Leadership

Harold Bologna

Harry Bologna is a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief (SEAL) with over 22 years of Special Operations experience. After completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, Harry went on to serve at SEAL Teams Two and Four, conducting numerous deployments to South America and Europe. He was then screened and selected to serve at Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) where he served 12 years, making multiple deployments to Southeast Asia and the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

During his tenure at NSWDG, Harry was assigned to several senior operational leadership positions, many of which he was responsible for coordinating, planning and executing hundreds of special operations missions in highly dangerous enemy-held territory. His personal awards include five Bronze Stars (three with Valor), two Defense Meritorious Service Medals and various other unit and campaign awards.

Harry retired from military service in November 2011, becoming an Independent Contractor where he continued to deploy to the Middle East in support of OEF. On October 22nd, 2015, during one such deployment to Afghanistan, Harry stepped on a landmine, which immediately amputated both of his legs. Thanks to his brave and courageous teammates, the DUSTOFF helicopter crew, and the field trauma team Harry survived.

Harry’s road to recovery was a long one. Once stable he was transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, gained strength and eventually moved to the Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas for advanced rehabilitation. After 14 months of hard work, perseverance, and fierce determination Harry is not only walking again but living life to the fullest. He now enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, surfing, paddling, skiing, and spending time with his family. Harry’s new mission is to inspire other wounded warriors to live life extraordinarily.

Harry is married to Julie – who is the strongest, most resilient, and courageous woman he has ever met. Julie has faithfully supported him throughout his long Navy career, and she has been by his side throughout his recovery. Harry and Julie live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with their two beautiful and successful daughters, Amanda and Ashley.

Zach Collett

MELISSA DOYLE

Chris Fesmire

Gregory D. Gadson

“The Vail Veterans Program was the first adaptive program I participated in after I was wounded. It opened my mind to the possibilities of what I could do living in my new normal. The Vail Veterans Program has opened my mind to the possible…restored hope and promise.”

Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native; has served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years.

Col. Gadson’s service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family.

He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from West Point. He has served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Greg has served in various assignments throughout the world. He has dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. Greg is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, has testified before Congress on issues related to these groups.

In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. Gadson talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity and has mentored the Giants since then. In addition, Col Gadson has delivered his inspirational message and leadership counsel to numerous sports teams, corporate and non-profit organizations and government agencies.

His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds masters degrees in Information Systems from Webster University; and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Webster University.

Jason Hallett

“Vail Veterans Program has helped me feel free and confident that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, regardless of my injury.” 

My Name is Jason Hallett. While serving in the United States Marine Corps with 3^rd Bn 5^th Mar, I was injured by an IED. The explosion transformed me into a triple amputee. Unsure and physically broken, I was unable to see a future, where I could truly enjoy my life. In 2012 I was invited to attend a Vail Veterans winter program. Immediately I fell in love with the program, attaching myself to a snowboard. Since that day many years ago, I have had the privilege to watch Vail Veterans Program grow in its ability to positively alter the lives of the veterans they serve.

I aligned myself with Vail Veterans Program because of how it affects the veteran’s ability to reintegrate with their community, establishes self-confidence and connects the families it serves. This program creates not only acceptance of your injury, but the confidence and drive to excel with your injury. This is why I am honored to be a small part of this life-altering program.

Humberto “Carlos” Hernandez

SPC Humberto “Carlos” Hernandez (retired) was stationed overseas in Germany and served as a United States Army Infantryman, holding a few job titles under that MOS. Carlos was deployed twice to Iraq and on his second deployment is where he was injured in the middle of a firefight. Following his injury, Carlos was sent back to Germany. The guilt of leaving his brothers in combat behind hit him hard. Transitioning back into civilian life hit him even harder. During his first year back, Carlos experienced some of the darkest moments of his, as it took a few years to understand and get accustomed to the fullest extent of his “new normal.” It wasn’t until another veteran that had also experienced combat reached out and told Carlos about his journey to recovery that he realized his life could be about more than just managing his issues. It was an uphill battle, but Carlos got outside again and was reminded of his love of nature and the outdoors. He learned to talk about his issues at his own pace and better understood his mental health. This experience pushed Carlos to seek education on mental health and physical capabilities.

Carlos is now far from the Veteran that once isolated from the world, and he hopes to help more Veterans that have gone through similar experiences to feel the same way. Carlos now works for a non-profit mental health organization, focused on assisting the homeless population and advocating for Veterans that are struggling with their mental health and new civilian life. Carlos also volunteers with homeless Veterans and is part of his local VA’s Mental Health Council, working to improve mental health and suicide prevention services for Veterans within the VA community. Carlos’ life, purpose, and desire has been strengthened by taking part in activities that are facilitated through organizations like Vail Veterans Program. Carlos is proud to be a part of VVP, who has helped his on his journey through love and support.

Tim “TJ” Johannsen

“This is an incredible program. Although therapy is a great reason for me to play golf, no reason is more important than being able to play golf with my son.”

Army SGT Tim “TJ” Johannsen was on his second deployment when he was left a double amputee after an IED explosion in Iraq in June 2007. Shortly after a position rotation which left him as the driver of an HMMWV, SGT Johannsen’s vehicle rolled over a pressure plated IED that exploded through the floorboard, immediately amputating his right leg below the knee and his left leg above the knee. Quick reaction by the medic and medevac team saved TJ’s life as he was stabilized and transported to a local hospital before later being airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany and finally to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he remained for 2 ½ years while completing his physical rehabilitation. Sgt. Johannsen first visited the Vail Veterans Program in 2008, and moved to Colorado in 2010. SGT Johannsen enjoys spending time with his wife Jackie and his 2 sons Oliver and Sullivan. He loves outdoor activities including, golf, fishing, hunting and anything else that get him outside. He spends a lot of time drawing, painting and reading as well. SGT Johannsen appreciates all of the support and encouragement he has received from the Vail veterans program and the positive impact it has had on his life.

Candace Laguna

Candace Laguna is a dedicated mother of four children and a loving caregiver to retired SSGT Frank M. Laguna. While caring for her husband, she also homeschools her four children, one with special needs.  Since 2018, she has been a Ward Listener and Burn ICU volunteer at a Military Medical Center. Currently, she is continuing college studies and working towards a degree in patient advocacy. With her previous background in nursing, her goal is to use that knowledge and fight for the best medical care possible for our Nation’s heroes and children with rare illnesses.

As an Ambassador, she hopes to share her personal caregiver struggles and successes with folks new to the Vail Veterans Program. She says, “we can do it as a family, we leave no family member behind in the healing process. We can adapt and we can overcome together. Being a Vail Veterans Program Ambassador allows me to share that message of hope with everyone.”

As an Ambassador, she hopes to express to the sponsors and donors that their contributions to VVP provide the military injured and their families with beautiful life-changing experiences. Their donations encourage incredible healing, provide the opportunity to build confidence and improve the lives of the entire family.

Since her experiences at the Vail Veterans 2018 Winter Program program, she has become a fierce advocate for adaptive sports and treatment plans that take the patient and family out of the hospital and into the great outdoors. She actively seeks ways for the entire family – especially her son, Antonio, battling ROHHAD and her husband, Frank, (with Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and numerous physical injuries) to be a part of the adaptive sports world. Since the VVP 2018 Winter Program, her entire family has tried to experience as many adaptive sports as possible: recumbent cycling, marksmanship, archery, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking and the occasional cliff diving.  Candace, Frank and their oldest daughter, Allysium have since become certified scuba divers, rock climbing belayers, and skydivers. The lessons learned on the slopes of Vail, Colorado are used daily for their family’s hope for a healthy future.

Aaron “Craig” Taylor

United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Aaron “Craig” Taylor has a wife of 11 years, Chelsi, and 3 children, Kenley, Avery, and Arlo. Craig spent 13 years in the Air Force as a Tactical Air Control Party member (TACP). During his career, Craig graduated the Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controller Course and was an Evaluator and Trainer. He also graduated Air Force Sere school and was Honor Graduate of his Army Basic Airborne Course. Craig was deployed four times; twice to Afghanistan, once to Iraq, and once to Syria. During his last deployment in Syria, Craig was injured in a rollover which broke 13 vertebrae in his spine and fractured his skull. With his physical injuries came a TBI and PTSD. Craig was awarded the Army Combat Action Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and also the Air Force Achievement Medal. Craig will officially retire on February 26, 2020.

Craig is very excited to be part of the VVP team as an Ambassador. Since his first interaction with VVP, he and his family have been inspired by the mission of the organization. For Craig and his family, the key programs that they hope to bring more awareness to are the Military Caregiver Retreat and Military Caregiver Reunion. During Craig’s entire recovery, and still to today, his wife, Chelsi, has played an integral role. This assistance takes a toll on her, and he wishes all the time that she can have a break or connect with peers dealing this never-ending cycle. Chelsi benefitted from the Military Caregiver Retreat in 2019 and will attend the Military Caregiver Reunion in 2020. Craig and his family also took part in the Summer Family Program, and Craig participated in Veterans Path to Success and Resilience Training.