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 the owner of Sedona Stone, a premier granite company, Anthony Munafo blends his entrepreneurial spirit with a steadfast commitment to his community. A proud veteran, he served five years in the Navy as an E-5 Damage Controlman, where he developed crucial leadership and problem-solving skills.
Anthony is also a dedicated father, balancing his professional responsibilities with his commitment to his family. His passion for service extends beyond his home; he is a former firefighter at Shipping Port ARDM-4, which deepened his understanding of teamwork and community safety.
In response to his own experiences with PTSD, Anthony founded The Heroes Operation, a powerful initiative aimed at supporting military members, first responders, and their families. This mission is personal for him, as he understands the challenges faced by those who have served.
In addition to his business and community involvement, Anthony serves as the football coach and athletic director for his local program, mentoring young athletes and instilling values of teamwork and perseverance. His unwavering dedication to service drives him to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of resilience and support.
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 Dodge is a lifelong resident of Oceana County, and she’s fiercely proud of her roots. With the Silver Lake Sand Dunes literally in her backyard, Janet understands the raw beauty and strength of her community. As a local real estate business owner, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a tight-knit community and the resilience of its people.
Through The Heroes Operation, Janet and her family have found a powerful outlet to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. This mission ignites her passion and serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from community and service.
With a relentless spirit and unwavering dedication, Janet Dodge stands and supports those who serve and defend us.
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.
Better know as Scottie B. Scott is a third generation self employed painting contractor. He has been slinging sand at Silver Lake for 20 years, but found his true passion at his first Heroes on the Dunes event. He is honored to give back to our Heroes through his love of off road, and is grateful to be a part of our Team since 2021.
Scott Benedict
Director
Nick started as a volunteer in 2016 as a dune driver for Heroes on the Dunes. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that The Heroes Operation is never short-handed. As an Eagle Scout, he strives to live by the scout oath and law. Nick has a strong passion for motorsports since he was young, spending summers at Silver Lake Sand Dunes and winters snowmobiling across the country. He also has a strong love for his country and wants to give back to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Heroes Operation is a perfect fit for him to do both, which is why he loves this organization.
Nick Devito
Director
As a lifelong ORV enthusiast, I dedicate my journey to supporting those who selflessly serve our nation. The off-road community has been my family's sanctuary, and I'm committed to sharing this healing experience with veterans and first responders.
Eric Hannan
Director
For Lloyd Miller III, family and community are at the heart of everything. He's been happily married to Stefanie since 2000 and is immensely proud of his children, Lloyd “Chip” Miller IV, Will, and Celeste, and his grandson, Lloyd “Rocky” Miller V. Giving back is also a priority, reflected in his active involvement as a board member with the Hart Athletic Boosters and the Silver Lake Recreation Association (SLRA). This commitment extends to his role as a board member of The Heroes Operation, where he supports veterans and first responders. Describing himself as a “jack of all trades,” Lloyd brings a diverse range of skills to every endeavor.
Lloyd Miller
Director
Mike is a retired Navy Chief, having served 21 years and retiring in 2013. He currently is a delivery driver for UPS. Mike has been a dedicated volunteer for every year of Heroes on the Dunes and the Color Run. Being able to a part of helping Veterans and First Responders enjoy a day with no worries about their disabilities bring great joy to him.
Mike Kidd
Director
Melissa is an avid off-roader and lives in St. Helen Michigan. She runs her own social media and marketing company. She enjoys fundraising and is the founder of I’d Brap That. She looks forward to helping the team tell the stories of the heroes we meet and introduce to the off road lifestyle and building our fundraising efforts.
Melissa Sullivan
Director
Owner of Superior Flag, actively participating in several veteran support groups. Very thankful The Heroes Operation has allowed my participation in one of the most prideful, humbling events.
Dean Brown
Director
Kimberly graduated from Grand Valley State University with her bachelor’s in Accounting. She has 30 years of tax and accounting experience. She loves camping and spending time with family. She is active in the community as a member of Rotary and treasurer of Fruitport Education Foundation as well as volunteered for the Heroes on the Dunes with the Heroes Operation for 9 years.
Kim Taylor
Director
As an active law enforcement officer for the past 10 years, Sal has dedicated his life to serving his community and making a positive impact in the lives of others. With a deep commitment to justice and public safety, he has gained invaluable experience in navigating the challenges of law enforcement.
In addition to his role on the force, Sal proudly serves as a member of the Honor Guard, representing his department with distinction and honoring those who have served. His passion for service extends beyond his daily duties, as he actively seeks to support veterans and first responders in various capacities, utilizing his firsthand knowledge to make a difference in their lives.
Sal believes that every interaction is an opportunity to uplift and inspire, and he is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and resilience among those he serves.
Sal Munafo
Director
Cliff Oliver
Director
Cliff Oliver is a dedicated volunteer with a passion for honoring our heroes. For the past nine years, he has been an integral part of the Heroes organization, where he finds joy in getting to know veterans and first responders, listening to their incredible stories. The annual "Heroes on the Dunes" event is particularly special to Cliff—it's his Christmas, a day he eagerly anticipates each year.
In addition to his work with Heroes, Cliff has also volunteered with the Fruitport Community Theater at Fruitport Schools for nearly a decade. In recent years, he has taken on the role of backstage manager, helping to bring the magic of theater to life for the community.
As he looks ahead to retirement in Arizona in the coming years, Cliff remains committed to honoring our veterans and first responders, ensuring that he returns each year to celebrate their sacrifices and stories. His dedication and passion for service continue to inspire those around him.
Join the Mission
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Volunteer
Join our diverse team to help deliver an amazing event experience and give back to our heroes.