OUR team
This team is supported by DOZENS of volunteers who work behind the scenes to contribute to our mission of improving the lives of deserving warriors.
THE BOARD
David Deep
FOUNDERWake for Warriors was founded in 2012 by Dave (LtCol. US Marines). Dave served for over 28 years of active and reserve service and flew over 250 combat missions in the AH-1W.
As a water sports enthusiast, Dave experienced the healing properties of water and knew how it could help veterans returning from war. Thanks to the love and support of friends and family, 2026 marks 14 years of spreading the shred in service to our veteran community.
Bill Rich
VICE PRESIDENTBill has been in the watersports industry for over 30 years and was hooked when he witnessed the transformation of the participant veterans over the course of 3 days. Now Bill is an iconic figure at Wake for Warriors events and has driven several hundred hours to support events all across the nation. Bill is an amazing teacher, coach, mentor, and all around great guy to have on your team.
He also rocks an extensive and impressive suspenders collection that’s worth mentioning and asking about the next time you see him.
CHRIS TOWNSEND
SECRETARYChris began his 22-year United States Navy career as a P-3C Pilot/Mission Commander aboard NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. During his three overseas deployments, he conducted post-Desert Storm operations and extensive anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare missions around the globe. He also spent extensive time with DESRON 7 aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64), over 15 years as a Navy Instructor Pilot on various Navy aircraft and finished his career as the Commanding Officer of Operational Support Unit 0355 in Orlando, Florida.
Chris brings his leadership and vision to the Wake for Warriors board
LATREVA THOMPSON
TREASURERLaTreva has been a part of the Wake for Warriors leadership team since 2016. Her role as Treasurer continues to help Wake for Warriors manage the financial resources required to support this critical effort on behalf of the veterans we serve. LaTreva has her Masters in Accounting and for the last fifteen years has been teaching Accounting at the university level. Her passion for watersports started when she was five and continues to this day. LaTreva is also an avid runner and has completed multiple marathons including the Disney series.
TONY MULLIS
BOARD MEMBEROn April 6, 2011, the day after the birth of his first child, Tony was on his second deployment in Southern Afghanistan when he sustained serious injuries to his right arm and lost both his legs in an explosion. Tony was on a mission to clear abandoned compounds when he saw wires indicative of an improvised explosive device (IED) and started moving his teammates out of the area.
Tony was the first Wake for Warriors rider in 2013 and has been instrumental in creating the core values and principals that guide our organization today.
KYLE CARPENTER
BOARD MEMBERIn July 2010, Lance Corporal Carpenter deployed to Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On November 21, 2010, while joining his team to fight off a Taliban attack in a small village, he suffered severe injuries to his face and right arm from the blast of an enemy hand grenade. Along with multiple shrapnel wounds Carpenter sustained a complete loss of his right eye. After-action reports state that he threw himself in front of the grenade to protect a fellow Marine, Lance Cpl. Nick Eufrazio.
Kyle guides our future growth and is instrumental in keeping our organization focused on supporting our nations warriors.
TYLER DENSFORD
BOARD MEMBERAfter sustaining injuries from a combat training exercise in 2016, Tyler was left paralyzed from the chest down. He spent 5 months hospitalized and in rehabilitation and struggled accepting his new way of life. Tyler participated in his first WFW event in 2018.
"The independence, comradery, and freedom I felt after that weekend changed my life. I wanted to share that experience with other people facing similar challenges.”
Tyler now coaches and drives during several events each year. He also has competed in the Nautique Wakesurf Nationals and The Nautique Wakesurf Masters competitions.
Matthew Hannon
BOARD MEMBERUnited States Marine Corps Sergeant Matthew Christie Hannon enlisted at 17 and served with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, California. He went on to serve as a Reconnaissance Team Leader, took part in Operation Southern Watch, and deployed to combat zones after 9/11.
Through Wake for Warriors, Matt found something powerful on the water: peace, purpose, and a brotherhood that reminded him he was not alone.
Matt now volunteers with Wake for Warriors and is committed to helping other veterans experience the same kind of healing, connection, and renewed purpose that helped change his own life. His faith, resilience, and heart for the veteran community make him an important part of the Wake for Warriors board and mission.
Marty Slone
BOARD MEMBERMarty Slone brings steady leadership, veteran service, and adaptive sports experience to the Wake for Warriors board. A retired U.S. Navy Commander, Marty served 21 years in the Navy and Navy Reserves as both an Intelligence Analyst and Naval Intelligence Officer. He also built a 32-year civilian career in operations and sales with Sprint.
With experience coaching and leading adaptive sports, Marty understands the power of challenge, teamwork, and community. His background helps Wake for Warriors continue building strong events where veterans feel supported, capable, and connected both on and off the water.
REGIONAL
TEAMS
Southwest
southwest RegionAL Leader: Crystal Bartos
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A dolphin!
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Saying “Thank You” is not enough in my mind so being a part of Wake for Warriors gives the opportunity show show our veterans how much respect we have for their service.
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We have so much great local support. We’re grateful for Sun County Marin Group, Hyperlite Southwest, Parker VFW, AZ Raptor Runs, Parker Elks, Spanky’s RV & Marin, La Piazza Pizza, Concord General contractors, David Plunkett Realty, Sandbar Restaurant, RGR Realty, Tammie & Troy Ward, Russ & Rose Bartos, Judy Robinson and many local families that donate their homes to our local events.
Pacific Northwest
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Regional Leader: Alyssa Phillips
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I guess I would say a dolphin. Because I started out in the water helping all the sit down riders.
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Allowing the Veterans to come out connect, heal, make new friends and engage with the community. It’s all worth it.
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We have had 4 snow ski events and 8 wake surf events this summer!
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We’re grateful to have the support of many people who donate regularly on behalf of their businesses. Here are just a few: Boats Lifts International, Lake Life LLC, Justin Nimick, Union Marine Nautique, and Lifestyle Marine.
CALIFORNIA
CALIFORNIA Regional Leader: Jason Grossman
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The Buffalo
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I like to see veterans smile! Its not often you get to see the tough exterior come off of a veteran and I like to be a part of making that happen. We all deserve to act like we are 18 again!
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On the local level we have major support from Bob Bense at Superior Boat Repair and Sales out of Rancho Cordova CA. He provides us with fresh Nautique G23 at our local events. He even provides a professional driver - which is a huge help. JR, our driver, is skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to our chosen sport AND he fits right in with the crew.
We’re grateful for everything these guys bring to the mission!
GET INVOLVED
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer
Opportunities
We welcome volunteers who share our passion for improving the lives and well being of these deserving warriors. Tap the link below to fill out a quick Volunteer application and we’ll be in touch shortly!