Ryan Manion is the CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans and Gold Star families, and to inspiring future generations. Following the death of her brother, Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, in Iraq, she devoted her life to honoring the fallen, fostering resilience, and advocating for the military community.

John Lechner is a journalist, independent researcher, and consultant specializing in Africa. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and the BBC, among others. His latest book, DEATH IS OUR BUSINESS, is the definitive account of the Wagner Group—the mercenary force that changed modern warfare, from Ukraine to Syria to Africa.

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller.

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller.

Ric Prado is a paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations specialist with a 24-year career in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with multiple tours in Afghanistan.

Mike Howard is a former CIA clandestine services operative with over two decades of experience in counterterrorism, operating extensively in Asia and Africa.

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser (Ret.) is a decorated Navy SEAL Sniper and Silver Star recipient for his actions during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu - Black Hawk Down. He is the author of Frogman Stories and currently serves as the as CEO of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.