Chris Lieffers, CEO & founder
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Sgt. Christopher Lieffers Founder. Successor to Robert as CEO and Founder
Which is fitting as this organization was conceived one day while Robert and Chris worked together.
Ten year veteran of the Army. Fours years active duty and six with the National Guard included a deployment to Iraq with the 1436th Engineer Company. Husband and father of two. Avid boater,surfer, and waterskier, and lover of the fresh coast.
Which is fitting as this organization was conceived one day while Robert and Chris worked together.
Ten year veteran of the Army. Fours years active duty and six with the National Guard included a deployment to Iraq with the 1436th Engineer Company. Husband and father of two. Avid boater,surfer, and waterskier, and lover of the fresh coast.
Robert Bowyer, founder
SGT Robert David Bowyer, our first CEO and Founder
Married 23 years to Dana and has two beautiful children, Kayla and Logan.
Served with the US ARMY, 2002-2017
173RD Airborne Brigade, 2 tours to Afghanistan OEF VI, VIII
MOS's 92R Parachute Rigger and 11B Infantryman, Airborne, CIB.
Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College.
Bachelor's Degree from Grand Valley State University in History with a focus on American Military History
Married 23 years to Dana and has two beautiful children, Kayla and Logan.
Served with the US ARMY, 2002-2017
173RD Airborne Brigade, 2 tours to Afghanistan OEF VI, VIII
MOS's 92R Parachute Rigger and 11B Infantryman, Airborne, CIB.
Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College.
Bachelor's Degree from Grand Valley State University in History with a focus on American Military History
John McClurg, XO-Founder
CAPT John P. McClurg, Executive Officer
John has three living children, Janel Elaine, Sean Patrick, and Kristan Ashley. His youngest son, Brian Allen, was killed on his 16th birthday and is buried on the family farm in KY.
Served on PBRs in Vietnam and then spent 25 years with US Navy. For more information about John's service go to http://navylog.navymemorial.org/mcclurg-john
Attended college at Knox College in Galesburg, IL, , University of RI in Providence, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and University of KY, Lexington, where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science Nutrition. He also attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and the National Defense University. John also served a an instructor at Officer Indoctrination School at Newport, RI and also an instructor at Naval Reserve Officer School, Honolulu, HI.
John has three living children, Janel Elaine, Sean Patrick, and Kristan Ashley. His youngest son, Brian Allen, was killed on his 16th birthday and is buried on the family farm in KY.
Served on PBRs in Vietnam and then spent 25 years with US Navy. For more information about John's service go to http://navylog.navymemorial.org/mcclurg-john
Attended college at Knox College in Galesburg, IL, , University of RI in Providence, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and University of KY, Lexington, where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science Nutrition. He also attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and the National Defense University. John also served a an instructor at Officer Indoctrination School at Newport, RI and also an instructor at Naval Reserve Officer School, Honolulu, HI.
Andy Kroll, first mate
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Andy Kroll, First Mate and little brother. He is a graduate of Muskegon Community College and also has his Bachelor's Degree from Grand Valley State University in Journalism. He is one of the most caring kind hearted friends one could ask for.
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Sonja Parker-white, founder
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As a founding member of Operation Black Sheep, I have been very humbled and honored to have been able to serve veterans. Veterans are extremely special to me, not only because of the extent of the sacrifices they and their families have made, but also because of their motives behind what they have sacrificed. Most veterans served their country not because of something they had been promised, but because they believe in something bigger than themselves. I feel it is such an honor to be able to serve on the board of Operation Black Sheep because it gives me the opportunity to give back to those that gave so much for me and my family. Freedom does not come free, many have sacrificed for it and I want to be able to celebrate them and show my support in any way I can. My father was in the Air Force and my stepfather was in the Navy for over 20 years and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. I’m proud of our family’s history in the armed forces and thankful that I am able to give back to veterans.
IN MEMORY OF DANIEL ISAAC THOMAS "DAN"
3-28-1973 - 2-29-2020
3-28-1973 - 2-29-2020
DAN THOMAS WAS WITH US FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. HE HAD A SMILE THAT JUST MADE YOUR DAY BETTER, NO MATTER WHAT YOU WERE GOING THROUGH. DAN ALWAYS HELPED THOSE AROUND HIM WITH AN OPEN HEART. HE WAS A HUGE PART OF OPERATION BLACKSHEEP. HE WILL FOREVER BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN
Dan served his country with great pride. He originally enlisted in the US Navy in 1990. He later served in the Michigan National Guard and achieved the rank of SFC (Sergeant First Class). He then set his sights on becoming a Warrant Officer, and within no time at all he was proudly known as Chief CW2 Thomas.
Dan served his country with great pride. He originally enlisted in the US Navy in 1990. He later served in the Michigan National Guard and achieved the rank of SFC (Sergeant First Class). He then set his sights on becoming a Warrant Officer, and within no time at all he was proudly known as Chief CW2 Thomas.
DANIEL NELSON, COO
Dan is our Chief Operations Officer.
Dan is a US Navy Veteran and a Retired Firefighter of thirty-one years. He has served our nation diligently and the city of Walker and Grand Rapids as a firefighter. Dan has worked with the racing community in his past years while being a firefighter out at Berlin Raceway. Dan retired in 2017 and decided to join Operation Black Sheep, first as a volunteer and in 2018 an active board member. He helped rebuild our Detroit Diesel motors for the PBR and continues to be driving force despite his current battle with cancer. He doesn't know the words "quit or give up" and we are thankful for his dedication to helping others.
Dan is a US Navy Veteran and a Retired Firefighter of thirty-one years. He has served our nation diligently and the city of Walker and Grand Rapids as a firefighter. Dan has worked with the racing community in his past years while being a firefighter out at Berlin Raceway. Dan retired in 2017 and decided to join Operation Black Sheep, first as a volunteer and in 2018 an active board member. He helped rebuild our Detroit Diesel motors for the PBR and continues to be driving force despite his current battle with cancer. He doesn't know the words "quit or give up" and we are thankful for his dedication to helping others.
In memory of Dan Weikel, Founder
6-29-1937-9-30-2024
Originally from Fort Wayne, IN. Arrived in Muskegon 43 years ago via Frankfort, IN, Boston, MA, and Chicago, IL
Education: BS Degree Purdue University, Master’s Degree American University, MBA studies at Harvard University
Work experience, Engineer: Wolverine World Wide, Rossignol Ski, Inc., Gibson Guitar, Teledyne Continental Motors, Alloy Technology, GeneralElectric Jet Engine Division
Military: 82nd Airborne Division, US Army… Have 1101 parachute jumps, military and sport
Local Organizations Affiliations:
Past BOD Member: Muskegon Big Brothers Big Sisters, Muskegon Civic Theater, USS Silversides Naval Museum, Past Chairman of the “International Association of Industrial Engineers.” Founder and 10 year director of the “USS LST 393 Veterans Museum” and 14 year BOD Member, BOD member “Operation Black Sheep”
Education: BS Degree Purdue University, Master’s Degree American University, MBA studies at Harvard University
Work experience, Engineer: Wolverine World Wide, Rossignol Ski, Inc., Gibson Guitar, Teledyne Continental Motors, Alloy Technology, GeneralElectric Jet Engine Division
Military: 82nd Airborne Division, US Army… Have 1101 parachute jumps, military and sport
Local Organizations Affiliations:
Past BOD Member: Muskegon Big Brothers Big Sisters, Muskegon Civic Theater, USS Silversides Naval Museum, Past Chairman of the “International Association of Industrial Engineers.” Founder and 10 year director of the “USS LST 393 Veterans Museum” and 14 year BOD Member, BOD member “Operation Black Sheep”
BRANDY Thomas
Brandy is US ARMY veteran who served in Iraq. Brandy also serves as our Treasure
Leslie kozal
Leslie is our fundraiser coordinator
IN MEMORY OF Andy Hasper
8-31-1971 - 10-16-2024
Andy, a US ARMY veteran, paratrooper and dedicated father. Hasper was always up for any adventure and challenge. He loved his daughter more than anything, Amelia will always be his greatest legacy however his impact on Operation Black Sheep and the community will always be a close second. He was extremely giving of his times and talents and will be forever missed.
