CPT Connor J. Bednarzyk, USA, Memorial Fund
Five Foundation Ambassadors
Harrison Lewis
Ambassador
Harrison L. Lewis is a native of DeRidder, Louisiana. He received his commission from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Throughout his service, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He served as a Ranger Platoon Leader with 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and as the Battalion Human Resources Officer for 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Abn). Harrison is currently attending the University of Puget Sound Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Tacoma, WA. Harrison intends to return to service as a Licensed Physical Therapist, within the civilian Department of the Army, where he seeks to treat and provide care to members of the Special Operations community. His goal as a Doctor of Physical Therapy is to open a private practice focused on sports/orthopedic medicine, strength/conditioning, and rehabilitative care for special operations and professional athletes.
Martin Enrico Reyna
Ambassador
Martin Enrico Reyna SFC/CDT served 13 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University. Martin “Rico” is currently attending The Georgia Institute of Technology pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Management of Technology. Rico left the Ranger Regiment under the Green to Gold Active-Duty Option to obtain an MBA with the goal of becoming an Aviation Officer. The 5 Foundation and the Bednarzyk’s have become family to Rico and have supported him wholeheartedly throughout his transition from the 75th Ranger Regiment, as well as throughout his college experience. He is humbled and honored to serve as an ambassador of the 5 Foundation. It is Rico’s goal to give back to the Foundation by helping other Rangers navigate their transition to college and beyond.
Nicholas Leshowitz
Ambassador
Nick grew up in Mckinney, Texas before deciding to enlist in the Army after High School. He went on to serve as a Fire Team Leader in the 75th Ranger regiment, where he was assigned to 3rd Ranger Battalion serving alongside Captain Connor Bednarzyk, in First Platoon Charlie Company. After nearly five years of service, and multiple combat deployments, Nicholas decided to transition out of the service in order to pursue higher education. He currently attends Columbia University in New York City, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs.
Matthew Stark
Ambassador
Matthew Stark formerly served in C Co. 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from 2015 -19. Upon his transition out of the military, Matthew was recognized as one of twelve Veteran Scholars to gain acceptance into the first ever Veteran’s Initiative at The University of Chicago through the Posse Foundation. At the University, Matthew has devoted his studies to a major in Business Economics with an interest in business operations and behavioral economics. Outside of his academic pursuits, Matthew continues to serve his fellow Rangers, volunteering as an academic mentor for over 40 transitioning veterans. Similarly, Matthew seeks to bridge the civil military divide by leading cohorts of high school aged adults in fundraising for the treatment of PTS for post 9/11 veterans. Although Matthew finds his academic pursuits stimulating, he believes his volunteer work is the most valuable of his current endeavors. Matthew is especially connected to the 5 Foundation because he served under CPT. Bednarzyk and often asked for his advice on his future academic plans. As a continuation of CPT. Bednarzyk’s service to his soldiers, we are delighted to accept Matthew as a recipient of the CPT Connor J. Bednarzyk Education Grant. Matthew looks forward to sharing the lessons of leadership and selfless dedication instilled in him by CPT Bednarzyk as he finished up his final year in academia and takes aim at the workforce.
Jonathan Troop
Ambassador
Jonathan Troop served the entirety of his military career as an infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment’s 2nd Battalion, located at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, WA. During his time on active duty, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness from Purdue University Global, ultimately “graduating” during his final combat deployment in 2022. Throughout his time in the Ranger Regiment, Jonathan served in a number of leadership roles, culminating with the opportunity to serve as a squad leader and lead an element of eight other Rangers. Jonathan has recently committed to attend Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management to pursue an MBA beginning in the fall of 2023. After being introduced to the Bednarzyk family through fellow ambassador Harrison Lewis, the 5 Foundation and Connor’s Parents have become like family to Jonathan. He is extremely honored to serve as an ambassador for the Foundation and continues to look for opportunities to give back to his community of veterans, service members, and peers alike.
George Hogg
Ambassador
George Hogg is a graduate of Virginia Tech and commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2010. Throughout his formative years as an Infantry Officer, he became interested in pursuing a career focused on future technology. In 2016 he was accepted into the Army’s Space Operations Officer program. George has served as the 75th Ranger Regiment’s first Army Space Operations Officer and has continued to serve and deploy as a member of multiple special operations units since. He is currently attending the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and will graduate with an M.S. in Space Systems Engineering in 2024. George has remained on active duty throughout his education and plans to continue serving his country after graduation. It is his goal to continue to lead the way in the development and integration of space and special operations and give back to the Foundation and the 75th Ranger Regiment by mentoring other Rangers to pursue challenging and rewarding STEM careers both in and out of uniform.
Andrew Heiny
Ambassador
Graduating from the US Military Academy in 2014, Andrew was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. In 2016, Andrew completed Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2, where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. As a Ranger, he deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In 2019, Andrew attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection and ultimately earned his Green Beret, serving in the 10th Special Forces Group. Currently, Andrew is pursuing his MBA at Dartmouth Tuck School of Business with his wife, Kayla. Following graduation, Andrew plans to return to Colorado.
Collin Hanson
Ambassador
Collin Hanson's military journey began when he enlisted in the Army his senior year of high school in 2015. Throughout his military career, he dedicated himself to serving in C Co. 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment until transitioning to higher education in 2022. Inspired by the academic achievements of his fellow Rangers at top-tier universities, Collin's interest in academia grew, leading to his participation in Harvard University's Warrior Scholar Project in 2020. Following his separation from the Army, Collin pursued his education at the University of Chicago, where he is currently studying Business and Economics. With a vision for the future, he aspires to earn his MBA. Collin is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans in academia and extending a helping hand to service members transitioning from active duty. His dedication to both education and support of the veteran community reflects his passion for making a positive impact.
Bernard Witschen
Ambassador
Bernard Witschen grew up in Tampa, FL and graduated from West Point before commissioning as an Infantry Officer. He is currently pursuing his MBA at the Wharton School at UPenn and looking to pursue a career in finance post-graduation. While in the Army, Bernard served in the 10th Mountain DIV, 75th Ranger Regiment, 173rd IN Brigade, and 3rd US IN Regiment, with two tours in Afghanistan. Bernard enjoys mountain climbing, hiking, playing the piano, and lives in Philadelphia, PA with his fiance, Megan Corrigan.
Sam Sutera
Ambassador
Sam Sutera was born and raised on the North Shore of Boston, MA. He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and studied economics where he played rugby before transferring to West Point. While enrolled at USMA, Sam played rugby and studied Defense & Strategic Studies on an irregular warfare track as well as Environmental Engineering. Sam commissioned into the infantry and served in the 10th Mountain Division before assessing for service in 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Sam has served as an Operations Officer, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Chief of Operations, and Administration Officer. Upon the end of his service in the Ranger Regiment, Sam will be attending The Wharton School at UPenn to receive his MBA.
Jake Link
Ambassador
​James(Jake) Link MAJ/IPAP Student served for over 5 years in 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Jake’s military service began in 2014 graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy prior to commissioning as an Infantry 2LT. Jake’s first assignment was in 4th ID with then 2LT Connor Bednarzyk in 1-41 IN where they deployed to Kosovo. Following this assignment, Jake served with Connor as a Platoon Leader in 3rd Battalion followed by Company Executive Officer. During this time Jake married Connor’s fellow Penn State ROTC Alumni the former AshLeigh Uhler an Ordnance Officer. Following 3rd Battalion service with Connor, Jake Commanded Attack Company, 1-503D PIR, 173rd ABN and returned to 3rd Battalion in 2021. Following Command of Alpha Company, 3rd BN, 75th RR, Jake was accepted to the Interservice Physician’s Assistant Program (IPAP). He has transitioned to student status and plans on continued service in the Army after the conclusion of this program as a Physician’s Assistant. The 5 Foundation and the Bednarzyks are instrumental in Jake’s success in IPAP as he balances a wife and two young children with a rigorous academic environment. He is excited to work with the 5 Foundation to raise awareness of academic opportunities for Soldiers, Rangers and Junior Officers to retain talent in the Army or successfully transition them to civilian careers.
Travis Hines
Ambassador
Travis joined the Army in 2007, serving ten years in the Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment. He completed six deployments across Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting over 250 special operations missions against multiple terrorist organizations. While serving as a Ranger, he learned the value of grit, the importance of character, and the prominence of preserving innocent lives during complex and multifaceted battlefields. While serving as the Commander of the Army's Experimental Force, Travis found his new purpose in life. He strives to connect hard lessons from the global war on terrorism to artificial intelligence - developing the next generation of defense technology expertise. This vital combination can reduce the inevitable human loss during armed conflict, enhance decision-making processes during the fog of war, and diminish the adverse post-traumatic health problems from the warfighters on the ground. Currently, Travis is pursuing his doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University. After completion, he wishes to continue developing expertise in emerging technologies to increase combat lethality while reducing collateral damage during war. Travis is an avid fitness enthusiast and married the love of his life, Maria. They have two children together, and he never misses nightly reading with his daughter.
Brett Johnson
Ambassador
Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Brett Johnson enlisted in the Army on Sept. 29, 1998, from Houston, Texas. After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Basic Airborne Course, and the Regimental Assessment and Selection Program 1 at Fort Benning (Ft. Moore), he was assigned to **1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. CSM Johnson has held every enlisted leadership position from Team Leader to Command Sergeant Major, with assignments including 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Regimental Special Troops Battalion, Joint Special Operations Command (J7 Senior Enlisted Advisor), 3rd Ranger Battalion CSM, 75th Ranger Regiment Intelligence Battalion CSM, Garrison CSM Fort Moore, CSM of the 75th Ranger Regiment, and currently the 10th MTN Division CSM. He has completed all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, including the Sergeants Major Academy, Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy, and Nominative Leaders Course, along with specialized training such as the Ranger Course, Jumpmaster Course, Military Free Fall, and SERE (Level C). CSM Johnson has deployed 19 times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. His awards include the Legion of Merit (2OLC), seven Bronze Star Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, multiple commendations with valor, and numerous other achievements, including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge. He is also a member of the Order of Saint Maurice, St. Michael, and Knowlton Awards. CSM Johnson is married to Candice Godwin of Savannah, Georgia, and they have two sons, Kevin and Tyler.
Bob Matzelle
Ambassador
Bob Matzelle grew up in New York and earned his commission as an army officer from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh in 2014. While on active duty, Bob served as a Company Fire Support Officer (FSO) in 4th Brigade 25th ID (ABN) in Alaska before being selected to serve as a Company FSO in Charlie Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion where he worked alongside Connor Bednarzyk. After leaving active duty, Bob began a career in law enforcement and transferred to the National Guard. Currently, he is enrolled in the National Security Intelligence Analysis (NSIA) graduate program at the University of New Hampshire and has been blessed to be a recipient of an academic scholarship from the 5 Foundation. He is grateful to have been a friend of Connor Bednarzyk and is honored to represent the foundation that bears his name.
Joshua Jackmon
Ambassador
Joshua Jackmon was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the proud son of Alma and Ernest Jackmon. Upon graduation from Hillsborough Community College in 2020, where he attended on a full athletic scholarship, Joshua enlisted in the United States Army in November of 2020. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in March 2022 as a 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist. In September 2022, Joshua graduated from Airborne School. He completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) in December 2022 and earned his Ranger tab after graduating Ranger School on March 8, 2024. Joshua is currently completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Grand Canyon University and will graduate in October 2025. Upon graduation, Joshua will attend the Army’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, where he will earn his Master’s Degree in Social Work and commission as an Army Officer. He is committed to continuing his growth as a leader in service and in support of the mental and emotional well-being of others. Joshua currently serves at Fort Benning, Georgia, with the Ranger Communications Company under the Regimental Special Troops Battalion (RSTB). He lives in Georgia with his wife Afi and their son Jahziel.
Christopher Velez
Ambassador
1SG Christopher Velez, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 2008. He completed Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and AIT at Fort Lee, Virginia, as a 92F Petroleum Specialist. From 2014–2023, he completed Ranger Assessment and Selection Programs (RASP 1 & 2), holding leadership roles from Team Leader to First Sergeant.
He currently serves as the Echo Company First Sergeant for 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. His previous roles include Regimental S4 NCOIC, Regimental Senior Petroleum Advisor, Distribution & Headquarters Platoon Sergeant (3rd Battalion), and Petroleum Section Chief (1st Battalion). 1SG Velez has supported real-world and no-notice operations across multiple theaters, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, in roles such as Joint Logistics Operations Cell NCOIC and J4 Senior Enlisted Advisor. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (2012–2021). His military education includes the MLC, SLC, ALC, WLC, Ranger Course, Jumpmaster, Battle Staff, SHARP, EO Leader, Capabilities Development, and Master Resilience Trainer courses. He holds an AA in General Studies (Central Texas College) and a BS in Organizational Leadership (University of Charleston, WV). His awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple Commendation and Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. He plans to pursue a Master’s in Supply Chain Management at UCWV with support from the 5 Foundation Scholarship.
Jesse Stroud
Ambassador
Jesse Stroud proudly served 12 years in the U.S. Army, including time in the elite 3/75th & 75th Ranger Regiment, where he developed leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service. After sustaining service-related injuries, he has now transitioned from active duty as a Sergeant First Class (E7) into the next chapter of his life. Jesse is pursuing his full time MBA at TCU’s Neeley School of Business, with the goal of building a meaningful career in business while continuing to serve his community. He and his wife, Ashley, are raising three children, and he is especially grateful for the support of The Five Foundation, which is helping make his educational journey and family transition possible.
Cristobal Cruz
Ambassador
Master Sergeant (MSG) Cristobal Cruz enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 26, 2007, from Boston, Massachusetts. Following completion of Infantry One Station Unit Training, the Basic Airborne Course, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program, he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Over his 17-year career, he has served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles, including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Technical Exploitation Sergeant, Assistant Operations Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant. He later served as the 75th Ranger Regiment Liaison Officer to the Joint Special Operations Command (J3) and currently serves within Regimental Headquarters (RHQ) as the Training Developer and Liaison Officer to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS). He has deployed 12 times in support of the Global War on Terrorism, contributing extensively to operations requiring precision leadership, planning, and mission execution. His military education includes Infantry OSUT, Airborne School, Ranger Indoctrination Course, Ranger School, Basic Leader Course, Mountain Warfare School, Jumpmaster Course, Advanced Leader Course, Senior Leader Course, and Master Leader Course. Among his awards and decorations are the Silver Star, two Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Master Infantryman Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at North Carolina State University, with concentrations in Business Analytics and Finance. This academic pursuit represents both a personal challenge and a commitment to professional growth, as he seeks to set an example of resilience for his children and prepare for a career in financial consulting, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence systems to drive data-informed strategy.
MSG Cruz resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is the proud father of two children, Eli and Gabriella.
Sean Kratchman
Ambassador
CPT Sean Kratchman is serving as the Regimental Occupational Therapist (OT) for the 75th Ranger Regiment at RHQ in Fort Benning, GA. Sean is a Kansas native who attended Georgetown College in Kentucky where he played football for four years. He then earned his Master's in Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. Upon graduating, he earned a direct commission as a 1LT in the Army Medical Department (AMEDD). He served as a staff OT at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center hospital in Fort Cavazos (Hood), TX. From there he was assigned to 1st Medical Brigade on Fort Cavazos within the 85th Combat Operational Stress Control (COSC) Detachment where he was an OT and Platoon Leader, later becoming the Commander of the Detachment. He then PCSed to Fort Bragg, NC to serve as the Mental Readiness Director for 1BCT, 82nd ABN DIV's Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F) team. He attended and passed RASP 2 and now serves in the Ranger Regiment as the 2nd Army OT to ever successfully pass Ranger School and be assigned to the Regiment. Sean's primary role in the Regiment is the OIC of the Brain Protection Task Force where he is responsible for how the Regiment mitigates, tracks, assesses, and treats TBI and Blast Overpressure (BOP). Sean will be applying to medical schools in 2027 and if selected, leave the military at 8 years of Active Duty service. He is taking 27 credit hours of science prerequisite courses online while working full-time and balancing a wife, 3 boys, and 2 dogs at home. His military awards and schools are: Ranger School, Honor Graduate Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB), Airborne School, Honor Graduate German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (GAFPB), Meritorious Service Medal, 3 x Army Commendation Medals, and 3 x Army Achievement Medals.
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