Charlotte
Charlotte Community Leader
Mark Russell Outreach Director
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC since ’78, I’ve seen our city go from a quiet country spot to a full-blown Metropolis in the last 45 years. I’ve always been all about exercise and fitness. Got my BS in Exercise Physiology from UNC-Greensboro in ’91 and came back to Charlotte with one big goal: making our community healthier. And that’s what I did for the next 24 years, running Body By Design Personal Training Studio and working as the Exercise Physiologist for the Presbyterian Hospital Bariatric Program. The results? Amazing!
Then I switched gears for 7 years, working in Medical Device Sales, helping folks around here get back on their feet, literally, after tough accidents or injuries. But in 2022, everything changed with just an email – it was a job posting for a Regional Director role at a non-profit Christian organization. Guess what? I got the job, focusing on helping our local Veterans and First Responders.
I’ve been pouring my heart into this, working weekends, organizing golf tournaments and outings for these incredible men and women. One of the biggest things recently? We’re helping a retired quadriplegic Marine to drive again – something he thought he’d never do. My mission’s simple: give back to the community that raised me and fight for the freedoms we cherish. It’s the least I can do for these heroes!
Team Members
Kevin Flanary
Timothy Dumais
Sky Merto
Carl Wheeler
Tim Wong
Jacob Branson
Highlighted Veteran Projects
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Malik started his law enforcement path early, inspired to serve. At 15, he joined the North Miami Beach Police as a Police Explorer and later served five years in the U.S. Navy, continuing in the U.S. Airforce National Guard.
On March 26, 2023, Officer Daricaud was tragically shot in the neck during a traffic stop. Despite this, he remains stable and is courageously recovering. His journey ahead is tough, but he’s hopeful.
During this time, his wife and son’s love supports Officer Daricaud. Yet, with hospital and rehab costs, plus lost income, his family faces financial challenges.
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Blair Didion, a U.S. Army Medic from 2001-2008, bravely served two tours in Iraq. In 2006, he sustained multiple spinal fractures in combat, marking his service with valor. Born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio, Blair’s life post-service has been challenging.
Recently, Blair, along with his wife and their beloved dog and cat, faced eviction and homelessness. Our organization stepped in to assist, ensuring they find a new home and regain stability. We’re committed to supporting Blair and his family during this difficult period.
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This is Lance Knadler. He was born in Camp Lejeune, NC December 1989 and served in the United States Marine Corps (Infantry) from 2012-2018. He moved to Montana and started working as a correctional officer at Montana State Prison in June 2018. On August 15th, 2018, he was riding passenger when his vehicle was hit by a moose at 80mph. He broke his C5, suffered a spinal cord injury, and was in ICU for a month and rehab for 4 months at Puget Sound in Washington State and McGuire Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. He currently resides in Saint Pauls, NC with his wife (Jessica) and daughter (Yvie).
100% of your donation goes to help Lance drive. Our organization will match your donation.*
Phase 1 of the Driver Rehabilitation training has been paid for by Guardian Community, and Lance will begin with the therapist TODAY!
We’re on a mission to help as many as we can this year. Want to join the fight?
How You Can Lend a Hand
- Donate: Every dollar you contribute helps us support our heroes.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join in our efforts.