Board
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourself."
Holly Higgins-Stadacher
Holly Higgins is a Gold Star mother, whose 23-year-old son Senior Airman Daniel J Johnson was KIA on 5 October 2010, in Afghanistan. Daniel was an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal, also known as bomb squad) Technician in the United States Air Force. His tragic death introduced her to grief. She has discovered that grief is not something to avoid. Instead, Holly looks at grief as a gift that helps us mourn our loved ones, teaches us, and guides us as we navigate unspeakable tragedy.
Holly is a Keynote Speaker, Certified Story Coach, and Liaison to Families of the Fallen with The Heroes Journey. As a Story Coach she teaches the science behind storytelling, how it can heal the brain and the heart, while providing meaning, purpose, joy, and hope all at the same time. Though the sorrow and pain from the death of her beloved son does not go away, the privilege of serving others brings healing and has restored her purpose. Holly has come to understand and find meaning in a higher calling of service out of the deepest pain in her life.
Holly is a wife, a mom of seven, and a granny of eight. Professionally, she worked as a Registered Nurse and a Social Worker in the mental health field.
Holly’s son’s courage, patriotism, and integrity inspire her every day to live her life worthy of his sacrifice for the country he loved enough to die for. Her son is her inspiration and her hero.
Gina Pusateri
Attorney Gina M. Pusateri graduated cum laude from Boston Colleges School of Arts and Sciences in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology.
She began attending Western New England College School of Law in 1999, maintained an academic scholarship and graduated cum laude in 2003.
She passed the Massachusetts bar exam in December of that year and joined the firm of Pusateri & Wilson P.C. as an attorney focusing in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, real estate, and landlord/tenant and other housing matters.
She was admitted practice in the United States District Court in 2014. She is a member of the Worcester County, Northern Worcester County, Massachusetts Bar Associations and served on the Executive Committee of the Worcester County Bar Association.
Attorney Wilson is currently President of the Worcester County Bar Association. Gina is passionate about our mission as she lost her nephew a U.S. Marine Veteran CPL. JONATHAN BRUNEL to suicide on 7/15/2015.
Tammy Lynn Laird
Secretary of the BoardTammy Lynn Laird is an US Army and Air Force (USAF) Veteran, homeschool teacher, former Classical Conversations Challenge Director, Trauma Resiliency Peer Coach, and children’s author. During her Army service, she was a counterintelligence assistant/agent and interrogator in the Reserves. In the USAF, she served as a personnel officer in various roles to include as a squadron section commander for both a Civil Engineer squadron and an Aircraft Maintenance squadron. During these years, she took care of her troops and their families as specific personnel issues arose. As the Chief of Education and Training for the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Tammy meticulously oversaw syllabi and curriculum development for all of the crew positions, as well as seeking to improve the quality of the training through interviews and graduate evaluations. She was the lead instructor in training the trainers for these various crew positions. Currently, the focus of her leadership and instruction are centralized at home. She is grateful to be able to homeschool and learn new things alongside her children and has enjoyed serving in various leadership positions within the homeschool community.
Having cared for her peers in the Army (both on active duty and in the Reserves), Tammy continued to do so in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and later with her troops in the USAF upon commissioning. It is her hope to end feelings of isolation, lack of purpose, or suffering from invisible wounds and post-traumatic stress (PTS) by reaching out to those in need. She also desires to ease the transition from active duty to civilian life through connection, camaraderie, and community. She is a sought after speaker for helping others to find their purpose and sings our National Anthem at conferences and other venues. As a Trauma Resiliency specialist, she has been able to guide veterans, first responders, their immediate family, and our Gold Star Families to heal from PTS, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Being trusted by 22ZERO Founder Dan Jarvis, for her proven ability to faithfully work with our veterans, first responders, their families to include spouses and minor children in the home, and our Gold Star Families, Tammy is passionate about bringing healing to all of God’s children.
Tammy has published two children’s books, “Introducing Beatrice,” and “Valiant Charlie Defeats the Sleep Monster,” and is currently working on other writing endeavors, including a third book for our veterans, first responders and their families, celebrating and telling their story as our heroes. Tammy is a happily married wife, devoted mother, and lives in Texas with her best friend and husband of over 28 years, and their sons. The biggest joy of her life is walking with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and seeking to bring Him glory through loving people and helping them heal from trauma.
Ruby Wolff
Michael Gier
Michael Gier is an award-winning director/producer with Gier Productions, LLC, a full-service production company.
For most of his life, as an actor, singer, and dancer, Michael worked as an entertainer starring in Broadway musicals throughout the country. Now living in Los Angeles, Michael also works as a television and film actor.
His two most recent documentaries are "Wounded Heroes," and "Healing the Heroes of 9/11." These award-winning films feature solutions that help those battling post-traumatic stress get their lives back.
Michael's passion is to produce film projects that make a difference in the lives of others.
Damone Brown
Damone Brown is a former US Army Green Beret, Ranger, and Special Forces Combat Diver with a distinguished military career that includes multiple deployments to Afghanistan and South America. He has been awarded medals for heroic actions in combat. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree, Damone enlisted in the Army two months after 9/11, driven by a desire to engage directly in combat. He achieved his goals by earning the U.S. Army Ranger Tab and Special Forces Green Beret, and served in the elite 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). During his last tour in Afghanistan, he was injured in an IED explosion and diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Damone has served in various positions within the Department of Defense, including roles as a contractor at the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group and the Defense Intelligence Agency. He is currently the CEO of Olive Drab Technologies and continues his service as a chaplain for the Maryland Defense Force. Damone holds a Master of Divinity degree and is a Ph.D. candidate at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, along with several other degrees. He and his wife have three children.
Damone is also the author of "Black People Can’t Swim," a book that chronicles his journey through Special Forces Combat Diver training. He draws on his special operations experience and faith to confront fear and overcome failure, ultimately becoming an elite Combat Diver. Through his story, Damone aims to inspire others to:
- Conquer their fears
- Strengthen their hearts and minds
- Achieve what they have been told they cannot do
- Understand that failure is not final
Donald A. Brucker (DB)
Donald A. Brucker (DB) has been involved in the fire service and law enforcement for 30 years. He is a Nationally Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator and served as the Allegheny County Deputy Fire Marshal for 6 years and the Chief Deputy Fire Marshal for 12 years.
DB is a Certified Fire Investigator and has investigated approximately 3,000 fires and investigated approximately 150 explosions and is certified as an Expert Witness in County, State and Federal Courts.
Don has been with the Fire Marshal's Office since 1998 and was an BATF Certified Accelerant Detection K9 handler from 2003-2013.
Don was hired as a Deputy Fire Marshal and is currently the unit supervisor. Don's certifications include PA State Certified Fire Investigator, National Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, National Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator and PA State Certified Non-Suppression Level Fire Instructor.
He is a life member of the Forest Hills Fire Department where he has held the position of Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Captain over the past 25 years. Don is also a member of the Allegheny County Haz-Mat Red Team.
He graduated from Churchill High School and Forbes Road East Vo-Technical School. Don resides in Plum Borough with his wife and three children. In his free time, Don enjoys spending time with his family, photography, and reading.
Ivan Garcia
Ivan Garcia, a recently retired Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has had a distinguished career dedicated to fighting crime. With a background spanning from the U.S. Customs Service to the Department of Homeland Security, Ivan's expertise lies in financial fraud, money laundering, and disrupting Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in drug trafficking.
During his time with HSI, Ivan played a crucial role in the Operation Panama Express Strike Force, leading investigations that resulted in numerous seizures of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana. His collaborative work with agencies like the Coast Guard Investigative Service, DEA, FBI, and HSI showcases his commitment to tackling complex criminal activities.
Before his tenure with HSI, Ivan served as a deputy sheriff with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for over eight years, handling various roles such as Street Gang Liaison, Traffic Homicide Investigator, and working undercover in the Narcotics Investigations Unit. His diverse experience underscores his deep understanding of law enforcement operations and investigations.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Ivan's dedication to his family shines through. Together with his wife Tonya, they have raised two children and continue to build their life in Central Florida. Ivan's legacy of service and integrity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those he has worked with throughout his remarkable career.
Johnny Walker
CEO/Chairmen of Holo Sail Technologies, Inc.John (Johnny) P. Walker II started his experience in logistics serving in the MT Platoon, Service Company, 6th Comm BN, 4th DV United States Marine Corps as a 3521 (Diesel Mechanic: 2E). Honorably Discharged at the rank of E-3 in 2002.John is also a Ground Zero, NYC 9-11 First Responder.
From there John has extensive experience in Stevedoring operations from Break Bulk, Liquid transfer, Supervising Union Labor, Trucking, Equipment Control, and Container Marine Operations. In one of the busiest Ports in the western hemisphere. Other areas of Logistical experience include Route Logistics, Warehouse Shipping and Receiving, and exporting new products globally for product introduction to various Global markets.
John has been featured in two documentaries. The “Science Channel’s” – “Mega Machines – Sea Giants: Season 1: Episode 8 ‘New York Mega Port’” and this year’s winner for “Best Featured Documentary – New York Movie Awards Best Feature Documentary 2021” –
“Healing the Heroes of 9-11: The Way Forward”.
John Founded Holo Sail Technologies, Inc. 2019. Adding 3 other Founders, July of 2019. The company ethos has always
been “We judge our succusses by the quality serves we provide communities, businesses, individuals, and organizations. Not by profit.”
National Television: Newsmax “America Right Now”. Six appearances to date as an industry expert in Supply Chain and Technology.
Three published articles in various media outlets Globally.
Featured Speaker at Envirotech 2021 (Rotterdam)
Featured Speaker and Panel Moderator C3 US-Arab Healthcare and Business Summit 2022
Speaker and Panel Moderator Official Opening Event of the UN General Assembly 2023 - C3 US-Arab Healthcare and Business Summit 2023 NYC
Up Coming: Panel Moderator at the opening of “The New King Hamad American Mission Hospital” in the Kingdom of Bahrain. “The Future of Healthcare Beyond Borders”
Jeff Stewart
COL Jeff Stewart is originally from Oregon and is married to the former Miss Carrie Borden of New York. They have three children: Katherine, Fiona, and Fergus.
Education: COL Stewart graduated as Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) from Western Oregon State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Science from the Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat, Oman, and a Master of Arts degree in Military History from the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He received a Master of Arts in Strategic Arts From the US Army War College and is an alumnus of the Advanced Strategic Arts Program.
Assignments: COL Stewart’s previous assignments include; Squad Leader in the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Platoon Leader in the 10th Mountain Division and in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; Company Commander in 1-5 Infantry; Brigade Operations Officer and Executive Officer, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division; and Professor of Military Science for Gonzaga University. COL Stewart was the Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment in Fairbanks, Alaska which deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012.. He served as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations for the Canadian Joint Operations Command before assuming command of the Area Support Group, Kuwait. He served as a Department of the Army Inspector General before his final assignment as the Senior Army Advisor to the Oregon State Adjutant General. He has conducted Peacekeeping deployments in Haiti and the Sinai as well as multiple combat deployments to include two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. After nearly 38 years of military service, Jeff retired from the military and continues his public service with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
COL Stewart’s awards include the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Ranger Tab, the Romanian Land Forces Order of Honor, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and the Canadian Meritorious Service Medal.
Abel Rodriguez
Vice President and Co-founderU.S. Army retired, Sergeant First Class (E-7)
7th Special Forces Group
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Columbia Southern University
Abel Rodriguez, a retired combat veteran of the US ARMY Special Forces “Green Beret,” is not just a professional in trauma healing, but also a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. His personal journey has led him to help fellow Veterans and First Responders, guiding them through the Peer Rescue Protocol (PRP) to heal their traumas from the inside out. Abel's belief in this non-clinical intervention stems from his experiences, making him a trusted advocate for optimizing individual human potential.
Abel garnered the trust of the 22ZERO founder, Dan Jarvis through his ability to lead clients calmly and respectfully. He is currently working toward mastering his craft for clients, becoming a presenter, and propelling the Tactical Resiliency USA brand into the stratosphere.
Abel is certified in the Trauma Resilience and special victim support. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from Columbia Southern University.
When he is not engaging clients, Abel's life is filled with various interests. He finds joy in spending time with his family, working on small projects at home, and exploring the open road on his Indian motorcycle. These personal pursuits bring balance to his life and reflect his resilience and passion, qualities that he brings to his work with Veterans and First Responders.
Dan Jarvis
Founder and Board PresidentMasters of Public Administration, from Central Michigan University
U.S. Army retired, Sergeant First Class (E-7)
Deputy Sheriff retired
U.S. Army Drill Sergeant 2009-2011
Retired Army SFC Dan Jarvis was deployed to a combat zone in Afghanistan in 2011-2012.
Shortly after his arrival, he stepped on a pressure plate and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) five feet from his position on the dismounted patrol. The IED left Dan with a traumatic brain injury. He insisted on continuing to lead his troops but was sidelined for a week by the Battalion surgeon.
After weeks of no sleep, because of the IED blast, he led his squad on a mission to escort an explosive team to defuse a bomb found by another Platoon. His role in the lead vehicle as the truck commander (TC) was to detect IEDs on the route to ensure safe passage for the other vehicles in the convoy. An undetected IED exploded under the fourth vehicle in the convoy, taking the life of SPC Doug Cordo.
Dan felt responsible for losing Doug since finding the IED's as the lead truck commander was his responsibility.
Near the end of his deployment, Dan received a Red Cross message informing him that his mother was deathly ill.
He immediately left Afghanistan and headed to the United States, hoping to see his mom before she took her last breath. Unfortunately, he did not make it to say goodbye before she died, which weighed heavily on him. After her funeral, Dan returned to his assigned duty station in Fairbanks, Alaska, at Ft. Wainwright. Burdened under such guilt and unable to sleep, Dan sought an escape by binge drinking each night until he fell asleep.
On the night of March 2, 2013, he contemplated suicide – eyeing the rifle in the corner and convincing himself that it would be easy to end the emotional torture. Hearing the pitter-patter of little feet on the apartment floor above him, he realized he would potentially endanger those kids if a bullet were fired. As usual, he passed out from the alcohol. He awoke the next morning to a call informing him that one of the soldiers from his former Platoon, SPC Corey Smathers, had shot and killed himself the night prior. Questioning how they missed Smathers’ struggles, Dan realized he was masking the signs from those he knew and loved. Dan and the other men struggled emotionally as they grieved their brother and Soldier. Watching the men struggle and worrying that he may “green light” one of them to do the same, Dan resolved that he would not take his own life. However, the emotional struggle remained.
Due to multiple combat injuries, Dan retired from the Army on September 11, 2014, and returned to Winter Haven, Florida. He quickly traded one uniform for another by reentering the law enforcement profession. Unfortunately, his combat injuries forced his retirement from law enforcement in May of 2017. Dan served as a Deputy for approximately 7 years in roles of Crime Suppression Team (CST), Narcotics Investigations, Uniform Patrol and Community Oriented Policing.
With little to occupy his time, the weight of his military experiences and transition out of service began to manifest more visibly drinking, depression, nightmares, night sweats, and negative outlook. His ex-wife strongly encouraged him to seek help, and he contacted the local VA Office. The VA diagnosed Dan with Post Traumatic Stress and Major Depressive Disorder and began to treat him with prolonged exposure therapy, which tormented him nearly as much as the trauma he had experienced. He opted not to continue this line of treatment after the VA canceled a couple of appointments.
Dan went through many different treatments looking for a better way. We must do better to help others find relief from traumatic memories.
In April 2018 Dan was invited to a men’s leadership retreat in Tampa, FL where for the first time he spoke 22ZERO into existence on the weekend. 22ZERO was formed as a means of standing in the gap providing solutions for our heroes in uniform battling Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and other emotional issues like anxiety, anger, survivor guilt and depression.
When COVID 19 hit the world 22ZERO had to regroup and Dan began developing his own methods for healing traumatic stress and negative emotional triggers for the organization. Dan developed the Tactical Resiliency Training (TRT), and it comprises the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) and the Emotions Management Process (EMP). To date 22ZERO has healed more than 10,000 men, women, and children.
Dan has formed the training and coaching company, Tactical Resiliency USA (TRUSA) to bring healing to the masses within the first responder and veteran worlds teaching others these non-clinical interventions. TRUSA is training Licensed Professional Counselors, Pastoral Counselors and Peer Support with agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol, Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments and Fire Departments. Dan has also developed a new groundbreaking method to heal traumatic stress and negative emotions using the Peer Rescue Protocol and a faith-based variation called the Jesus Protocol.
The future's looking brighter for our American Heroes, though the mountain to climb is steep we are climbing it one step at a time in efforts to get all our Heroes on the High Ground.
Dan has stepped away from 22ZERO but he is still committed to bringing change to the mental health space with veterans and first responders. He is also working on healing his Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) by using Neuro Feedback, and other methods to shed light on this other aspect of veteran and first responder suicide, the TBI. More to follow!
Dan is a committed follower of Jesus and has spent so much time to heal others out of a moral imperative to shine the light back into the darkness, leading others out. Dan credits God for the whisper of 22ZERO as the mission is becoming to revolutionize mental health making Tactical Resiliency USA’s Peer Rescue Protocol (PRP) the Platinum standard of care for PTSD, Anxiety and Depression for our first responders , veterans and all of God’s children.
Dan and Abel Rodriguez came together to form this nonprofit Healing the Hero, a faith based Christian organization in efforts to bring healing to the Body of Christ. The vision is a starfish organization. Healing the Hero is going to be a way for believers and non believers to heal. We also plan on partnering with churches to train church teams of veterans and first responders. The ancillary benefit for the churches is they can add grief ministries, addiction ministries, prison ministries, trauma ministries to the trainings to heal others. Trust in God! The day is coming where we will heal all of His children.
