Anthony Ciotti is a retired U.S. Army combat medic with over three decades of military service and a passion for pop culture that never left him. Born and raised in Philadelphia and now based in southern New Jersey, Anthony’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic nerdiness. After deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, he returned home and built Tactics 2 Toys — an e-commerce business specializing in action figures, board games, and collectibles for the adult collector community.

A lifelong fan of Dungeons & Dragons, horror flicks, and ‘80s movies, Anthony turned a side hustle into a full-fledged business fueled by nostalgia, grit, and a splash of spite. When he's not packing orders or scouring trade shows for new inventory, he's mentoring fellow veterans, chasing down vendors, and planning the next big leap for his brand — including his own line of custom figures.

Cody Hajek is a U.S. Navy veteran, former nuclear machinist mate, and special warfare recruiter turned entrepreneur and fitness coach. With a background in training Navy Special Warfare candidates, Cody developed a passion for elite fitness and mental resilience, which led him to the world of CrossFit. After leaving the military, he co-founded CrossFit Never Broken in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he now serves as the sole owner and head coach. Dedicated to helping individuals of all fitness levels build strength and confidence, Cody focuses on creating a supportive gym community that emphasizes both physical and mental toughness.

Dan’s military career spanned over 20 years, starting in the late ‘90s. He worked his way up from infantry rifleman to platoon sergeant, endured the relentless grind of being a drill sergeant, and experienced the tedious existence of an observer/controller. His service took him from the uninspiring landscapes of Fort Irwin and Fort Drum to the beer halls of Germany and the beaches of the Dalmatian coast.

Since retiring, Dan has sworn off clean shaving and never takes a hot shower for granted. These days, he enjoys sitting by the fireplace, sipping on fine Scotch, and turning the pages of a real book—because after years of deployment, solitude is a gift.

Diana is a U.S. Navy veteran, law enforcement officer, single mother of three, and a published poet. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, she overcame the challenges of immigration, navigating cultural barriers, and securing her residency before enlisting in the Navy. Her military service shaped her discipline and passion for helping others, leading her into law enforcement, where she continues to break barriers as a Hispanic woman in a male-dominated field.

Beyond her career, Diana is a talented writer, using poetry as a means of self-expression and healing. Her debut collection, In These Pages Lies Magic, Heartbreak, and Mayhem: The Poetic Woes of a Woman, captures the raw emotions of love, loss, and resilience. Balancing the demands of motherhood and a high-stakes career, Diana’s journey is a testament to perseverance, representation, and the power of storytelling.

Jabrian Johnson is a Navy veteran with 13 years of service, known for his leadership and dedication to mentoring fellow sailors. Since transitioning out of the military, he has become an entrepreneur, founding Kustom Krowns, LLC, a custom hat company that blends creativity with personal meaning. Jabrian is also working on his upcoming book, Finding Strength Through Struggle, where he shares his journey of resilience and growth through life’s challenges. His reconnection with faith and passion for helping others continue to guide his path in business and personal development.

As a combat veteran and retired federal law enforcement officer, Janeen understands the unique pressures first responders face. Her mission is deeply personal, and her expertise has transformed countless lives. Her work with K9s for Freedom and her for-profit venture, K9 Peak Performance, ensures that mental health remains a priority for those on the front lines.

Jason McNamara is a Navy veteran, high-performing sales leader, and the founder of the No More 9 to 5 Club & Foundation. Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in South Florida, Jason’s journey spans from serving as a detainee officer in Guantanamo Bay to becoming the #1 residential sales rep at the nation’s largest family-owned pest control company. Today, he empowers veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs through financial education, business development, and mindset training. His mission: to help others reclaim their time, build sustainable income, and create a life they don’t need a vacation from.

Jesse Cook is a U.S. Navy veteran, former submariner, and the founder of Twin Screws Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with purpose through hunting, nature, and brotherhood. After leaving the corporate world behind, Jesse found healing in the outdoors and now leads backcountry experiences that offer fellow veterans a path toward mental clarity, resilience, and community. His mission is simple but powerful: “Do hard things. Together.”

Joe McNeal grew up in Chilton County, Alabama, a region best known for its peaches. Seeking to break free from the limitations of rural life, he joined the Army at just 17 years old. Over the next 11 years, Joe developed expertise as a 15Y (AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer), working on Apache helicopters, and later became a combat instructor and master fitness trainer, focusing on human performance. His time in the military not only shaped his work ethic but also gave him a passion for mentoring others.

“I always wanted to do more, so even during deployments, I worked and studied,” Joe said. “I knew that when I transitioned out of the Army, I wanted to create something meaningful for myself and my family.”

John Davis is a U.S. Army veteran, author, and advocate committed to helping veterans transition successfully. After serving 10 years with the 101st Airborne Division and deploying twice to Afghanistan, he turned his focus to student veteran advocacy, testifying before Congress and attending Harvard to advance veteran support initiatives.

Now living in the Dominican Republic, John founded Veterans in Paradise to help veterans explore life abroad. His latest project, Veteran Affirmations, provides daily affirmations and mental health resources tailored to military culture. Through his work, John continues to empower veterans seeking purpose beyond service.

Lindy Bryant is an Air Force veteran and emergency preparedness specialist with extensive experience in military and civilian disaster response. As the founder of Northwoods of Idaho, she helps individuals and families prepare for emergencies through training, consulting, and products like Survival in a Bottle.

Having lived across the U.S., Lindy has witnessed the impact of disasters firsthand. Her mission is to equip people with the knowledge and tools to stay safe—because a little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Martin’s story begins in California, where his parents worked tirelessly in the fields after immigrating from Mexico. Growing up, Martin faced financial struggles, language barriers, and low expectations from those around him. Despite these challenges, he was determined to carve a different path for himself, fueled by the memory of 9/11 and a desire to serve his country.

His enlistment in the Marine Corps was no easy feat. From struggling with academic requirements to enduring the rigors of boot camp, Martin pushed through every obstacle with a grit that would define his future endeavors.

Nathan Wheeler is a U.S. Army veteran, former Ranger, and financial strategist committed to helping others achieve financial security. Raised in a challenging environment, he never expected to join the military, but life led him to enlist. Excelling as an Army Ranger, he developed leadership skills that shaped his future.

After leaving the military, Wheeler faced financial challenges that fueled his passion for financial services. Seeing the need for better financial education, he now helps clients nationwide build wealth, protect assets, and plan for the future. Through his work, he empowers others to achieve lasting financial independence.

Roger took the officer route, commissioning into the Army after attending the "Harvard of Eastern North Carolina"—East Carolina University. His career revolved around packing up, moving to another country, and keeping his belongings in long-term storage.

After multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Roger is now happily retired, wrangling his kids between basketball, gymnastics, and climbing practice. He dreams of having hobbies one day, but for now, he’s knee-deep in family life while keeping Tracer Burnout on track.

From Navy Leadership to Real Estate Success: Breaking Through Fear and Building Wealth

Transitioning from a life in the military to civilian success is often a challenging process, but for many, it can be a profound journey of personal and professional growth. Ronesha Nation is one such individual whose story demonstrates how determination, hard work, and a passion for helping others can lead to significant achievements. After serving two decades in the U.S. Navy, Ronesha reached the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief. However, her accomplishments did not end with her military retirement. She went on to build a thriving career in real estate and founded a business academy designed to empower entrepreneurs. Her journey is a testament to the power of breaking through fear, seizing opportunities, and embracing the lessons of life after military service.

Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has a background in cybersecurity and communications. Originally from Chicago, he joined the Marine Corps at 21, serving as a linguist and communications specialist, with deployments in embassy reinforcement and security operations.

After leaving the military, Ryan earned a cybersecurity degree and prestigious certifications from the SANS Institute, ensuring a smooth transition to civilian employment. As co-founder of Birds of a Feather Matchmaking, he focuses on business operations, client networking, and educating individuals on ethical non-monogamy while challenging societal misconceptions.

Trevor Methena is a U.S. Navy veteran, real estate investor, and franchise owner based in Austin, Texas. After serving 11 years on active duty and 4 in the reserves, Trevor transitioned into the tech industry while building a real estate portfolio of over 20 rental properties. Today, he and his wife operate a successful HomeSmiles franchise, providing essential home and property maintenance services across the Austin area. With a passion for strategic growth and veteran empowerment, Trevor continues to help others navigate entrepreneurship, real estate, and franchising.

Victoria, a former U.S. Navy service member, is an entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals explore alternative relationship dynamics. Originally from Arizona, she joined the military after high school, inspired by her family's service history and the GI Bill. Her naval career took her to San Diego and Japan, shaping her understanding of interpersonal relationships.

After earning her MBA, Victoria saw a gap in the matchmaking industry for ethical non-monogamy. She became the first certified matchmaker specializing in non-monogamous relationships, founding Birds of a Feather Matchmaking to offer secure and structured dating experiences. Her mission is to educate, empower, and normalize non-traditional relationships while fostering meaningful connections.