Unite for a Purpose
Meet Our Dedicated Board
Discover the passionate individuals leading our mission to support veterans and their families through camraderie and nature.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Our Leadership Team
Our board members are the backbone of English River Outfitters, each bringing unique skills and a shared commitment to empowering veterans. Meet the executive board and hunting coordinators who drive our mission forward.
Holly Phelps
Holly Phelps has been a dedicated advocate for veterans and their families for over two decades. A longtime military spouse, she founded the Tee It Up for Veterans Suicide Awareness Golf Outing in 2018, raising vital support for nonprofits serving veterans. As President of HERO, Holly is passionate about providing family members with the resources to support their veterans, organizing retreats, and can be found at nearly every HERO event. She is especially committed to connecting veterans across generations—from the Vietnam War to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond—while building community, strengthening relationships, and creating an environment where veterans of all ages can find healing and support in nature.
Inspiring Leadership
Rebecca (Beck) Wirfs
Vice President
Beck pours her heart into everything she does at HERO—showing up to nearly every event and making sure veterans and their loved ones feel seen, supported, and connected. Passionate about holistic healing and community, Beck loves creating meaningful experiences that help veterans not just heal, but thrive.
Rod Courtney
Executive Director
Rod is passionate about serving veterans and their families, putting his heart and soul into everything he does. Known for bringing people and organizations together, he helps HERO live out its mission of healing in nature. And if you ask around, some might even say he’s the “coolest” board member (sorry, Docker!).
Trisha Cornwell
Treasurer & Secretary
Trisha Cornwell brings over a decade of experience in accounting and financial leadership to her role as Treasurer and Secretary for HERO, supporting the organization’s mission of healing and connection through outdoor experiences. A proud member of a military family, Trisha is passionate about giving back to veterans through her work with HERO.
Mike Berry aka Docker
Board President Emeritus
Mike “Docker” Berry, HERO’s Board President Emeritus, has long championed the organization’s mission, using his passion for helping veterans and his involvement in the biking community to share HERO’s work far and wide. Known as the heart of HERO, Mike embodies the spirit of service and connection at the core of everything we do.
Our Hunting & Fishing Coordinators
Jim Payton
Director of the Fishing Club, Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
Jim is a long-standing HERO board member dedicated to building strong community connections. He plays a key role in leading our Family Days and is a familiar face at HERO and community events, proudly representing our mission.
Sam Blumer
Groundskeeper, Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
Sam is a long-standing HERO board member and the backbone of our organization. He cares for the hunting grounds and lodge, ensuring everything is ready for our veterans and guests. You’ll often see Sam at the lodge or during hunts, always working hard to keep HERO running strong.
Craig Hutchinson
Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
Craig brings extensive experience and strong leadership to HERO, helping guide the growth of the lodge and shaping it into a welcoming destination for hunters. His dedication creates meaningful experiences for veterans, and you’ll often find him on-site during guided hunts, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Joel Milefchik
Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
Joel brings a wealth of knowledge to HERO and plays a vital role in assisting with veteran hunts. He is dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience for every participant and is often on-site during guided hunts to support veterans in the field.
Rod Rodsburg
Hunting & Fishing Coordinator
Rod serves as a dedicated hunting and fishing coordinator at HERO, playing a key role in organizing hunts at the lodge and retreats for veterans. His passion for the outdoors and commitment to veterans make him an invaluable part of every HERO experience.
Debbie Courtney
Board Member
Debbie serves as a dedicated HERO board member, always ready to jump in and lend a hand. Whether supporting events or ensuring everyone feels welcome and cared for, she brings a spirit of service to all she does.
Ally Brown
Board Member