Board of Directors
Joanna Arnold
Executive Director
joanna@haloforfreedom.org

Joanna was raised on a ranch in a small farming community in the Texas panhandle. She began her career in corporate accounting but quickly began working for public accounting firms. Several years ago she ventured out on her own and founded a consulting firm that focuses on the unique needs of small businesses.
She has served on the boards of the McKinney YMCA, Frisco Area Republican Women, Frisco Ice Hockey Association, and served on various event and fundraising committees. She was voted 2013 FARW Collin County Volunteer of the year. She brings her fundraising, event planning, marketing, and financial expertise to the foundation.
Joanna has been married to her husband, David, for the last 16 years, and they have two boys very active in ice hockey.
"I am honored to be able to be a part of this foundation. My sons not only see the joy and importance of service to others, but appreciate what others have sacrificed for them."
U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class (ret.) Dana Bowman
Founder / Director / Spokesperson / Event Coordinator / Sponsor Representative
danabowman@aol.com

Dana Bowman has astounded the nation and the world with his drive, determination, and will to succeed. He is a retired Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army where he was a Special Forces Soldier and a member of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights. Dana Bowman is a double amputee. He lost his legs in an accident during the annual Golden Knights training in Yuma, Arizona, in 1994.
On February 6,1994, Bowman gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during the team’s annual training.
Aguillon died instantly. Bowman’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee.
Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army. This achievement is just one example of Bowman’s many successes under adverse circumstances. Dana has been fortunate to have the opportunity to let his speeches touch so many from the physically challenged to the able-bodied. He strives to show physically challenged people can still work and excel in today’s society and military. Dana emphasizes the words amputee and uselessness are not synonymous.
Dana has given more than 400 speeches in the last few years and has been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People and many more. There have also been numerous television programs which focused on Dana and his story. Some of the programs include: Dateline, A Current Affair, Real TV, NBC Person of the Week, Day and Date and Extra.
Dana retired from the United States Army in 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in May of 2000.
Dana spends a great deal of his personal time working with other amputees and disabled or physically challenged people. As the founder and President of the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation Dana continues his selfless work giving back to the brave men and women that have given so much of themselves for our country. Dana jumps the "HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation" Logo in to the many events he addresses annually and tells his audiences about our group and our cause.
On February 6,1994, Bowman gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during the team’s annual training.
Aguillon died instantly. Bowman’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee.
Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army. This achievement is just one example of Bowman’s many successes under adverse circumstances. Dana has been fortunate to have the opportunity to let his speeches touch so many from the physically challenged to the able-bodied. He strives to show physically challenged people can still work and excel in today’s society and military. Dana emphasizes the words amputee and uselessness are not synonymous.
Dana has given more than 400 speeches in the last few years and has been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People and many more. There have also been numerous television programs which focused on Dana and his story. Some of the programs include: Dateline, A Current Affair, Real TV, NBC Person of the Week, Day and Date and Extra.
Dana retired from the United States Army in 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in May of 2000.
Dana spends a great deal of his personal time working with other amputees and disabled or physically challenged people. As the founder and President of the HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation Dana continues his selfless work giving back to the brave men and women that have given so much of themselves for our country. Dana jumps the "HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation" Logo in to the many events he addresses annually and tells his audiences about our group and our cause.
U.S. Army CPL Michael "Mike" Vasquez (Ret)
Graphics & Media Director
mike@haloforfreedom.org

Michael “Mike” Vasquez joined the Army at age 17 during high school and quickly finished his senior year at Estacado Senior High School in Lubbock, TX in a matter of weeks to make a time slot for One Station Unit Training (OSUT). Soon after completing his OSUT, Michael attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning. Upon completion of his training, Mike went to Iraq in 2007 and 2008 with E company 3/144 Infantry on a volunteer deployment. During that time, Michael served as a Machine Gunner with a small team of other soldiers protecting civilian contractors.
After Michael came home in 2008 from Iraq, he again volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with a military intelligence unit out of Austin Texas (636 Military Intelligence Bn.) as a PSD (protective security detail) for the M.I. soldiers. Before going to Afghanistan, Michael was sent to train as a SDM (Squad designated marksman) at Ft. Benning, GA, train in Colorado Springs Colorado at multiple civilian contractor training courses and learned many roles of military intelligence during the time there and was designated as a team leader for multimedia exploitation and emplacing numerous cameras to in various areas of Afghanistan behind enemy lines to capture high value targets and IED emplacing Taliban teams. Michael’s primary job was as a gunner and SDM during the mission and served with Two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
On a mission on July 10, 2009 Mike along with units from the M.I. Battalion, ODA 9224 and other American Units were on a mission and Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs severely injuring Mike in the Gunner’s turret. Mike, unaware he was injured, continued to fight the enemy, eliminating the threat and helped get other injured comrades to safety to be medevac’d. As medical teams flew in, Mike began not to feel well and was told he was injured.
Mike suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries. Mike was bound to a wheelchair for the next seven months recovering at Landstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed and finally closer to home at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After learning to walk again, and being discharged from service, Michael continued to go to medical appointments at the VA in Lubbock Texas. Almost a year after his injuries in Afghanistan in 2009, Michael went in for an MRI and discovered he had a rare brain condition known as Chiari Malformation as a result of the Traumatic Brain Injury in Afghanistan. He finally underwent brain Surgery on July 23, 2013 and once again is wheelchair bound, expected to walk again in the near future. Michael’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, OIF Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
After Michael came home in 2008 from Iraq, he again volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with a military intelligence unit out of Austin Texas (636 Military Intelligence Bn.) as a PSD (protective security detail) for the M.I. soldiers. Before going to Afghanistan, Michael was sent to train as a SDM (Squad designated marksman) at Ft. Benning, GA, train in Colorado Springs Colorado at multiple civilian contractor training courses and learned many roles of military intelligence during the time there and was designated as a team leader for multimedia exploitation and emplacing numerous cameras to in various areas of Afghanistan behind enemy lines to capture high value targets and IED emplacing Taliban teams. Michael’s primary job was as a gunner and SDM during the mission and served with Two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
On a mission on July 10, 2009 Mike along with units from the M.I. Battalion, ODA 9224 and other American Units were on a mission and Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs severely injuring Mike in the Gunner’s turret. Mike, unaware he was injured, continued to fight the enemy, eliminating the threat and helped get other injured comrades to safety to be medevac’d. As medical teams flew in, Mike began not to feel well and was told he was injured.
Mike suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries. Mike was bound to a wheelchair for the next seven months recovering at Landstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed and finally closer to home at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After learning to walk again, and being discharged from service, Michael continued to go to medical appointments at the VA in Lubbock Texas. Almost a year after his injuries in Afghanistan in 2009, Michael went in for an MRI and discovered he had a rare brain condition known as Chiari Malformation as a result of the Traumatic Brain Injury in Afghanistan. He finally underwent brain Surgery on July 23, 2013 and once again is wheelchair bound, expected to walk again in the near future. Michael’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, OIF Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
U.S. Amry Ranger Master Sergeant Leroy Petry (Ret)
Board of Directors

MSG (R) Leroy Petry was born on July 29, 1979 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1999; something he wanted to do since he was seven years old.
After completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served as a Rifleman, Grenadier, Squad Automatic Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, Rifle Squad Leader, Assistant Operations Sergeant, Weapons Squad Leader, and Liaison Officer for United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition-Northwest Region, providing oversight to wounded warriors, ill and injured service members and their families.
He has deployed eight times in support of the Global War on Terror with two tours to Iraq and six to Afghanistan.
His military education includes the Airborne Course, Combat Life Saver Course, US Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Combatives Level-1 Course. He earned the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Basic and Senior Parachutist Badges, and Canadian Parachutist Badge.
His awards and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (1OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 3 Combat Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with Three campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), NATO Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Valorous Unit Award.
MSG (R) Petry and his wife Ashley have four children, Brittany, Austin, Reagan and Landon. He is currently enrolled in college with goals to earn a degree in business management and own his own business. In addition he is on several boards: GE Veteran’s Network (advisory), Boulder Crest Retreat, Medal of Honor Museum(advisory), Patriot Project, and works as a warrior liaison for Feherty’s Troops First Foundation all geared to improving the lives of veterans and our military.
U.S. Marine Corps - Corporal Doug Doss
Board of Directors

Doug returned To Nordson Corp., Amherst OH in July 2015 to supervise the Machining Services area. Nordson Corp. is a global leader in the manufacture of dispensing and coating equipment. His last assignment with Nordson was as a Quality Analyst. He also serves on the ERT (Emergency Response Team) for Nordson.
Previously Doug was a Supervisor for Ford Motor Co., Ohio Assembly Plant for 12 years where he supervised in Paint, Trim, Chassis, and the Testing and Repair areas. The vehicle models included the Econoline van, Escape/Mariner, and F650/750. He served as the only Supervisor trained on their ERT (Emergency Response Team). Doug received the Ford Motor Co. 2011 President’s Health and Safety Award from Mark Fields for a home fire rescue while driving home from work.
He also worked 3 years with PolyOne Corp. in Avon, OH as Research Technologist in their vinyl polymerization and compounding area and was a trained ERT (Emergency Response Team) member.
Doug proudly served 4 years with the U.S. Marine Corp assigned to MAG-14 VMA-224 All Weather Attack Squadron. This was an A-6 squadron based out of Cherry Point, NC. He was an Avionics Technician and served at bases in Iwakuni, Japan, Cubi Point, Philippines, El Toro, CA and more. He received awards for meritorious unit citations for Squadron readiness, over-seas service, good conduct and others.
Doug enjoys helping others and has volunteered his time to Habitat for Humanity building homes, Red Cross blood bank, Harvest for Hunger food bank and his favorite helping with Halo for Freedom’s Weekend to Remember Wounded Warrior events. He assists where needed and especially enjoys helping with the skydiving event. He received his skydiving training by Dana Bowman and members of the Golden Knight Parachute Team. He has over 400 skydives to his credit. Doug was also a successful bone marrow donor in 2001 and frequently communicates with the recipient who had a complete recovery.
Previously Doug was a Supervisor for Ford Motor Co., Ohio Assembly Plant for 12 years where he supervised in Paint, Trim, Chassis, and the Testing and Repair areas. The vehicle models included the Econoline van, Escape/Mariner, and F650/750. He served as the only Supervisor trained on their ERT (Emergency Response Team). Doug received the Ford Motor Co. 2011 President’s Health and Safety Award from Mark Fields for a home fire rescue while driving home from work.
He also worked 3 years with PolyOne Corp. in Avon, OH as Research Technologist in their vinyl polymerization and compounding area and was a trained ERT (Emergency Response Team) member.
Doug proudly served 4 years with the U.S. Marine Corp assigned to MAG-14 VMA-224 All Weather Attack Squadron. This was an A-6 squadron based out of Cherry Point, NC. He was an Avionics Technician and served at bases in Iwakuni, Japan, Cubi Point, Philippines, El Toro, CA and more. He received awards for meritorious unit citations for Squadron readiness, over-seas service, good conduct and others.
Doug enjoys helping others and has volunteered his time to Habitat for Humanity building homes, Red Cross blood bank, Harvest for Hunger food bank and his favorite helping with Halo for Freedom’s Weekend to Remember Wounded Warrior events. He assists where needed and especially enjoys helping with the skydiving event. He received his skydiving training by Dana Bowman and members of the Golden Knight Parachute Team. He has over 400 skydives to his credit. Doug was also a successful bone marrow donor in 2001 and frequently communicates with the recipient who had a complete recovery.
USAF Staff Sgt. - Jason Morgan
Board of Directors

US Air Force Special Operations Command (Airborne), retired Jason Morgan, born in Dallas, Texas in 1969 enlisted into the US Air Force in 1989 and trained to become a combat weatherman. The combat weather team is a small elite unit in the Air Force Special Operations Command.
Combat Weather Teams are organized, trained and equipped to provide meteorological and oceanographic intelligence information in and for the Army’s special operations theaters of conflict. Duties performed range from staff support to ground combat operations, which include tactical infiltration, observing, forecasting, training indigenous personnel to take limited observations, and mission tailoring of environmental information.
In June of 1999, Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan was deployed to South America on a counter narcotics mission while attached to the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) called the Night Stalkers. Trying avoid a dangerous situation, the driver of the SUV that Morgan was riding in, lost control of the vehicle which began flipping down a ravine. Jason was ejected from the back seat and the vehicle rolled over him crushing his back and leaving him face down in shallow water unable to move or breathe. An American mission working in South America pulled Jason out of the water and coordinated a rescue. After waking from a coma two months, the doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive but paralyzed from the waist down and would never walk again.
3 1/2 Years of hospitalization and countless surgeries was followed by pain and depression. Soon after his injury, Morgan's marriage ended and he raised his three young boys almost entirely by himself.
Morgan's current mission is to speak to groups about the things a person can do – not what they think they can’t. After receiving his service dog from Canine Companions for Independence in 2010, Morgan has been active speaking to schools, churches, boy scouts and other organizations educating about service dogs and their roles as well as motivating people how to overcome adversity. As the national spokesperson for Canine Companions for Independence, Morgan volunteers his time by speaking all over the US helping kids and with disabilities and disabled veterans receive these highly trained service dogs at no cost to the recipient. Morgan also regularly visits hospitals and VA facilities with his service dog that he claims makes a world of difference during their difficult time and recovery. Although paralyzed from the waist down and recently losing his leg due to a bone infection, he stays active water and snow skiing, SCUBA diving with his 3 boys, competed and medaled in the Warrior Games (Military Paralympics) and recently pushed his racing wheelchair (not a hand cycle) 26.2 miles in the Marine Corps Marathon.
Combat Weather Teams are organized, trained and equipped to provide meteorological and oceanographic intelligence information in and for the Army’s special operations theaters of conflict. Duties performed range from staff support to ground combat operations, which include tactical infiltration, observing, forecasting, training indigenous personnel to take limited observations, and mission tailoring of environmental information.
In June of 1999, Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan was deployed to South America on a counter narcotics mission while attached to the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) called the Night Stalkers. Trying avoid a dangerous situation, the driver of the SUV that Morgan was riding in, lost control of the vehicle which began flipping down a ravine. Jason was ejected from the back seat and the vehicle rolled over him crushing his back and leaving him face down in shallow water unable to move or breathe. An American mission working in South America pulled Jason out of the water and coordinated a rescue. After waking from a coma two months, the doctors told him that he was lucky to be alive but paralyzed from the waist down and would never walk again.
3 1/2 Years of hospitalization and countless surgeries was followed by pain and depression. Soon after his injury, Morgan's marriage ended and he raised his three young boys almost entirely by himself.
Morgan's current mission is to speak to groups about the things a person can do – not what they think they can’t. After receiving his service dog from Canine Companions for Independence in 2010, Morgan has been active speaking to schools, churches, boy scouts and other organizations educating about service dogs and their roles as well as motivating people how to overcome adversity. As the national spokesperson for Canine Companions for Independence, Morgan volunteers his time by speaking all over the US helping kids and with disabilities and disabled veterans receive these highly trained service dogs at no cost to the recipient. Morgan also regularly visits hospitals and VA facilities with his service dog that he claims makes a world of difference during their difficult time and recovery. Although paralyzed from the waist down and recently losing his leg due to a bone infection, he stays active water and snow skiing, SCUBA diving with his 3 boys, competed and medaled in the Warrior Games (Military Paralympics) and recently pushed his racing wheelchair (not a hand cycle) 26.2 miles in the Marine Corps Marathon.
Sammy Estrada
Photographer / Board of Directors

Samuel 'Sammy' Estrada was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated with an R/TV/Film Degree from TCU and is a proud Horned Frog. He is a Videographer and Photographer, and has worked as a corporate trainer for mortgage for over ten years.
Sammy has been married to his wife Amy, for the last 13 years, and they have two sons. They found out that their oldest son was diagnosed with Autism and for the past three years, Sammy he has been involved with the Special Olympics as a coach. He is a certified bowling coach for the Special Olympics however; he is a volunteer coach for other Special Olympics sports.
"I am excited to be able to be a part of this foundation. My Grandfather was a Marine who fought in World War II and my father is an Air Force Veteran. I never served in the military but wanted to show our veterans that I am thankful for their service even if it taking their photos while having a little fun.’
Sammy has been married to his wife Amy, for the last 13 years, and they have two sons. They found out that their oldest son was diagnosed with Autism and for the past three years, Sammy he has been involved with the Special Olympics as a coach. He is a certified bowling coach for the Special Olympics however; he is a volunteer coach for other Special Olympics sports.
"I am excited to be able to be a part of this foundation. My Grandfather was a Marine who fought in World War II and my father is an Air Force Veteran. I never served in the military but wanted to show our veterans that I am thankful for their service even if it taking their photos while having a little fun.’
John L. Fisher
Board of Directors

UPS Airlines-Retired (Management), Lives on Bald Head Island, NC
Currently Serve as:
Mayor Pro Tempore-Bald Head Island
Founding Member Bald Head Island Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Member -Cape Fear Region Boy Scouts of America
Executive Board Member -Bald Head Island Conservancy
Old Baldy Foundation
Public Safety Volunteer-Fire-Rescue-Bald Head Island
Transportation Committee-Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island Strategic Planning Member
Currently Serve as:
Mayor Pro Tempore-Bald Head Island
Founding Member Bald Head Island Chamber of Commerce
Executive Board Member -Cape Fear Region Boy Scouts of America
Executive Board Member -Bald Head Island Conservancy
Old Baldy Foundation
Public Safety Volunteer-Fire-Rescue-Bald Head Island
Transportation Committee-Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island Strategic Planning Member
Cecil Kennedy
Board of Directors

My name is Cecil Kennedy, I am married and have three children and two grandchildren. I am 47 years old and work as an engineer for a semi-trailer manufacturing company. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1984 to 1988 in the aviation field working on F-14A Tomcats stationed in VF-31. I have a total of 1-1/2 years of sea service and my last deployment was in the Gulf of Oman just outside the Persian Gulf in 1988. I earned the good conduct award as well as the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for extended service in a hostile situation. I am currently pursuing a business degree and will be complete with school in April 2014. In my spare time I enjoy shooting sports with all types of firearms. My next challenge will be skydiving.
Kent Sherwood, MSPT
Board of Directors
Bill Cook
Board of Directors

Bill Cook along with his wife of 25 yrs. reside in Riverside Ca. Bill met and became fast friends with Dana over 20 years ago and has volunteered in many roles over that time helping with many of Dana’s events including Halo for Freedom. While never serving in the military himself. Bill was raised by and now cares for his 94 year old father a veteran of WWII and Korea who instilled in him a great respect for the military and especially those who serve.
Bill has worked for First American for over 30 years in many Sales and Management roles. Bill is also a Real Estate Investor
Currently Serves as:
President: Mission Villas Properties
President: Marriott Apartment Owners Association
Executive Board Member: Hale Kona Kai properties Hawaii
“"I am humbled to be small part of this foundation. To be able to witness the life changing events this group has brought to warrior’s life’s is an honor.”
U.S. Army - Chief Warrant Officer (3) Matt Chancey
Board of Directors

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matt Chancey is a native of Blue Ridge, GA. In 1994, he entered the Army at the age of 17 and in 2000, became a graduate and commissioned as an Infantry Officer from North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, GA. Matt served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Executive Officer with 1-12 Infantry out of Fort Carson, Colorado, during the invasion of Iraq in 2003-2004. In 2005, Matt was selected to serve as a Ranger Instructor and Company Commander at the 5th Ranger Training Battalion (Mountain Phase) in Dahlonega, GA. Upon the completion of that assignment, he resigned his commission to become a Warrant Officer pilot in Army Aviation, flying the OH-58D Kiowa Scout Helicopter where he was assigned to 6th Squadron 17th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Wainwright Alaska. During this assignment, Matt served as Pilot in Command, Air Mission Commander, and an Instructor Pilot both deployed and stateside. In 2013, he was assigned as an Instructor Pilot for 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne (Air Assualt) Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He is currently undergoing training in the AH-64 Apache Helicopter Aircraft Qualification Course in which he is slated to become an Instructor Pilot and return to Fort Campbell, Kentucky
How You Can Help
Invest in the healing and recovery of our service men and women by getting involved in our organization as a sponsor, donor, or volunteer.
The time or money you donate will have a lasting positive effect on the lives of our disabled veterans.
Help us lift their spirits and let them know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
The time or money you donate will have a lasting positive effect on the lives of our disabled veterans.
Help us lift their spirits and let them know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.