ABOUT
Our
Mission
To honor and support veterans and first responders by fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise,
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
Our Story
The Heroes Operation is a 501c3 organization born from a deep desire to help the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free. They sacrifice their time, blood, sweat, tears, and often their lives.
We decided it was time that someone put them first. So we created The Heroes Operation to help give them back just a little of what they give to us.
Core Values & Beliefs
We believe there is no higher calling than to honor and serve those in need and specifically to honor and serve those who have chosen to sacrifice themselves in order to make our country a better place through military service or as a first responder. We do this with…
Compassion
Integrity
Commitment
Board of Directors
Anthony Munafo
President
As a veteran having served five years in the Navy, Anthony is grateful to be a founding member of The Heroes Operation. He’s dedicated to both supporting the different needs of his community as well as serving our current and former military members and first responders and their families.
Scott Dion
Vice President
Scott is extremely grateful to have the opportunity to combine both his tremendous respect for America’s armed forces and first responders with over a decade of personal experience in the off-road industry. He’s passionate about giving back to help serve with The Heroes Operation.
Janet Dodge
Secretary
Janet is a lifelong resident of Oceana County and has enjoyed having Silver Lake Sand Dunes being her “backyard.” As a local real estate business owner, she’s experienced firsthand the power of a local community in shaping individuals. The Heroes Operation has been an amazing opportunity for her and her family to give back to those who’ve given so much.
Shane Moore
Director- Hike for Vets
In 2017, Shane, a six-year Navy veteran, launched Hike for Vets in an effort to hike across the country, raising funds and awareness for homeless veterans. Shane now operates Hike for Vets under the umbrella of The Heroes Operation to bring the joy of the outdoors to help his fellow vets deal with the dark times of mental health challenges.
Anna Bateson
Director
Anna fist started working with veterans in an equine therapy program at her farm before volunteering with The Heroes Operation team. As a nurse, she’s grateful to have the opportunity to serve with her family and give back to those who so often look after others but have difficulty asking for help for themselves.
Jeff DeVito
Director
Formally an airline mechanic before becoming a USPS technician in security and facility maintenance, Jeff holds a business management degree and has extensive training in electronics and motor vehicle repair. Along with his wife, Carol, Jeff has served across many various nonprofit organizations, but their hearts have found a special connection with The Heroes Operations. There’s no better feeling then watching a Hero smile from the inside.
Scott Benedict
Director
Better known as Scottie B., Scott is a third generation painter. After falling in love with Silver Lake Sand Dunes in 2005, Scott found his true passion when he first experienced The Heroes on the Dunes event. For him, there’s nothing like sharing his love for the dune while honors the brave men and women who gave so much as veterans and first responders.
Join the Mission
Become a partner
Become a sponsor to help give our heroes the experiences they deserve.
Give
Your generous donation will help keep our mission going and growing as we serve our men and women in uniform.
Volunteer
Join our diverse team to help deliver an amazing event experience and give back to our heroes.