ABOUT US
Valor Initiative was founded to make a difference in the lives of veterans and first responders who have suffered physical or mental injuries. These two groups have valiantly served their communities and have a renowned respect for one another. Creating events that include members from both groups allows well-rounded camaraderie and healing. We recognize that outdoor activities offer a unique opportunity to step outside comfort zones, learn new skills, and create an atmosphere of true understanding, even during challenging times of the year.
FUELED BY
GENEROSITY
RUN ENTIRELY BY DONORS + VOLUNTEERS
MEET THE TEAM
KYLE "NELLY" NELSON
President
Kyle “Nelly” Nelson has always had a passion for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, snowboarding, and many more. Nelly was raised to tithe and give 10% as the Bible commanded. Over the years, he saw that veterans needed to be blessed by this and shifted his donations from church to veteran charities that integrated outdoor activities. He volunteered at and eventually helped run other non-profit operations at other organizations and saw how beneficial it was to both the participants and communities. Inspired even more, he decided to partner with supporters and community members in creating Valor Initiative, an organization which would utilize outdoor activities to support not only veterans, but first responders as well.
GERSON "TOC" GONZALEZ
Vice President
Toc was assigned to 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines from 2004-2008 and then 2nd Battalion 4th Marines from 2008-2015. Toc was deployed to Afghanistan numerous times from 2010 to March 2012. After his service, Toc fell in love with wake surfing and found that he enjoyed coaching and mentoring other veterans both on the water and off. He realized that not only was this camaraderie and fellowship helping himself, but that it was just as helpful and needed by those he coached. Valor Initiative gives Toc the perfect place to combine having fun and helping others in many ways.
JESSE CAMPBELL
Board Member
Jesse Campbell is a United States Marine, Iraqi War Infantry Marine, suicide survivor, and combat Infantry Veteran who served from 2002-2009. While at home on leave, a catastrophic accident due to a careless driver ended his Marine Corps career. Jesse was medically discharged due to injuries sustained to his arm, shoulder, and head. But in the winter of 2016, Jesse fell in love with snowboarding when a friend recommended, he give it a try. Snowboarding changed his life dramatically, though it was not until he took a chance to try wake surfing that he truly found his next calling. Coaching and teaching snow and water board sports has ignited a desire to help other veterans and first responders through Valor Initiative.
JAMES "GONZO" GUNSOLUS
Board Member
Gonzo served with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division from 09-13. He served in Sangin, Afghanistan where his unit and supporting units took an usually high amount of casualties. These were the moments that changed the course of his life forever. However, even after military service he would continue to find himself with a desire to help others. After being a participant at different veteran’s events, he found his true calling in helping other veterans and first responders. Valor Initiative allows Gonzo to continue to showcase his love for this amazing country.
ALEJANDRO "ALEX" MUNOZ
Board Member
Alex was a US Army Medic, and grew up in Houston, TX. He served from 1998 - 2019 with multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. The military gave Alex the opportunity to travel, to learn about different cultures, and along the way, to meet some great people that he considers family. After leaving the service, what he missed most was the brotherhood and camaraderie. Valor Initiative provides the opportunity to come together and experience that camaraderie again—and to be a part of a family that really appreciates your sacrifices, the things you have done, and the things you continue to do for your country.