Mark Gellert, Founder
In 2005 – while serving as an Assault Team Leader with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command in Iraq – Mark was critically wounded when bullets tore through both of his thighs. Mark was evacuated by helicopter and treated for numerous injuries including a badly shattered femur. Following a hospital stay in Germany, Mark spent a year on crutches while rehabbing in various facilities throughout the U.S. On New Year’s Eve just 18 months later, Mark was injured again when an explosion tore through his neck, shoulder, hands, and legs while executing a mission upon his return to Iraq. Following an emergency tracheotomy performed at the scene, Mark was again evacuated to Germany and then on to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Following his release from Walter Reed, Mark spent a year intensively rehabbing his injuries at facilities on both coasts of the U.S.
Fortunately for Mark, the unit he served in offered access to some of the best medical and rehabilitation assets in the U.S. military. Those resources – combined with Mark’s intense commitment – allowed him to regain the needed functionality to re-join his unit and ultimately medically retire on his own terms.
During his 20-year career with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command, Mark served in the Ranger Regiment, Special Forces, and a Special Mission Unit (SMU). Mark was a key leader since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism and his unit has taken on some of our nation’s most important missions over the last decade.
Mark Gellert received two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor. Mark served in over a dozen countries including multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2010. Mark medically retired in 2011 and resides in North Carolina with his family.
Fortunately for Mark, the unit he served in offered access to some of the best medical and rehabilitation assets in the U.S. military. Those resources – combined with Mark’s intense commitment – allowed him to regain the needed functionality to re-join his unit and ultimately medically retire on his own terms.
During his 20-year career with the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command, Mark served in the Ranger Regiment, Special Forces, and a Special Mission Unit (SMU). Mark was a key leader since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism and his unit has taken on some of our nation’s most important missions over the last decade.
Mark Gellert received two Purple Hearts, two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor. Mark served in over a dozen countries including multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2010. Mark medically retired in 2011 and resides in North Carolina with his family.
Board Members
Ryan Gellert
Ryan Gellert has seen first hand the need to support our Nation's Special Operations troops. He has twice
helpled care for his brother Mark following injuries received in combat. Ryan currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife and son and serves as the Vice President of Supply Chain Management with Black Diamond Inc. Ryan spent five years living and working in SE China while establishing Black Diamond's Asian operations and has a B.S.S.A. in Finance from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, an M.B.A. from Florida Tech, and a J.D. from the University of Utah.
Joe Gomes
Joe Gomes rehabilitates and trains Special Operations members as the Director for Human Performance Initiatives for the Department of Defense and provides lead consultation strategies for Athletes’ Performance International. Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Rehabilitation and Sport Science from St. Mary’s University in London and passionately continues his education in sports science and sports medicine. Joe strongly believes in giving back to the industry and regularly speaks both nationally and internationally on injury prevention strategies and human performance methodology. Joe resides in Southern Pines, NC with his wife, daughter and dogs Lonzo and Lucy.
Laitham Kellum
Laitham Kellum is a career firefighter, paramedic, and a Captain at the Cocoa Beach Fire Station. He will take on any hazard to keep the public safe; he has years of valorous experience in technical rescue, surf rescue, and tactical (SWAT/EOD) medicine. Laitham is also an emergency medicine instructor for multiple military and civilian agencies. He is a lifelong waterman and regardless of weather condition, his free time is spent kite boarding, surfing, sailing, or paddling. Laitham lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida with his wife Valerie, their children, and more animals than Noah’s Ark.
