Team Ward 57 - Na Koa Wounded Warrior Regatta

With your support we can help make dreams come true and provide an opportunity for these wounded warriors and their caregivers to travel to Hawaii and compete in a unique canoe regatta designed specifically to support, empower and heal our Veterans, Active Duty and Gold Star Families. The race is not about
competition or winning the trophy as it is providing a physical challenge and morale boosting event surrounded and supported by their peers. By donating today you are helping to support the Ward 57 wounded warrior team composed of purple heart recipients, amputees and those suffering from PTSD/TBI.

Your donation will help cover airfare, hotel, transportation, meals and special team building activities for the Veteran and their caregiver or spouse.

With YOUR help we would love to have 2 teams in 2018!

Meet the 2018 Team/Guests of Honor

VIP Guest:

COL (Ret) Gregory Gadson

COL Gregory Gadson (Ret), served more than 25 years as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army, also serving as former garrison commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee, occasional actor, and motivational speaker. He served on active duty for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Joint Forge, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Team Members:

SGT (Ret) Aaron Boyle
Motivated by the 9/11 attacks, Aaron Boyle joined the Army after high school following the legacy of his father and brothers who all served. He went on his first deployment to Iraq in 2008 as an Infantryman, and then deployed again in 2010, this time to Afghanistan with B Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On Sept. 21, 2010, SGT Boyle was on patrol in the Arghandab River Valley when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast resulted in the loss of his right arm, right leg, and severe damage to his left leg.

CPL Andrew Smith
Corporal Andrew Smith served as an Infantry soldier with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division from 2002-2005. Wounded in Fallujah, Iraq in 2003 by shrapnel from an IED, he is the recipient of the Purple Heart. Because of his military experience, he now assists as a mentor with the Honor & Courage program through Operation Ward 57.

SSG (Ret) James Dahl
Staff Sergeant James Dahl joined the Army in 1984 and served with the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th group and 163 Cavalry. He served in Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa, South America and Grenada. He deployed twice to Iraq. SSG Dahl retired as after 22 years. His injuries include a bullet to the shoulder, PTSD & TBI.

LCPL (Ret) Eli Tice
Marine Lance Corporal Eli Tice was assigned to Alpha Company in the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. In May 2010, Eli was severely wounded by an IED while on patrol in Afghanistan resulting in the loss of his right leg from the knee down, his right thumb, and a shattered left wrist. He spent many months at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Hospital undergoing
countless surgeries and rehabilitation from his injuries.

MAJ (Ret) Edward "Flip" Klein
A 2006 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Major Edward “Flip” Klein was leading his company on a dismounted patrol in Afghanistan when he was struck by a dismounted improvised explosive device (IED). His injury resulted in
the loss of both his legs and right arm, and significant damage to his remaining hand.

To receive a sponsorship packet for your business please email brittney@operationward57.org