Lucas Lewis, Founder and President
The impetus behind the development of Project Gallantly Forward is the life experience of its founder and president, Lucas Lewis, who joined the army in October 2004. Lucas was stationed with the 10th Mountain division at Fort Drum, New York after completing Airborne school. During his military career, Lucas had two deployments to Iraq, serving first with 1/71 CAV as forward observer with the Charlie group quick reaction force and then with the 1/71 as the forward observer on the HHT sniper team. Lucas earned a Bronze Star with Valor for his participation in eliminating a terrorist cell in Baghdad.
Lucas left the military in good standing with a hardship discharge in 2008 to take over the care of his ailing father. Lucas and his wife, Christine, the co-founder of the organization, moved to the family farm while caring for Lucas’ father who died in 2012. The family farm would become the future site of Project Gallantly Forward. Lucas pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Health at UTC and graduated with his degree in 2021. He chose that educational path because he specifically wanted to better understand the concepts, best practices and intricacies of starting a non-profit that would provide veteran outreach. His desire to undertake this project is a result of his own lived experience of being a veteran dealing with serious issues stemming from PTSD.
“After I discharged from the military in 2008, I had to confront my own symptoms that were keeping me from moving forward. I sought help through various treatments and found that the one that focused on interaction with other veterans and my family helped the most. My desire with Project Gallantly Forward is to be able to offer those opportunities to other veterans and families so that they can find direction and meaning again.”
Contact: Lucas@projectgallantlyforward.org/
Dr. Mark Miller, US Army 2002-2007
Mark served with 1/23 Infantry, 6″ Cav, and 2nd Ranger Battalion out of Fort Lewis, WA. His last deployment led to injuries that no longer allowed him to serve in the same capacity. The injuries may have ended his time as a soldier, but it led to a continued mission of serving others. That deployment led Mark to work in ministry and to start training as a counselor to support other veterans. Mark his wife, Brittany, and their 4 kids serve individuals in their community through ministry, and Mark leads a counseling organization in Tennessee.
“I experienced many friends that ended their life while battling PTSD and depression. I also met veterans of previous wars that continued to battle PTSD through their life. For my battle with PTSD, a combination of spiritual, physical, and emotional health were keys to guide me toward recovery. My care from the VA and the Army had some benefits, but I received the greatest amount of healing from groups outside of the military. That is why I am excited about the work and mission of Project Gallantly Forward. This organization will lead to healing of veterans, and I’m passionate about this work.“
Seth Kizer, USMC 2003-2007
Seth was deployed to Fallujah Iraq August 04- March 05 with Cssb-1. While in the Marine Corps he filled various logistics roles in garrison with heavy equipment and supply. While deployed he was part of convoy operations in and around FOB Camp Fallujah. He was recruited out of the Marines to drive heavy equipment for Schlumberger in and out of Casper, WY. All this fell through with a lack of support system for veterans and no real help from support groups, so he went back to his home town in Michigan. While transitioning into civilian life with a pregnant wife and 1 year old daughter he struggled to find jobs because of the economy and politics in Michigan. He left to come to Tennessee at the end of 2007 and found a job as a contract security officer with TVA. He worked my way up to various positions over the years and now is an instructor.
“I am proud to be a part of this project because I have gone down the long hard road by myself. With a lack of knowledge of projects like this, I struggled at times in my life. Having a support system and a place to go and belong with others is vital to rebuilding and coping with life.
Carl Pendergrass, US Navy 1968-1972
“I just recently got my disability, and so many chemicals and other things I was exposed to that has caused my health conditions. I meet so many veterans that have little or no benefits because of the red tape you have to go through. I’m hoping I can be helpful to other veterans!!”
Lex Tyson
Lex’s experience includes management in Nightclubs, Marketing & Sales. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer; and 3 kids: Christopher, Madalyn and Blaklee.
“I wanted to be a part of this project to help give back to those who have served.“
Zach Latham
Zach Latham is a Tennessee native who’s interested in helping his community and those who have served. Personally, Zach lives in Soddy-Daisy, TN and enjoys the company of his wife, Ashley, and two girls: Ella and Livi. As a family, they enjoy boating, camping, and spending time together.
Professionally, Zach has spent the past 15+ years in the employee benefits/insurance space and joined his current employer, Pacific Life, at the beginning of 2023. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, with undergrad degrees in Finance and Entrepreneurship as well as a Master’s in Business Administration.
“I am passionate about helping Project Gallantly Forward, and want to help and serve those who served. While I have never served in the military, I have a passion for helping those who have – and look forward to making a difference for our country’s veterans through partnering with Project Gallantly Forward.”
Chris Welch
Chris has spent the majority of his career working with technology and has used his knowledge and experience to assist nonprofits in the Chattanooga area. He has lived in the Soddy Daisy area for more than 22 years. He and his wife Rachael have three children: Elijah 20, Zeke 16, and Emmie 16. They have fostered and cared for 14 other children over the years and are dedicated to helping to fill in gaps as needed. Since the birth of the twins and all of the ups/downs associated with their long NICU stay, the Welch’s have dedicated their whole family to serve others. Their family motto is “Service above Self.”
“While I have not served in any branch of the military, I have many family members and close friends that have. If we can help those folks, I’m down. I’ve seen how a seemingly small gesture can change the trajectory of someone’s life when they are in a valley.“