Ken’s roots in helping other people has its origins from his youth and time in Scouting. As a Life Scout, the words of the Scout Oath and Law formed a framework that he strives to live by. As an adult, Ken went on to serve 15 years as a Law Enforcement Officer. During this time he was trained and served on the rescue squad. Ken got back into Scouting as an adult leader, teaching skills to youth as well as advanced leadership training to other adults. He is a FCC licensed Amateur Radio Operator and helps Gulf SAR in support behind the scenes in logistics, operations, communications and liaison to LEO agencies.

Charles is a cyber security expert and disaster response professional with experience in volunteer response in almost every storm to hit Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana since 2005 including Rita, Ike, Harvey, Imelda, Laura, Delta, the 2021 Texas Freeze, and more. Charles earned his Masters from the Texas A&M George Bush School of Public Service & Administration with a concentration in Homeland Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection. He is also a Fellow with The Institute of Strategic Risk Management. Aside from disaster response expertise, Charles also has over twenty years of software development and cyber security experience where he has led project development in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. He has certifications in ICS 100, 200, 360, 523, 700, 800, and 2200.

Roger Bee began his life of selfless service and hurricane rescue unlike most.  He and his wife literally traveled 1500 miles from their home, to Lake Charles, Louisiana to help victims of Hurricane Laura.  It was during Hurricane Delta that Roger was asked to participate in actual flood rescues that his passion took off.  He now calls Louisiana home and not only rescues people, but rescues dogs and gives them furr-ever homes. 

Brandon is a U S Army combat veteran who was stationed at Fort Hood Texas from 2002-2008. He served two tours in Iraq. He is also a former EMT. Brandon now resides in Florida with his wife and daughter. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking and kayaking.

Brian Edwards is a 40 year veteran of the rescue industry and is Owner/Instructor of Airboat Training Service of North America, LLC. ATS is a specialized company that conducts advanced Airboat Operations Training in Search/Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue, Ice Rescue and Flood Rescue to Government Agencies, Industry and Fire/Rescue departments throughout the world. During Hurricane Katrina, Brian was one of 10 airboats that conducted rescue operations for the three hospitals in downtown New Orleans.10 airboats over 3.5 days moved over 4,400 victims during daytime operations only, and another 400 were rescued by Brian’s airboat alone on the 4th day. Brian was awarded The 1999 Firefighter of The Year for Ballville Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, and then again Countywide for Sandusky County (Ohio) of the same year.

Zander Hall’s passion for rescue began at an early age. At 16 he started kayaking in rivers of the Colorado rockies, that’s when he took his first swift water rescue course. By 18, he was already volunteering with his local fire department. Through college he volunteered with the Arizona Rangers, where he began gaining experience in law enforcement. Zander gained his Bachelor’s in Aeronautics and left the state of Arizona; having also gained his rotorcraft pilot’s license, and instrument rating. Zander, through some twists and turns, spent a little more time in law enforcement, worked as an EMT, and then followed his other passion for water. Zander became a full time Charter Captain in the Florida Keys, and owns Lightly Salted Charters.

We can’t forget to mention Zander’s first mate, Bax. Bax isn’t just his first mate though, Bax is also a member of the team! He’s a certified K9, and has been on numerous deployments to disaster zones alongside Zander. Both deployed to Laura, Delta, and most recently Ian. Bax and Zander are excited to continue tuning their skills and helping the best way they know how to: on the front lines, with Gulf SAR.

Tami is a registered nurse leading a hereditary genetic testing and high-risk breast program in South Mississippi. She has experience in med/surg, emergency department, and surgery. She is also a MS state-permitted wildlife rehabilitator specializing in bats, skunks, opossums, and snakes. She is fostering the next generation of SAR – her 12-year-old granddaughter, who desires her own cadaver dogs.  She has been training with her granddaughter (and dogs, Lucky and Lola) over the past year developing the skills she needs to be an excellent K9 trainer and team member. FEMA, TEEX, BLS/CPR, RN/BSN/BHCN…and Granny!

After serving in the Army for 12 years, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jordan Nelson decided to join GulfSAR to put his military skillset to use saving people. Jordan’s previous Hurricane Search and Rescue work includes Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, Dorian, and Ian.

“I have been fortunate enough for God to place me in some pretty tough spots, in order to help save people, and I look forward to continuing this journey as it’s become the passion in my life.”

Growing up on the coast of south Florida, water has always been a big part of Pope’s life. At 18, Pope left for the Army with the goal of helping those in need. While enlisted, he learned a multitude of skill sets from first aid to rappelling and after leaving the service his initial goal never changed. When Hurricane Ian destroyed his hometown, he volunteered to help rescue those in need. Pope is an FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator and continues to acquire new certifications or skills that will help further GulfSAR’s goal of being “highly trained and dedicated to saving those who cannot save themselves”.