Our Team

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Co-Founder & Board of Directors

Blaine was born and raised in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, where he graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 2005. Shortly after graduating, Blaine embarked on what would become an 8-year tenure with the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, Blaine served as a United States Naval Aircrew Rescue Swimmer where he became alumni of the HSC-25 Island Nights Helicopter Squadron, located in Yigo, Guam. Blaine served on multiple deployments with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, as well as two deployments with the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment in Basrah, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After serving 8 years, Blaine separated in 2014 to pursue some educational goals. After serving 5 years as a police officer in California and finishing graduate school, he now resides in Tampa, FL. where he works as an estimator for a very reputable specialty contractor. His passion and love for his country and military veterans led him to launching the Wings of Gold nonprofit to help those in time of need.

Co-Founder & Board of Directors

Troy was born and raised in Houston, TX and graduated from Clear Brook High School in 2003. His family comes from many generations of service members including his father, brother, uncles, and many cousins from all branches. Shortly after graduating, Troy decided to grow his passion for helping others in the Navy, joining a tight knit community of AW’s (Aviation Rescue Swimmers) where he met Blaine in ARSS (Aviation Rescue Swimmer School ) in Pensacola, FL. Troy served ten years in the Navy deploying all over the world with HSC-25 (Guam) aboard the USS Essex conducting SAR, VERTREP, and humanitarian aid & disaster relief all while supporting the 31 MEU. He also deployed to the "Dust off" medevac unit (2515th NAAD) in Kuwait and Iraq during OIF/OND. During his deployment tenure he was credited with one overland SAR rescue and over 50 medevacs in Iraq/Kuwait supporting the Army, local, and allied forces. During his last years, he spent his time training new sailors at Aviation Rescue Swimmer School molding the future of Naval Aviation wet crewman for four years. Troy now works with Amazon continuing his passion for keeping people safe and helping others, just like the Rescue Swimmer motto, So Others May Live. He is also a supporter of Skeleton Crew Adventures (another Veteran non profit owned by a Rescue Swimmer), in which he will be participating in the Ocean Globe Race to raise money to aid vets with PTSD (learn more about OGR here https://oceangloberace.com/entrants/godspeed/).

Board Member

Will was born and raised in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and graduated from Jackson High School in 2007. A homebuilder by trade, he was motivated by a desire to serve his country following the events of 9/11. In 2009, he joined the Navy and earned the title of Navy Rescue Swimmer. He served at HSC-84 Red Wolves, one of the Navy’s two dedicated Naval Special Operations helicopter squadrons. In 2014, Will deployed to the Middle East as part of a crisis response element supporting Special Operations Command (SOCOM). 
True to the Rescue Swimmer Oath, “So Others May Live,” Will demonstrated exceptional bravery and dedication during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. As a civilian, he and his crew played a critical role in the evacuation efforts in Southeast Texas, rescuing hundreds of stranded Americans, never wavering from his call to serve.
Today, Will lives on his family farm in his quiet hometown, where he is raising his family and running a successful small business. He is passionately involved in several veteran-oriented nonprofits, including the VFW and the American Legion. Driven by his faith in God, love for family, and deep American patriotism, Will continues to serve and inspire his community with unwavering humility and leadership.