About Us

Who is the HPT Crew?

We are an all-volunteer non-profit organization formed by retired military members, family members and civilians for the express purpose of serving our nation’s veterans and their families members.  All of our events with veterans, wounded combat veterans and families are paid for solely by contributions from donors, sponsors and our fundraising events. Every dollar goes toward the expenses related to bringing these deserving heroes and families coming from all over the country together to have the time of their lives…and enjoy a little Horsepower Therapy!

Our 501(c)3 letter available upon request.

“The spark comes from the never ending desire for more horsepower….”

 CW4 (R) Brian Russell  (President)

• MH-47E/G “Chinook” heavy assault helicopter aviator, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (A)
• Senior Tactical Operations Officer and Developmental Test Pilot
• Complex combat operations planner for all Department of Defense Special Operations Units
• 8 combat tours between 2001-2007
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism
• Member: Night Stalker Association

CW4 (R) Greg Coker  (Vice President)

• AH-6 “Little Bird” attack helicopter aviator, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (A)
• Senior Lead Instructor Pilot and Tactical Operations Officer
• Complex combat operations planner for all Department of Defense Special Operations Units
• 11 combat tours between 2001-2007
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism
• Member: Night Stalker Association

Dan Bodeker (Vice President for Corporate Outreach)

• Business Development and Program Manager, IERUS Technologies
• 26+ years of supporting Department of Defense and NASA
• Member: Huntsville/Madison County Schools Foundation Board, Committee of 100, Huntsville Rotary, Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board

CW5 (R) Mike Keenan (Vice President for Operations)

• MH-47E/G “Chinook” heavy assault helicopter aviator, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (A)
• Maintenance Examiner, Maintenance Test Pilot, and Standardization Instructor Pilot
• Complex maintenance management and mission sustainment for Department of Defense Special Operations Aviation Units
• 12 combat tours between 2001-2014
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism
• Member:  Madison Beatification and Tree Board,  Rotary of Madison Alabama, Order of Daedalians, Night Stalker Association

Michael Williams (Vice President of Marketing)

• U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with a tour in Afghanistan 
•  Property Manager for Yulista
• Part Time Photographer of literally anything
• Lover of anything that has an engine

Joe Kanser (Vice President of Program Growth)

• U.S. Air Force Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
• Senior Cyber Security Engineer
• Adjunct Professor of Cyber Security Studies for Champlain College
• 20+ years supporting DoD
• Forced Induction and Exotic car enthusiast 

Mark Ruehmann (Treasurer)

• Account Executive at Lockton Companies in Denver
• Property & Casualty Insurance industry professional

  CW5 (R) Thomas Mlack (Colorado Area Coordinator)

• UH-60 A/L/M Blackhawk Pilot / CH-47 D/F Chinook Pilot 
• MH-47 D/G Chinook Special Operations Aviator with 160th SOAR (A) 
• Senior Aviation Safety Officer and Maintenance Test Pilot (QA/QC) 
• 11 combat tours between 2003-2020
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Global War on Terrorism
• Member: Night Stalker Association
• Owner of a 1967 Barracuda

Paul Webb (Industry and Florida Coordinator)

• Driver of all things FAST!!!

Ian Penix (Kentucky/Ohio)

• Instructor of Reconnaissance Operations at Armor School, Ft Benning, GA.
• Machine Gunner and Long-Range Marksman
• Former Law Enforcement Officer (Tactical, K9, Detective)
• Corvette Connoisseur

Michael Miner (Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas)

• Served for 9 years in the U.S. Army as a Motor Transport Operator (88M)
• Universal Technical Institute Graduate, ASE Certified Technician
• Turbo and Diesel Guru
• Maker of Horsepower and Beefy 4x4's