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2021 Military Heroes

William (Bill) Burns, nominated by Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America

William (Bill) Burns, nominated by Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America

Raiders vs. Broncos, Week 16

William Burns served in the Army from 1977 to 1990, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant 11B30H. As an infantryman, he served as a rifleman, M60 gunner, team leader and squad leader. Burns also served as a Basic Training Instructor at Ft. Bliss, TX and was a Squad Leader with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. 

Burns has been a member of Paralyzed Veterans of America since 1988, serving first in the Mid-South Chapter and then transferring to the Nevada Chapter. Not long after joining the Nevada Chapter, he became a member of its Board of Directors. Burns is also a member of the Spinal Cord Wellness Group at the VA Hospital.

Zachary Peterson, nominated by Share Village Las Vegas

Zachary Peterson, nominated by Share Village Las Vegas

Raiders vs. Washington, Week 13

Zachary Peterson is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Serving from 2006-2010, he went on two tours to Iraq in support of Operational Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom. 

Currently, Peterson is a dedicated employee for Share Village as a security officer where he exhibits compassion for others while maintaining tactful demeanor at work. When he's not working, he likes to be at Horses4Heroes.

Peterson has been awarded the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Thomas Green, nominated by Share Village Las Vegas

Thomas Green, nominated by Share Village Las Vegas

Raiders vs. Bengals, Week 11
Thomas Green served eight years in the U.S. Air Force receiving the rank of EV Sergeant. Green had two deployments to the Philippines and Korea, and trained dogs for bomb and drug detection.

Green has received five awards for expert marksmanship, including the Expert Marksmanship Medal, Longevity ribbon, NCO ribbon, and Explosive Detector Dog certificate.

Sojourner Stewart, nominated by 432 Maintenance Group

Sojourner Stewart, nominated by 432 Maintenance Group

Raiders vs. Chiefs, Week 10
Staff Sergeant Sojourner Stewart joined the U.S. Air Force in 2015, beginning her career stationed at Creech Air Force base as an MQ-9 Crew Chief. Stewart deployed in support of Operation NOMAD SHADOW, where she maintained oversight of the unit's support equipment leading her team to win the 414th team of the quarter award. Her skills quickly gained the attention of her supervision and she was nominated to become a maintenance instructor for the 432 Maintenance Group. As an instructor, she ensured 809 personnel were trained to provide agile combat support on 12 deployments worldwide. 

Stewart logged numerous volunteer hours coordinating monetary donations and providing food services for the Salvation Army and coordinated a clothing drive for the local homeless community yielding 2,267 items.

Stewart has received the Associates in Aircraft Maintenance Technology 2021, Associates in Business Administration 2020, and Air Force Achievement Medal 2020.

Shannon Coughran, nominated by 432 Support Squadron

Shannon Coughran, nominated by 432 Support Squadron

Raiders vs. Chiefs, Week 10
Shannon Coughran joined the U.S. Air Force in 2019. After graduating basic training, she trained to be a Client Systems Technician at Keesler Air Force Base. Coughran then arrived at Creech Air Force Base and is currently serving in the 432d Support Squadron as part of the Communications Flight. Coughran's IT talents, paired with her positive attitude, have helped fellow Airmen to achieve new levels of understanding and customer support. 

Coughran has devoted some of her off-duty time to direct traffic for HallowCreech, provide security at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for a NASCAR race, participate in the Air Force Sergeant's Association POW/MIA Remembrance Run, and organize donation items at the Nellis Air Force Base Airman's Attic. 

Coughran has received the Security+ certified network technician, 432d Support Squadron Airman of the Quarter, and 432d Support Squadron Airman of the Year.

Jacob Tucco, nominated by Nevada Test and Training Range

Jacob Tucco, nominated by Nevada Test and Training Range

Raiders vs. Eagles, Week 7
Staff Sergeant Jacob Tucco enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2016 as a Surveillance Technician and Interface Control Technician at Aviano AB, Italy. During his assignment, he was deployed to United Arab Emirates in support of Operation Resolute Support, Combined Defense of the Arabian Gulf, and Operation Inherent Resolve. In 2021, he moved to Nellis AFB, Nevada as the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Interface Control Branch.

Tucco is a Joint Interface Control Cell Watch Officer for the Nevada Test and Training Range responsible for the planning and management of the Department of Defense's robust tactical data link infrastructure.

 Tucco has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long Tour, and Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon.

Michael Romanowski, nominated by Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America

Michael Romanowski, nominated by Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America

Raiders vs. Eagles, Week 7
Michael Romanowski served in the U.S. Air Force from 1994-1998 as a Military Police Officer. Since 2018, he has worked at the Mob Museum in various capacities, most recently as a training officer in the Firearms Training Simulator serving as the experience facilitator and guide.

Romanowski established a nonprofit supporting the only wheelchair basketball team in Nevada. He manages the team and foundation by actively leading the board, developing a vision for the future, and supporting adaptive sports and disabled athletes in the community.

Romanowski currently serves as Vice President of Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Wendell Blaylock, nominated by Merging Vets and Players

Wendell Blaylock, nominated by Merging Vets and Players

Raiders vs. Bears, Week 5
Wendell Blaylock is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as a Biomedical Services Officer achieving the rank of Captain. Blaylock has advocated successfully for the development of organizational programs, policies, and practices significantly increasing diversity and inclusion onboarding, mentoring, and promotion within a multinational banking and financial services holding company.

In 2012 he was appointed as an advisor to the U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, assisting with fact-finding investigations and the dissemination of information pertinent to local and state civil rights issues. Blaylock was reappointed to a four-year term as the Chair of the Nevada State Advisory Committee to the Commission through 2020.

Blaylock has served or is serving on multiple committees, commissions or organizations that improve veterans and black community causes including Teach for America Advisory Board, U.S. Commission of Civil Rights, Nevada Veterans Service Commission, and National Association for Black Veterans.

Gregorio Siles, nominated by USO Nevada

Gregorio Siles, nominated by USO Nevada

Raiders vs. Dolphins, Week 3
Gregorio Siles has been in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. After basic military training, he went to Technical Training School for Aviation Resource Management and was stationed at Kadena AB, Japan and Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. He's currently at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Siles' job is Aviation Resource Management, the last line of defense to ensure aircrew members or parachutists are qualified to do the tasked mission.

Siles is active in his community, while stationed in Japan he taught English at the local schools. He's also coached youth baseball, was committee lead for Hispanic Heritage Month for Sheppard Air Force Base and led the base Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event. He was awarded the Resiliency Trainer Assistant Certificate and held discussions and events to boost morale. 

Siles has received the AF Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, 2016 and 2017 Kadena Amn Aviation Resource Manager of the Year, 2017 Airman of the Year, 909th Air Refueling Squadron, 2019 Sheppard Noncommissioned Officer Aviation Resource Manager of the Year, and 2019 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, 469th Fighter Training Squadron.

Jonathan Jones, nominated by U.S. Air Force

Jonathan Jones, nominated by U.S. Air Force

Raiders vs. Bears, Week 5
Jonathan Jones began his military career in 2004 as an F-16 Avionics technician landing at Osan AB in South Korea as an Airman First Class. He maintained F-16s in the defense of South Korea and the U.S. Jones went to Shaw AFB South Carolina performing various Operation Noble Eagle missions then returned to South Korea at Gimhe AB as a Lead Avionics Technician. Taking his expertise to Aviano AB, Italy he supported F-16 operations during Operation Unified Protector earning a commendation medal and the rank of Staff Sergeant for his efforts.

Currently, he's located at Nellis AFB, Nevada where he leads 54 Airmen at the world-famous "Chop Shop" Tomahawks Aircraft Maintenance Unit.

Jones has been awarded Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Short, AF Overseas Ribbon Long, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, AF Longevity Service, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle), AF Training Ribbon, and NATO Medal.

Lester Sherman, nominated by Kline Veterans Fund

Lester Sherman, nominated by Kline Veterans Fund

Raiders vs. Dolphins, Week 3
Lester Sherman is a U.S. Army veteran drafted out of his post-college employment at Ford Motor Company. After training at Fort Polk, LA., he was assigned to the Army War College, Carlisle, PA., where he managed the non-appropriated fund accounting. Sherman completed his active military service with a rank of E5.

As a CPA, he started his own public accounting firm and later became Vice President of Akron Children's Hospital. He is one of the original directors of the Kline Fund and has held the position of Treasurer for several years, guiding the financial operations of the organization through critical periods of restructuring and growth, all as a volunteer.

He is a past president of Temple Sinai Las Vegas and has a decades-long track record of serving the community through his involvement with KVF, Temple Sinai and other community forward organizations.

SSgt Brianna Hogan, nominated by Nellis Air Force Base

SSgt Brianna Hogan, nominated by Nellis Air Force Base

Raiders vs. Ravens, Week 1
SSgt Hogan serves as an Administrative Troop for the United States Air Force Weapons School Commandant at Nellis Air Force Base. In her current position, she manages personnel and recognition programs that impact unit member promotions. Prior to her assignment at Nellis AFB, she served as Executive Support at 2nd Air Force, Keesler AFB Mississippi.

Some of her recent honors include being named 57th Wing Force Support Non-commissioned Officer of the Year 2020, United States Air Force Weapons School Force Support Airman of the Year 2019 and Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 652 Top Recruiter 2019.

While in Mississippi, she served as a volunteer youth cheerleading coach, organized weekend beach clean ups and volunteered at the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies. She continues to bring her commitment to service to her work at Nellis Air Force Base.

Chief Master Sergeant Terrance A. Johnson, nominated by 57 MXG

Chief Master Sergeant Terrance A. Johnson, nominated by 57 MXG

Raiders vs. Ravens, Week 1
Chief Johnson is the squadron Superintendent for the 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Air Combat Command, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada where he manages maintenance and flying hour programs. The 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is part of the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, charged with delivering world class generation of airpower in support of test, tactics, and training missions.

Chief Johnson has been in the Air Force for 27 years. His background is comprised of various duties in the maintenance career field including flight line crew chief, maintenance operation center controller, flight line expeditor and Production Superintendent.

He has received many awards including a Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Chief Johnson is also involved with the Iron Sharpens Iron Mentorship program where he mentors local inner-city Las Vegas youth in an effort to help empower young men with the skills and resources necessary to be successful in life.

Master Sergeant Rafael Aguilera, nominated by 72nd Military Police Company

Master Sergeant Rafael Aguilera, nominated by 72nd Military Police Company

Raiders vs. Seahawks, Preseason Week 1
MSG Aguilera has served in the military for 21 years and has 16 years of experience in law enforcement. He most recently helped lead the Joint Task Force 17 for COVID-19 response in southern Nevada and was instrumental in administering more than 650,000 COVID-19 tests in the community during the height of the pandemic. After the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, his team distributed over 560,000 vaccines in Southern Nevada, to include rural areas that were otherwise cutoff from vital resources.

Among MSG Aguilera many awards are the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

He partners with eight first responding agencies in the state to teach active shooter response. In his spare time, he coaches and mentors youth sports and trains local law enforcement.

Lori Bordman, nominated by Kline Veterans Fund

Lori Bordman, nominated by Kline Veterans Fund

Raiders vs. Seahawks, Preseason Week 1
Bordman is a retired Master Sergeant with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force. She is a decorated Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom veteran with multiple deployments in service of our country. She now owns and operates an Amusement, Exhibit and Events Company in Las Vegas and serves as Secretary of the Kline Veterans Fund board of directors.

A combat engineer assigned to both 820th and 555th RED HORSE squadrons as an electrician, Bordman was promoted to Superintendent of the Electrical and Power Production shops. Her team built four tactical operations centers in Baghdad. The team was requested, by the Army, because of their self-sufficiency and for the multiple skill sets they bring to a project.

Boardman is passionate about helping female veterans transition into civilian life and getting them the services they need and is committed to raising awareness of the unique challenges female veterans face. She has a consistent record of service to both our country and community through her volunteer service on the Kline Veterans Fund board of directors and other veterans service organizations.