ABOUT SF FOUNDATION

George Kittle, an All-Pro tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, brings his exceptional leadership and passion to our Board of Directors. Drafted in 2017 after starring at the University of Iowa, he has earned six Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors (2019, 2023), and served as a multi-year team captain, exemplifying his ability to inspire and unite. Off the field, George is a dedicated philanthropist, recognized with the NFL Salute to Service Award for his support of veterans through the Special Forces Foundation and Operation Freedom Paws, as well as his work with Bay Area youth, youth football in Mexico, and the University of Iowa Stead Children’s Hospital. His teamwork, resilience, leadership, and commitment to community service—alongside his wife, Claire—make him a vital asset to our nonprofit’s mission.

Charlyn Plunk is an engineer, wife and mother of 3 children, and a passionate advocate for Veteran’s well-being and STEM education.   She has worked as an engineer for 30 years in various roles and companies and non-profit organizations and is passionate to help make her community a better place.

Charlyn graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.   She has worked as a Petroleum Engineer for Texaco E&P then Texas Instruments and Raytheon as an Environmental, Safety and Health professional.  She has served her community with over 20 non-profit organizations in various roles.

In her spare time, Charlyn owns CGP Ventura, LLC with oil and gas properties in West Texas.  She currently serves on the Texas Tech Engineering Dean’s Council and is a Distinguished Engineer at Texas Tech University.  Charlyn proudly serves on the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center Board of Directors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  She is also a member of the Texas Tech Industrial Engineering Academy and the Kaleidoscope Park Development Committee in Frisco, Texas.  She is proud to serve as the co-chair for the 2nd Annual Special Forces Foundation Gala and newest member of the Special Forces Foundation Board of Directors.

Kathryn (Katie) Matzke was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is an Intensive Care Unit nurse with over 5 years of experience in the medical field. She currently works at the University of Colorado Health in their critical care float pool, where she has been caring for a variety of intensive care patients.

Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and is continuing her education at University of South Carolina for her Master in Nursing focused in Psychiatric Health. Her organizational skills, medical background, and experience being a current active duty military spouse enables her to direct care appropriately to our Green Berets and their families as well as Gold Star Families.

Katie is a true professional eager to give back to the Special Forces community.

Lowell Koppert is a seasoned veteran who has served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. With a distinguished career in the United States Army Special Forces. After his time in Special Forces, Koppert joined the Department of Energy’s Special Response Team, where he continued to excel and earned the prestigious DoE Leadership Excellence Award. 

Koppert’s dedication to the veteran community is further reflected in his membership, including being a three-time All America Commander and lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has also served as a Vice Commander and lifetime member of the American Legion, as well as a lifetime member of the Special Forces Association and the Disabled American Veterans Organization.

Priscilla Hall is a retired Director of Finance with 25 years of experience in the financial industry. A dedicated mother, grandmother, and passionate advocate, she devotes her time to supporting veterans’ well-being and individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and multiple sclerosis.

Priscilla’s advocacy is deeply personal—having sustained a traumatic brain injury herself, she understands the challenges that come with recovery. This drives her passion to help veterans find the resources they need, as approximately 67% of military veterans in the U.S. have experienced at least one TBI.

In her community, Priscilla is an active volunteer and currently serves as the Chair of the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center. She is also the Co-Chair of the Second Annual Special Forces Foundation Gala and the newest member of the Special Forces Foundation Board of Directors. Her commitment to service and advocacy continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many.

Deny Caballero is a retired Green Beret with over a decade of experience leading highly effective and performance-driven teams on and off the battlefield. Since retiring Deny has focused his efforts on advocating for veteran mental health awareness and support. Drawing from his own lived experience and struggles, Deny has learned the importance of utilizing all available tools and resources to help veterans. Through his work with Security Halt Media, Deny champions various SOF specific health issues on his various podcasts and episodes hoping to help bring awareness to the most pressing issues that are affecting our SOF professionals.

Founder & Principal | Parabellum Law Group

Alexandra Garza is an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, and real estate strategist with over a decade of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, high-net-worth investors, and mission-driven organizations. As the Founder and Principal of Parabellum Law Group, she leads clients through complex legal, regulatory, and government affairs across the Western United States. Her expertise spans real estate syndications and development, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, energy, and hospitality.

Alexandra specializes in high-stakes real estate transactions and legislative compliance, with deep experience in public policy, agency rulemaking, and stakeholder advocacy. She has successfully guided clients through major deals featured in the Denver Business Journal, PR Newswire, and other major media outlets — including the landmark $623 million Hospital project in Denver and $80 million Portfolio Self Storage Acquisition in Texas. Known for her strategic thinking and uncompromising standards, Alexandra is a trusted advisor to clients navigating the most sophisticated deals in the industry.

Henry is a retired Green Beret who served 13 years in 3rd SFG (A). During his 20 years of military service, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to the mission and men. After years of intense operational tempo and combat exposure, Henry faced personal challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and behavioral health. Recognizing the importance of mental health and personal resilience, he sought professional help; a decision that marked a turning point in his life and strengthened his commitment to growth, healing, and leadership beyond the battlefield. After retirement Henry still wanted to contribute to the regiment and for the last 8 years has been working at the Special Operations Mission Training Center on Fort Bragg NC. for United States Army Special Operations Command. Henry is now an advocate for mental health and resilience. He speaks openly about his own struggles to break the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues in the military community. Henry enjoys helping others find strength through adversity and purpose beyond uniformed service.

Sam Winslow is a recently retired Green Beret who served 26 years on active duty, 16 of those years with the 10th Special Forces Group. Sam has deployed across the globe, in support of both peacetime and combat operations. An avid golfer and skier, Sam maintains a connection to his SOF roots by instructing shooting fundamentals to those seeking training.

Through the Special Forces Foundation, Sam has the privilege of continuing to tell the stories of those “quiet professionals” he served with. Like others in the Foundation, Sam recognized the need for providing access to a wide range of premium medical support at a moment’s notice to his fellow Green Berets, without being mired in bureaucracy. It’s that type of exceptional dedication to those in need that Sam cherished most about his time as Green Beret, and will endeavor to extend that same dedication to those who have been or feel separated from their Special Forces community.

“De Oppresso Liber”

As the Development Manager for the Special Forces Foundation, Creed brings 23 years of distinguished military service to his role, including 18 years in U.S. Army Special Forces. Having served in multiple deployments and key leadership positions, he possesses firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by Special Forces soldiers, veterans, and their families. Creed now channels that experience into advancing the Foundation’s mission, building relationships, and securing vital resources that directly support those who have served. His integrity, commitment, and deep understanding of the community make him an invaluable leader in driving meaningful impact for the Foundation.

Michael Carter (“Carter”) is Senior Vice President and President of the Cranial & Spinal Technologies (CST) Operating Unit at Medtronic, the global leader in spine and cranial surgery. In this role, he is responsible for setting and executing CST’s global strategy, driving portfolio and technology innovation, strengthening customer partnerships, and optimizing value streams to deliver sustainable growth.

Carter brings more than 20 years of experience in the medical technology industry, with leadership roles spanning spine, cranial, orthopedics, and pain management. Since joining Medtronic, he has led the Spine & Biologics business to record growth and market share gains, while helping shape CST’s long-term strategy and advancing AiBLE™, a smart ecosystem of technology, data, and services that is redefining surgical care in spine and cranial procedures.

Before joining Medtronic, Carter served as CEO of Enexor Health Systems, a startup launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the global ventilator shortage. He previously held global leadership roles at Nevro, a leader in chronic pain management, and spent over a decade at Stryker, where he led multiple business units including Spine, Joint Replacement, and Craniomaxillofacial and played a key role in the integration and commercialization of the Mako robotic-assisted surgery platform.

Carter is committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams and improving access to care. He actively supports the National Brain Tumor Society and is passionate about advancing cranial and spinal surgery, working closely with surgeons to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in American Legal Systems and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served five years as a U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer with multiple overseas deployments. Carter lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Rosemarie, and their three daughters.

Jennipher Haines joined the team in 2026, though her connection to the mission began long before. Inspired by the founder’s passion for helping others, she has long been familiar with and supportive of the Foundation’s work within the Special Forces community.

A devoted mother of three and the wife of retired Green Beret SFC Timothy Haines, Jennipher brings both personal understanding and heartfelt dedication to the organization. With years of experience in fundraising, event planning, and her career as a cosmetologist, she is known for her creativity, attention to detail, and genuine care for others. Jennipher is passionate about making every person she encounters feel valued while helping advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting Special Forces families.

Doug Kiesewetter brings decades of leadership, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to the Special Forces community in his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Special Forces Foundation.

A seasoned professional with 21 years of service as a Green Beret in the 20th Special Forces Group, Doug has dedicated his career to supporting mission readiness, resilience, and the long-term success of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families. His experience spans operational planning, team leadership, and program development, giving him a deep understanding of the unique demands placed on National Guard Special Forces soldiers who balance elite military service with civilian life.

Beyond his military career, Doug is a passionate advocate for functional health and performance, emphasizing sustainable fitness, recovery, and overall well-being as critical components of operational effectiveness. He has also played a key role in building a strong and supportive community for SOF operators and aspiring candidates through his work with SOFLETE, where he has helped mentor and guide individuals preparing for and serving within the Special Operations community.

Doug is widely respected for his ability to build meaningful relationships, solve complex challenges, and advocate for service members both on and off the battlefield. In his new role, he will lead efforts to enhance support services, expand outreach, and ensure that soldiers and their families have access to critical resources when they need them most.

His leadership, authenticity, and deep connection to the SOF community will play a vital role in strengthening the Foundation’s impact and continuing its mission to serve those who serve.

Todd Berrios is a retired Green Beret with 30 years of service in the United States Army and Marine Corps, including 16 years in 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). During his military career, he demonstrated leadership and resilience in combat, but his life was forever changed when he was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan. 

Drawing from his own recovery, Todd developed a strong commitment to supporting the overall well-being of Green Berets and their families. He believes true healing goes beyond just the physical, requiring attention to the mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of life.

Now serving as the 7th Special Forces Group Program Manager for the Special Forces Foundation, Todd connects individuals with essential resources, enhances peer support, and fosters a strong community within the Regiment. He is currently working on a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and stays grounded in his faith and commitment to service, making sure no Green Beret faces hardship alone.

Brooks is a retired Green Beret with 14 years of service across 5th Special Forces Group and 20th Special Forces Group, including 10 years with 5th SFG(A). During his career, he spent five years assigned to the CIF/CRF, served on numerous deployments throughout the Middle East and CENTCOM area of responsibility, and later continued to support the mission as an OGA contractor.

Through years of sustained operational tempo, combat deployments, and transition from service, Brooks has developed a deep understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional toll carried by Special Forces Soldiers, veterans, and their families. As a medically retired veteran who has faced his own battles with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, he is passionate about helping others navigate recovery, resilience, and life after service. His personal experience utilizing multiple therapeutic and medicinal modalities has strengthened his commitment to connecting the Special Forces community with meaningful support, trusted resources, and pathways toward healing.

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships for the Special Forces Foundation and with nearly 20 years associated with the Special Forces Community, she leads fundraising, corporate partnerships, and strategic initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting Green Berets and their families. Drawing on her experience in business development, wellness, and community engagement, Danielle is passionate about building meaningful relationships that create lasting impact for the Special Forces community.

Pete Taylor has more than 24 years of military service, beginning his career in the United States Marine Corps as a Scout Sniper before continuing his service in Army Special Forces. He currently serves as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D) and Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Throughout his career, Pete has served in operational, medical, leadership, and training roles in the United States and overseas. He has also focused extensively on Soldier advocacy, helping service members navigate medical care, readiness requirements, and other complex challenges.

Outside of uniform, Pete works as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the University of Alabama.

Pete and his wife have built their lives around family, service, and the military community. Together, they are raising seven children. As Regional East Program Manager for the Special Forces Foundation, Pete is committed to taking care of the Regiment and its families, advocating for those who need a voice, connecting them with resources, and ensuring that members of the Special Forces family know they do not have to face difficult challenges alone.