About Us
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 was 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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony Munafo
President
I am a veteran having served 5 years in the Navy. Supporting different needs within my community is my passion. I am dedicated to helping our current and former military members and first responders, as well as their families, and am grateful to be a founding member of this incredible organization.
Scott Dion
Vice President
It’s been an honor to be involved with The Heroes Operation. I have tremendous respect for America’s armed forces and first responders and a strong desire to give back to them. I have been passionately involved in the off-road industry for a little over a decade, so I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to combine both of these passions through my involvement with The Heroes Operation.
Janet Dodge
Secretary
I am a life long resident of Oceana County, with the Silver Lake Sand Dunes being my ‘back yard’. I take great pride in the real estate business I have built, and it has been this very community that has shaped me. I have always been driven to find ways to give back. The Heroes Operation has been a great opportunity for not only myself, but for my family to help others. After walking away from my first Heroes On The Dunes event, I was humbled with how rewarding the experience was. I was extremely honored and excited to accept this position to help recognize and celebrate those who serve and protect our country.
Shane Moore
Director – Hike for Vets
I spent 6 years proudly serving in the United States Navy. I love to hike and am passionate about helping veterans deal with their mental health challenges. I created Hike for Vets back in 2017 as part of my effort to hike across the country raising money and awareness for homeless veterans. It is my pleasure to bring Hike for Vets under The Heroes Operation umbrella and look forward to helping my fellow vets deal with their dark times and teaching them the joys of the great outdoors.
Anna Bateson
Director
As a nurse caring for others has always come naturally for me. I first started working with veterans in an equine therapy program at my farm and have now been blessed with the time and opportunity to volunteer with The Heroes Operation. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to our service personnel and first responders. I feel it is important work as sadly this is often an underserved population; our heroes so often look after others but have difficulty asking for help for themselves.
My experience with Heroes to-date has been very rewarding and humbling for myself and my family. I look forward to working with many more great people, creating new opportunities in the future.
Jeff DeVito
Director
I am an airline mechanic that moved to a USPS technician specializing in security and facilities maintenance. I have a degree in business management and extensive training in electronics and motor vehicle repair. My wife Carol and I have always enjoyed helping non-profits from BMX racing to Scouting and food pantries. It is a great honor to be on the board of The Heroes Operation and has been the most satisfying. The greatest feeling I have ever had is watching a Hero smile from the inside.
Scott Benedict
Director
I am Scott Benedict, better known as Scottie B. I am an owner/operator of a third generation of Baker Painting LLC in Ionia County. I fell in love with Silver Lake Sand Dunes when I came up in 2005. After my first experience with The Heroes on the Dunes, I knew I had found my passion. Sand dunes plus honoring veterans and first responders. The brave men and women who gave so much. It is a great honor to give back and share my love for the dunes.
TEAM MEMBERS
American Hero
First Responder
Desert Storm
MAKE A DONATION
Your generous donations make it possible for The Heroes Operation to continue helping the men and women in uniform that put themselves on the line every day.
BE A VOLUNTEER
Time makes all things possible and your time helps us make a better world for the heroes that make a better world for us.