Naked Ruck March and later joined 23rd Veteran's board of directors. Nathan believes strongly in the vision for 23rd Veteran and is honored to help contribute towards its continued success.

Brian Krusz

Board of Directors

Brian was attracted to 23rd Veteran after meeting Founder Mike Waldron at a Veteran Edge Conference. After hearing Mike’s journey and his vision for 23rd Veteran, he was hooked and eager to get involved. Brian is honored and blessed to be part of such an amazing, life-changing organization.

Brian Krusz is the Co-Founder of Sgt. Clean’s Car Wash with multiple locations throughout Northeast Ohio. With over a decade thriving as an entrepreneur, Brian’s passion for business, love for people, infectious attitude and eagerness to help others succeed, has allowed him and his team to blossom. Brian, a Marine Corps Veteran of eight years and former Executive Recruiter, has a Business Management degree from Kent State University. Brian serves his community as an active Strongsville Rotarian, volunteer for the Strongsville School District and as a board member with COSE, Small Business Council.

Brian resides in Strongsville, Ohio with his wife Melissa and two energetic boys, Ethan and Griffin. Brian loves golf, hockey, tennis and all things Cleveland.