Our Veterans

They served after 9/11 now we’re sharing their stories with you

Shawn Banzhaf

Sergeant First Class - Retired US Army Nat'l Guard

For twenty-one years Shawn served the United States in the Army National Guard. He retired as the acting First Sergeant of the 1057th Transportation Company. He is an Iraqi War Veteran, during which he earned the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge while executing 100 combat missions in and around Baghdad, Ramadi and Fallujah. His unit, the 1074th Transportation Company, was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation during their year long campaign (OIF 06-07).

Cheryl Rinehart

Cheryl Rinehart now works in higher education after recently separating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and she serves in human resources doing work centered on policy and compliance.

US Marine Corp Veteran
Sergeant First Class - Retired US Army

Grant Ross

Healing leads to scars. Scars fade, but always remain. These serve as life’s lessons bestowed upon us by our decisions. Our scars make us who we are. It is up to us to decide how we let them define us. It has been an honor to tell my story and more importantly it has been healing. Tell your stories, cry with your family, don’t scream in silence. These are the things we carry. 

Sergeant First Class - Retired US Army

Eric Staton

Eric Staton is now working as a U.S. Contractor and spending time with his granddaughter. He continues to try to make up for lost birthdays, holidays, and special events with his family. He bought his retirement home and is looking forward to be a "When I was young" type of guy!

Melvin Cruz

Specialist - US Army

Karen Cruz

A veteran of the 101st Airborne Division who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Karen Cruz, now works as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the care, resources, and benefits they have rightfully earned. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her sons, family, and friends.

Specialist - US Army

Melvin Cruz is a veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division. He deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, serving in combat during the initial invasion of Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Today, Melvin is a devoted husband and proud father who loves watching his sons grow into strong young men. He remains committed to service through active involvement in nonprofit organizations that support fellow veterans. 

Chief - US Navy

Cris Gibson

Cris Gibson continues to work with the US government. He continues the mission, to make the United States and the world at large, a safer place. 

Lieutenant Commander - US Navy

Danny Pierce

Danny Pierce is an associate at the law firm Buchanan, Ingersoll, and Rooney. He and his wife, Jes, own and operate Ale Tales Taproom in downtown San Diego.