Even though we can’t honor a member of the military at an actual baseball game, for now, we’ll select an honoree to be recognized on Fridays across our social media platforms and below. When the season restarts with fans in the stands, we’ll resume honoring those in the actual Salute to Service Seat. Until then, read about those who have and are serving the country.
September 13 - Lieutenant Colonel Todd Puntney
Lieutenant Colonel Todd Puntney served in the US Marine Corp from 1994 to 2018 as a Communications Officer. In 2006 he deployed with Regimental Combat Team 6 to Ramadi, Iraq where he supported over 8,000 Marines at 27 locations throughout the Al Anbar Province. In 2017 he was the Current Operations Officer for Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th (say, “ fifty-one of the fifth) Marine Expeditionary Brigade in the Kingdom of Bahrain where he helped plan, direct, and synchronize land, air and sea forces of a 7,000 military personnel. Lt. Colonel Puntney’s many awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals. Todd is an Assistant Professor at the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth.
September 12 - Captain Tess Kornacki
Captain Tess Kornacki entered active duty in 2017 in the Army Dental Corps as a General Dentist. Tess has served at Camp Humphreys, South Korea as a clinic officer in charge and dentist, and supported the 618th Dental Company Field Unit operations and readiness mission caring for US soldiers throughout the theater. In 2019, Tess transitioned to Fort Leavenworth again serving as a clinic officer in charge, dentist and clinical operations officer for the Smith Dental Clinic. Her awards include two Army Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and others.
September 11 - Chief Warrant Officer 4 Aaron Gonzales
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Aaron Gonzales enlisted in the US Army in 2000 as a Field Artilleryman. He was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 2008 as a Field Artillery Targeting Technician. In this role, Gonzales advises the Commander and staff on the employment of target acquisition sensors, precision guided munitions and the targeting process. Gonzales has completed five combat tours: two to Iraq in 2003 and 2006, two to Afghanistan in 2012 and 2018 and he supported Operation Atlantic Resolve in in 2016, and has served with the 4th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, and the 210th and 214th Fires Brigades. His many awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Aaron is currently serving at Fort Leavenworth as a Targeting and Field Artillery Observer, Coach, Trainer for the Mission Command Training Program.
September 6 - Major Shayla Gedrose
Major Shayla Gedrose joined the US Army Reserve in 2009 as a Logistics officer. Major Gedrose has completed a deployment to Africa as part of Joint Task Force Horn of Africa supporting Logistics and Sustainment, Operational Contracting Support, and Civil Information Management operations. She is currently deployed with the 824th Quartermaster Detachment to the Middle East Area of Operations. She also recently completed a mobilization with the 300th Sustainment Brigade in Texas supporting the response to COVID-19. Shayla’s awards include the Joint Services Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, four awards of the Army Achievement Medal, three Army Reserve Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and many others.
September 5 - Captain David Teska
Captain David Teska served both as an officer in the Army Reserve and National Guard from 1984 to 1990 then transitioned to the US Coast Guard Reserve in 1990 and served until his retirement in 2015. David deployed in 1992 to support Operation Desert Storm where he enforced post-Gulf War United Nations economic sanctions on Iraq while attached to the US Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain. Captain Teska’s other duty assignments include Coast Guard Group Seattle, Coast Guard Caribbean Squadron, and deploying with the Coast Guard to the Gulf Coast in response to two hurricanes and Deepwater Horizon. He also served in Washington, DC on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. David’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation and Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and the Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation.
September 4 - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Megan Schlesky
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Megan Schlesky joined the US Army Reserve in 2002 in the enlisted ranks as an Administrative Assistant. In 2004, she deployed to Iraq with the 471st Postal Company where she processed incoming and outgoing mail. Chief Schlesky deployed again in 2009 with Third Corps’ Casualty Operations Cell where she processed reports for service members wounded or killed in Iraq to notify families. Megan’s currently assigned to the 209th Regional Support Group as the Human Resources Technician. Her awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and three Army Achievement Medals.
September 3 - Colonel Mike Griesbauer
Colonel Mike Griesbauer entered active duty in the US Army as an Artillery Officer in 1988 and transitioned to Army Logistics with the Army Reserve in 1994. Mike retired in November of 2018 after 30 years of service. His deployments include Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990 with the 3-320th Field Artillery, 101st Airborne Division where he was a Fire Detection Officer. In 2004, he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 917th Corps Support Battalion where he was the Supply Management Officer and the Corps Support Group Liaison Officer. Mike commanded the 329th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from 2009 to 2013. Colonel Griesbauer’s many awards include the two Meritorious Service Medals, six Army Commendation Medals, and three Army Achievement Medals.
September 2 - Major Brian Hickerson
Major Brian Hickerson began his military service in 1991 when he joined the US Navy. He served on the Guided Missile Frigate USS Antrim deploying to the Caribbean as a boarding team member and from 1992 to 1994 conducting counter-drug operations and supporting Operation Support Democracy interdicting war-supporting materiel from arriving in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Brian transitioned to the Army and was commissioned as an Officer where he deployed to Germany in 2002 and again deployed in 2005 to Iraq. In 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan, and his fourth deployment in 2016 he served in Iraq in support of construction and support to the strike cell taking back Mosul during Operation Inherent Resolve. The highly awarded major is serving as a coach and trainer for brigade and corps-level staff officers as part of the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth.
September 1 - Sergeant Jared Tanner
Sergeant Jared Tanner joined the US Army Reserve in 2008 in the Adjutant Generals Corp in Human Resources. In 2014 he was mobilized to Fort Bliss with the 7220th Medical Support Unit to medically clear and process soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Jared’s awards include four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Sergeant Tanner is currently serving with the 89th Sustainment Brigade of Kansas City, MO where he provides administrative support to over 1400 Soldiers within the command for military promotions, career advancements, and military pay actions.
August 31 - Colonel Paul Riley
Colonel Paul Riley, his wife, Bobbi, and their four daughters served in the United States Army for 30 years. The Riley’s have lived in 13 different homes, including two assignments in South Korea, four in Germany, the Republic of Georgia, and Lawrence, Kansas! Colonel Riley has led Soldiers in the Second and Fourth Infantry Divisions, speaks Russian, and has held foreign affairs positions throughout Europe and Eurasia. He also has deployed in support of operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan. Colonel Riley’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Army Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals and many others. In 2019, he retired from the Army at Fort Leavenworth.
August 23 - Sergeant First Class Jaisan Williams
Sergeant First Class Jaisan Williams entered the US Army in 2000 as a Artilleryman and later became a Dental Specialist. Sergeant First Class Williams has completed three combat deployments, two to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Jaisan has been assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division (All American), the Dental Health Activity Hawaii and the 62nd Medical Brigade. His awards and decorations include three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Parachutist Badge, and Combat Action badge. Sergeant First Class Williams is currently serving as the First Sergeant of the Fort Leavenworth Dental Clinic.
August 22 - Major Kelly Hillyer
Major Kelly Hillyer entered the Army in 1994 as a Military Police Officer. In 2005 he deployed to Iraq where he was responsible for the detainment and security of Saddam Hussain during the Iraqi High Tribunal trial. He deployed again in 2008 back to Baghdad where he commanded the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 326th Area Support Group in Camp Victory. He also deployed to Amman Jordan in 2015 where he served as the Acquistions and Cross Servicing Liason Officer between US and Jordanian forces. MAJ Hillyer's many awards include two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service medals, and the Army Commendation Medal. Kelly is am currently serving as the Mobilization Readiness Officer for the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
August 21 - Sergeant Jeffrey Herrman
Sergeant Jeffrey Herrman served in the US Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 where he was a crew chief for a 105mm Howitzer. Sergeant Herrman served in Viet Nam with the 1st Armored Amphibian Company conducting direct and indirect artillery fire missions. After his tour in Viet Nam, Jeff became a gunnery and small arms instructor at Camp Pendleton. His awards include the Viet Nam Service and Campaign medals, the Purple Heart and the National Defense Service Medal. Jeff was also an Expert rifleman. After his military service, Jeff continued to service his community as a policeman ultimately becoming a police chief. He has since retired.
August 19 - Sergeant Amanda Cleere
Sergeant Amanda Cleere joined the US Army Reserve in 2006 as a Military Police Corrections Officer in the 40th MP Detachment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. She transitioned to become a Human Resource Specialist serving in the 95th Training Division while still at Fort Sill, then with the 257th Transportation Company at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, and with the 645th Inland Cargo Transportation Company in Sloan Nevada. Her awards include two Army Achievement Medals and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Amanda is currently serving as a Personnel Staff Non-Commissioned Officer with the 89th Special Troops Battalion in Kansas City.
August 9 - Sergeant Dahlia Lewis
Sergeant Dahlia Lewis served in the US Army from 1998 through 2003 as an Airborne Military Policeman. She deployed to Kosovo in 2001 with the 2nd Battalion of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment to support NATO led international peacekeeping as part of Task Force Falcon. Dahlia also served with the 82nd Military Police Company of the All-American 82nd Airborne Division as a driver, gunner, patrolman, and desk sergeant. Sergeant Lewis’ awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and others. Dahlia is the Senior Chemical Security Inspector for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program with the Department of Homeland Security Region VII Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
August 8 - Major Ryan Johnson
Major Ryan Johnson entered active duty in 2005 as a Field Artillery officer. He deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment as a Platoon Leader. There he operated in Northwest Baghdad and over 15 months conducted operations to identify and dismantle terrorist networks and build relationships with the local populace. Ryan also completed a combat tour with the US Air Force’s 455th Expeditionary Base Defense Group as the Operations Officer responsible for the security of the Bagram airfield. MAJ Johnson’s awards include two Bronze Star Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals and numerous others. Ryan is currently serving as an Observer Coach Trainer with the Mission Command Training Program.
August 7 - Major Maraea Fluker
Major Maraea Fluker was born in Turangi, New Zealand and entered the US Army in 2000. Major Fluker began her career in the enlisted ranks as a Preventive Medicine Specialist. In 2005, she attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned into the Signal Corps where she supports voice and data communications for combat operations. Maraea’s deployments include Kuwait with the 228th Signal Company, 160th Signal Brigade, Iraq where she was the Signal Officer for the Joint Interrogation Debriefing Center supporting theater level communications and Afghanistan as the Signal Officer for the 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Division supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The two-time Bronze Medal recipient is currently serving as an Observer Coach/ Trainer with Mission Command Training Program, Ft. Leavenworth, KS.
August 6 - Chief Warrant Officer Eric Hays
Chief Warrant Officer Eric Hays entered the US Army on active duty in 1995. Hays is a Field Artillery Warrant Officer supporting Division and higher level Field Artillery targeting operations. He has deployed to combat six times to Iraq, twice with the 2-237 (say “second of the two-thirty-seventh”) Infantry Regiment as an infantryman, twice with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Field Artillery Intelligence Officer and twice with the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve as a Targeting Officer. Chief Hays many awards include the Bronze Star Medal, three awards of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one Joint Meritorious Service Medal, and seven Army Commendation Medals. Eric is currently serving with the Combined Arms Center, Mission Command Training Program as a Field Artillery Targeting Technician Observer, Coach, and Trainer.
August 5 - First Lieutenant Will Albyn
First Lieutenant Will Albyn was born in Denver, Colorado and joined the Air Force in 2017. Lieutenant Albyn is an Attack Remotely piloted aircraft pilot flying the MQ-9 Reaper stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base where he is assigned to the 20th Attack Squadron. Will conducts aerial reconnaissance, friendly force over watch and precision air strikes in support of Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. His awards include 3 Aerial Achievement Medals and was selected as the Company Grade Officer of the Quarter.
August 2 - Major Gannon Hendrick
Major Gannon Hendrick hails from Ames, Iowa and joined the US Army Reserve in 2002. His career began as an enlisted intelligence analyst with the 394th Corps Support Battalion and deployed with the 620th Corps Support Battalion to Iraq in 2004-2005 where is served at the Battalion Intelligence Officer (S-2). Major Hendrick was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2008 and he has held leadership and staff positions of increasing responsibility culminating being selected to command the 336th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Gannon’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, four awards of the Army Commendation Medal, three awards of the Army Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Badge and others. He currently works in the Iowa Senate as the caucus staff director and raises about 25 cows in a cow-calf operation on the family farm. He has also been a Royals season ticket holder since 2016.
August 1 - Colonel Sean Campion
Colonel Sean Campion entered the military in 1992 as a Logistics officer. Through his storied career Colonel Campion has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility culminating with the Command of the US Army Reserve’s 96th Sustainment Brigade, Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. Sean has deployed to Bosnia in 1998 helping to restore commercial and passenger rail service throughout the country and to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom providing communications support for Logistics units in Northern Iraq. COL Campion’s many awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and six awards of the Army Commendation Medal.
July 31 - Sergeant Hugo Macias
Sergeant Hugo Macias was born in El Paso and grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He has served Army National Guard, Active Duty and the US Army Reserves since October 1998 initially as a Welder then as a Combat Medic. SFC Macias has completed three combat tours. The first was in Kosovo in 2005-2006 where he was a vehicle operator for a Colonel. In 2007-2008, he deployed to Iraq as a combat medic with A Battery, 1-143rd (say “first of the one-forty-third”) Field Artillery Battalion, 40th Infantry Division and finally to Kuwait in 2011-2012 as a Senior Instructor for the Combat Lifesaver Course. Hugo’s awards include two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, six Army Achievement Medals, an Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Gold German Weapons Proficiency Badge. He is currently serving with the 89th Sustainment Brigade as a Medic.
July 24 - Lieutenant Colonel Joseph (JR) Mukes
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph (JR) Mukes has served on active duty as a Field Artillery officer since 2001. LTC Mukes’ role is to coordinate fire support for ground personnel with rockets, missiles, and mortars that will enable friendly forces safe passage through enemy territory. JR has deployed to combat four times. His first deployment was part of the initial invasion into Iraq in 2003 as part of Iraqi Freedom where his Multiple Launch Rocket System unit supported the initial push to Baghdad. His other deployments include a second trip to Iraq, as well as time in Qatar and Afghanistan supporting the Iraqi Army and US ground forces coordinating Air Force support. Lieutanant Colonel Mukes’ many awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Forces Commendation Medal. JR is currently assigned to the Mission Command Training Program as a Coach/mentor for Division-level staffs.
July 17 - Lieutenant Colonel Dong (Tony) Lee
Lieutenant Colonel Dong (Tony) Lee served in the US Army from 1995 to 1999 as an Administrative Specialist. During this time he deployed with the 709th Military Police Battalion to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He reentered the Army in 2009 as a Dental Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Lee specializes in treating dental and facial issues including restoring missing teeth and jaw structures. Tony has deployed to Iraq as a Dental Officer and served in Korea as the Officer in Charge of the Carius Specialty Dental Clinic and Chief of Prosthodontics at Camp Humphreys supporting a population of over 25,000 service members. LTC Lee also was an Assistant Professor of Prosthodontics a the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His awards include Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
July 10 - Captain Jacob Anderson
Captain Jacob Anderson entered the US Air Force in 2014. Captain Anderson is serving as a Remotely Operated MQ-9 Reaper Pilot and Flight Commander in the 20th Attack Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base. In this role he flies close air support combat missions for ground forces in combat world-wide. He has also been assigned to the 42nd Attack Squadron where he was a pilot, instructor pilot, flew, and taught combat aviation. Jake’s awards include: 14 awards of the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, two Meritorious Units Awards, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border.
July 2 - Chief Master Sergeant Rodney Lockett
Chief Master Sergeant Rodney Lockett hails joined the US Marine Corps in 1979 where he served for nine years initially as an Infantryman in the 7th Marine Regiment then as a Marine Security Guard in American Embassies in the Sudan and New Zealand. He also served in the 1st Marine Division Camp Pendleton Military Police Battalion. Rodney joined the Air National Guard in 1994 and served until 2008 where he was again a military policeman and served in Turkey, Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, Poland, and other duty assignments. His many awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal , two awards of the Air Force Commendation Medal, and four Air Force Achievement Medals. Rodney now works at the US Department of Homeland Security, Region VII Cybersecurity and infrastructure Security Agency as the Chief of Regulatory Compliance for the Chemical Anti-Terrorism Standards Program.
June 26 - Major Marvin Browning
Major Marvin Browning entered the US Army in 1986 and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant before being commissioned as an officer. MAJ Browning has deployed to Iraq in 2003 and again in 2005 where he supported the 25th ID and other Maneuver elements with force protection and Convoy Logistics Patrols. Marvin is currently assigned as the Logistics Officer (G-4) of an Army Reserve Expeditionary Sustainment Command overseeing the Corps-level logistics elements. His awards and decorations are many but include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal and Army Recruiter Badge.
June 19 - Chief Warrant Officer 4 Louis Campos
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Louis Campos has served in the US Army on active duty for over 16 years. Chief Campos is a Field Artillery Targeting Technician advising field commanders on target acquisition assets and targeting methodology. He has completed four combat tours, two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. He’s served with the 1st Armored Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and many others. His many awards include two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, and ten Army Commendation Medals. Chief Campos is currently serving as a Field Artillery Technician Observer/Coach/Trainer at the Mission Command Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
June 12 - First Lieutenant Steven Brosby
First Lieutenant Steven Brosby joined the US Air Force after graduating from the Academy in 2017. Lieutenant Brosby is an Attack Remotely piloted aircraft pilot stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base where he is assigned to the 20th Attack Squadron. Steven conducts aerial reconnaissance, friendly force over watch and precision air strikes in support of Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. LT Brosby is a qualified pilot on the T-6 Texan and the T-38 Talon. He also lettered 2 years in varsity football while at the Air Force Academy.
June 5 - Colonel Tom Burson
Colonel Tom Burson served over 34 years in the Guard as an Aviation Officer where he flew over 5500 hours in five different aircraft, primarily the AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopters with the 1-135th Aviation Battalion of the MO Guard. In 2010, Tom deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as the Executive Officer of the 1107th Aviation Group. He commanded the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade headquartered in Sedalia from 2013 – 2017. His awards are many but include two Legion of Merits, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and Master Army Aviator Badge. Since retiring, Tom is working as an EMS Pilot for Air-Evac.
May 29 - Sergeant Juan Martinez
Sergeant Juan Martinez was born in San Angelo, Texas and raised in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. In 2009, Juan joined the US Army Reserve as a Medic and was assigned to the 469th Ambulance Company in Wichita. After earning the rank of Sergeant, Martinez was assigned to the 89th Sustainment Brigade in Kansas City, Missouri. SGT Martinez taught the Combat Life Savers Courses and supported the recertification of medics. While fulfilling the role of Medical Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge, SGT Martinez attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master's in Space and Aviation Education. Currently, SGT Martinez is on orders with the 89th Sustainment Brigade to assist in Human Resources. SGT Martinez awards are two Army Achievement Medals, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
May 22 - Technical Sergeant Chris Johnson
Technical Sergeant Chris Johnson served in the US Air Force from 1998 through 2015. During his career as a Communications Network, Switching and Cryptographer and Cyber Transport Systems Sergeant, Chris deployed to Qatar with the Joint Psychological Operations Task Force in 2007 then again in that same year with the 308th Psyops Battalion (US Army) to Baghdad, Iraq. Tech Sergeant Johnson’s awards include: two awards of the Joint Service Commendation, two awards of the Air Force Commendation medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service and Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
May 15 - Lieutenant Colonel Adam Symanski
Lieutenant Colonel Adam Symanski has served in the US Army Reserve for over 24 years as a logistician. LTC Symanski has deployed to Iraq twice, initially in 2003 as an Automotive/Armament and Ammunition Platoon Leader, and again in 2009 as a Contracting Officer’s Representative in Camp Striker with the 561st Regional Support Group. He is currently serving as the Executive Officer of the 89th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Kansas City. LTC Symanski’s awards include 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, 8 Army Reserve Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Star, and many others.
May 8 – Captain Carl E. Bolte
Captain Carl E. Bolte served for 38 years in the US Navy and Navy Reserve. He served active duty with the Pacific Fleet from 1951 to 1954, and ultimately commanded six units during his career. Throughout his life, the 96-year-old has been an accomplished song writer and author, including “A Royal Welcome” for the expansion Kansas City Royals in 1968 and the alma mater for Western Missouri University.
