BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LTG L. Neil Thurgood, USA
Lieutenant General (Ret.)
Neil Thurgood is a distinguished former U.S. Army officer with nearly four decades of service in defense technology and military leadership. A Utah native, he earned his commission through the University of Utah ROTC program and later obtained advanced degrees in aviation systems, strategic studies, and organizational behavior.
During his career, Thurgood held key roles, including Director for Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space, and Rapid Acquisition, where he led the Army’s development of cutting-edge missile and space technologies. He also served as Deputy Commander of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, supporting efforts to train Afghan forces. His service earned him multiple top military honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Bronze Star.
Since retiring in 2022, Thurgood has continued to shape defense innovation as Senior VP at Anduril Industries and Special Advisor for Military Affairs and Technology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. A lifelong advocate for national security and leadership development, he remains dedicated to advancing military technology and mentoring future defense leaders.
William (Bill) Hansen
William W Hansen is the co-founder and a board member of Warriors Afield Legacy Foundation. He is a retired
Veteran of 29 years in the army. Following his military service he held executive positions with Ford Aerospace, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin. He is President and founder of Cavalry Creek Consulting Group. He has served on the board of directors of the National Defense University, the National Armor and Cavalry Heritage Museum Foundation and the Army Science Board. He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees from the University of Utah. His military awards include the Silver Star(2) ,Purple Heart and Vietnamese Galantry Cross. He is a member of the US Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
John Sylvester
John Sylvester is a founding member of the board of directors for the Warriors Afield Legacy Foundation.
An Army Brat and 37 year Army veteran he began his service as a Private in 1968 and retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant General.
Post military retirement he worked in the security and defense sector providing support to the US Departments of Justice, State and Defense.
He has been active with Warriors Afield since its inception and has worked proudly alongside many hundreds of our Nations finest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen.
Terry L. Tucker
Major General (Retired)
Terry Tucker, a retired U.S. Army General from Buffalo, West Virginia, served 34 years in various leadership roles, including commanding the U.S. Army Armor Center at Fort Knox and leading cavalry units during Operation Desert Storm. A decorated Airborne Ranger, he earned honors such as the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Distinguished Service Medal. He holds degrees from West Virginia State College, Florida Institute of Technology, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Since retiring, he has remained active in military organizations, including serving as President of the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association. He and his wife of nearly 55 years, Patti, live in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and have two children and three grandchildren.
Walter Wojdakowski
Major General (Retired)
Walter (Walt) Wojdakowski retired from the US Army in 2009 after 36+ years of service. He grew up hunting and fishing in Gunnison, Colorado and is an avid outdoorsman. Walt has been married to Candy for 47 years, they have 2 grown children. He has been with WALF for 7 years and has an everlasting respect and adulation for Veterans.
Chad J. Stokes
COO | Elevate Solutions
Chad J. Stokes is the Chief Operating Officer at Elevate Solutions, Inc., where he leads with a focus on operational excellence, innovation, and strategic growth. With a strong background in leadership and efficiency, he is passionate about cultivating collaborative work cultures and driving organizations to reach their full potential. Outside of his professional role, Chad serves on the board of the Warriors Afield Legacy Foundation, supporting veterans dealing with PTSD through outdoor experiences like hunting and fishing. A proud outdoorsman and patriot, he is deeply committed to giving back to those who have served our country.
George Harmeyer
Major General (Retired)
34 plus years in the Army - Cavalry/Armor
An original Director of WALF
Training and Loving Warriors all my life!