Daniel Vargas, (E6-USAF Retired)

Director of the Family Support Network

Dan began assisting our nation’s wounded and disabled Iraq and Afghanistan war heroes while serving as a non-commissioned officer with the United States Air Force.

Working closely with the Coalition since 2004, Dan was instrumental in planning and coordinating special recreational and therapeutic activities for hundreds of wounded service members while they were undergoing extensive treatment and therapy at Brook Army Medical Center and other military treatment facilities.

Additionally, he is a highly effective “hero advocate” educating the public as to the needs and challenges of the seriously wounded and disabled—while ensuring service-members are kept abreast of the ever-evolving benefits and services designed to meet their unique needs. An expert in military protocol, Dan is also responsible for communicating and coordinating Coalition efforts with key senior military and civilian team members at military and VA Hospitals.

Recently retired after 20 years with the United States Air Force, Dan continues his commitment to assist wounded heroes as the Coalition’s Director of the Family Support Network.

Jorge DeLeon

Assistant Director of the Family Support Network, Liaison to Brooke Army Medical Center, National Spokesman

Jorge joined U.S. Army in 2001 after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. On his fourth deployment to Afghanistan in April 2004, Jorge was severely injured when the Humvee he was driving ran over an anti-tank mine.

Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. His lost his right leg immediately in the explosion and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg.

Jorge briefly returned to law enforcement, working for the Department of Defense as a radio operator with the police department at Fort Sam Houston.

He joined CSAH in the summer of 2007 as Assistant Director of the Family Support Network and CSAH Liaison to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). In this capacity, he pairs service members and their families at BAMC with CSAH programs to help them rebuild their lives.

Cpl. B.J. Jackson, Iowa National Guard (Ret.)

Director of Events / National Spokesman

B.J. Jackson enlisted in the Iowa National Guard 1999 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003.  On August 7, 2003, his first day off in over a month, the Humvee that B.J. was driving through the city of Baghdad, hit a landmine. 

After being stabilized, B.J. was sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX to begin treatment for severe burns and the loss of both legs below the knees.

B.J. joined CSAH in 2004 as a National Spokesman. While he now jokes that he'll probably never have a career in roofing again, he is able to inspire other wounded services members with his belief that no matter what the circumstance may be, there are no limits to what a person can do.

In 2007, B.J. expanded his role with CSAH when he became Director of Events. In addition to his speaking commitments , he works with volunteers across the country coordinating grass roots events that raise awareness and funds for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.

Currently, B.J. lives in Iowa with his wife, Abby, and their three children.

Cpl. Donny Daughenbaugh, USMC (Ret.)

Director of Events / National Spokesman

Donny Daughenbaugh was deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps on October 12, 2004 and on night foot patrol when a vehicle sped past his unit, screeched to a stop and opened fire with an AK-47.  He was shot in the face by the attackers, the bullet barreling through his left cheekbone. It lodged between the base of his skull, missing vital nerves by millimeters. The bullet was left in place because it was too close to his brain to remove.

Donny joined the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes in 2007 as a National Spokesperson and Director of Events.  As a spokesman, he inspires audiences around the country with his infectious humor and positive attitude.  As Director of Events, he helps patriotic volunteers organize and execute grass root events to raise awareness and funds for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes.

Donny now lives in Iowa with his wife and their young daughter.

Cpl. J.R. Martinez, U.S. Army (Ret.)

National Spokesman / National Spokesperson Liaison

J.R. Martinez was born in Shreveport, LA on June 14, 1983. He enlisted in the United States Army in September 2002 and underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell in January of 2003, he was assigned to his unit 2/502 Delta Company. He was deployed to Iraq in February of that same year.

After his injury in April 2003, he spent 34 months at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, undergoing approximately 32 different surgeries. After his recovery, he joined CSAH as a National Spokesman. He has since worked with CSAH to promote their financial assistance and support programs to other wounded service members and inspire the lives of others through his amazing story of resilience, perseverance and optimism.

J.R. oversees the CSAH's national network of spokesmen, which consists of over 15 troops and their families.