Warrior Saber: Board of Directors
Dr. Chris Pilkington
Dr. Chris Pilkington
Dr. Chris Pilkington
WS BOARD CHAIRMAN:
Dr. Chris Pilkington is the Clinical Practice Director for School Counselors and School Psychologists. He is additionally an assistant professor in the Educational Leadership & Management (ELM) online program.
He earned a Baccalaureate degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, a Master’s in Human Resources from Chapman University, a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Alliant University, and a doctorate in Leadership from Argosy University.
He had a successful 20-year career in the United States Marine Corps and was the Program Manager for the Navy’s Anti-terrorism & Force Protection Program after leaving active duty. Dr. Chris has been part of Warrior Saber since its inception and is now a board member whom loves to say “Just taking care of one of my Marines!”
Ronald C Guy Jr.
Dr. Chris Pilkington
Dr. Chris Pilkington
BOARD VICE CHAIR:
Ron Guy Jr. currently serves as the Wildland Fire Training Coordinator for Tall Timbers Research Station, working across the Northeast and Midwest to build fire training capacity, connect practitioners, and put good fire back on the ground.
Ron earned his master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management and brings both field experience and academic insight to his mission. But his greatest pride lies in his role as a father of seven, six adventurous girls and one wild-hearted boy. Together with his family, he dreams of a life lived off the land, rooted in self-sufficiency, connection, and stewardship.
“The unknown is daunting, and yet it calls to us. It’s an honor that my brother asked me to stand beside him. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the world understand what Warrior Saber is about.”
And if you ever find yourself out in the field receiving instruction, take a moment to breathe. Listen closely, you just might hear “Fire Jesus” shouting from afar: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast!”
Sarge
Dr. Chris Pilkington
Giovanni Taw
WS FOUNDER/OPERATOR:
Sarge is Honored to do this work of recognizing deserving Veterans whom are still serving their individual communities and families through their work and volunteer opportunities. Sarge truly believes that we need to “see” the acts of service our Veterans are carrying out, as well as sincerely acknowledge these Veterans for being good examples.
Sarge was inspired by the award ceremonies he remembers from his time in the “old corps”. Marines gathered together in formation to Honor and read aloud the works of success for successful Marines. Recognizing Veterans whom are still serving, not only shows gratitude to the Veteran but also gives the rest of us a chance to focus on what True Leadership is: Service.
Giovanni Taw
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
Giovanni Taw
BOARD TREASURER:
Ohio Born! Giovanni brings a wealth of discipline, service, and community dedication to the Warrior Saber board. A multi-sport athlete from Youth to Collegiate Athletics, as a proud Student Athlete of Ohio State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree.
Following graduation, Giovanni served six years in the United States Air Force as a Signals Analyst, somewhere adjacent to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. He continued his education while serving and earned an MBA from Arizona State University.
Since transitioning to civilian life, Giovanni has remained deeply rooted in service - as a volunteer firefighter in his community and as a Business Operations Analyst in North Carolina. As a proud husband and father, his commitment to giving back to the community is what drives his intention to keep Serving. Warrior Saber is honored and benefits from his drive, skillset, and passion to contribute to the Warrior Saber Community.
Christopher Guy
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
BOARD SECRETARY:
Christopher Guy currently works in the private sector for the Sherwin Williams Paint Company. He has spent the last decade volunteering in the non-profit sector at the community level. Christopher has been on the board for a Local Jaycees organization numerous times and has been a member of that organization for the past 10 years. Christopher has been through numerous leadership programs and career development programs and has excelled in all of them. He is currently working with various nonprofits in his local community as well as his position with Warrior Saber. Christopher has been a key stagiest in advising Warrior Saber Leadership.
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
Rachel Rydbom Dillon
BOARD MEMBER:
Rachel joined the Portage County Sheriff’s Department in November 2000. Known for her ability to use verbal techniques to assist inmates through fragile moments, she is regarded as a trusted resource for those in need. Rachel was awarded the Warrior Saber Award of Merit in 2022, nominated by her former wrestling coach, Mark Dennis, for her
continued support of the community through her work at the Sheriff’s Department. She was then voted into the Warrior Saber Board of Directors in 2024. A mother of four children and a few canines, Rachel and her husband Jay are continuous contributors to the mission of Warrior Saber by their volunteer work of executing Warrior Saber award ceremonies and hosting fundraising booths.
Mike Foos
Mike Foos
Mike Foos
BOARD MEMBER:
Mike is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Engineer. Foss served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, twice as a Company Commander, Aide de camp, Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion Commander, Deputy Brigade Commander and Military Executive for the National Geospatial Agency. He has continued serving through cub scouts, youth and high school sports and through International Rotary. Additionally, Mike has over a decade of continued Service as the Director of The Warrior Bonfire Program, directly serving our Nation's Purple Heart Veterans. Mike has been pivotal to Warrior Saber even prior to joining the Board of Directors by nominating Warrior Saber Recipients and attending Warrior Saber award events.
Capturing Our Mission: Warrior Saber Recipents
Russ Laney
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipient
Lifelong Veteran Advocate, Founder Home Field Advantage
- US Air Force
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Nominated By Samantha Peck
- Sponsored by The Big Fish Foundation
- Hosted by Home FIeld Advantage
James Grimm
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipient
Father, Caregiver
- US Navy Veteran
- Fernandina Beach, Florida
- Nominated by Elise Guy
- Sponsored by The Big Fish Foundation
- Hosted by Oyster Bay Yacht Club
Dale Picking & Howard Berger
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipients
Lifelong Veteran Advocates
- US Army Veterans
- Highlands Ranch, Colorado
- Nominated by Mike Foos
- Sponsored by Warrior Bonfire Program
- Hosted by Max Taps
Erik Villaseñor
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipient
Huts For Vets Executive Director
- US Army Veteran
- Weatherford, Texas
- Nominated by Westley Crouch
- Sponsored by The Big Fish Foundation
- Hosted By The Big Fish Foundation
Ryan Del Grosso
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipient
Veteran Advocate, Huts For Vets BOD
- US Air Force Veteran
- Weatherford, Texas
- Nominated by Westley Crouch
- Sponsored by The Big Fish Foundation
- Hosted By The Big Fish Foundation
Dale King
Warrior Saber 2025 Recipient
CrossFit Owner/Coach, Community Change Maker
- US Army Veteran
- Portsmouth, Ohio
- Nominated by Dave Colina
- Sponsored By The Big Fish Foundation
- Hosted By CrossFit PSKC
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