GEORGE CHRISMAN
For more than 15 years, George Chrisman has been a driving force behind Heroes on the Water’s DFW Chapter. A non-veteran, he was invited by founder Jim Dolan to help launch the chapter and has led it ever since. As he steps down as Chapter Coordinator at the end of 2025, George will continue to support the chapter and the HOW mission that has become so meaningful to him.
A passionate advocate, George frequently shares the Heroes on the Water story with civic, veteran, and corporate groups across North Texas. Originally from southern Illinois, he learned to fish in small ponds and reclaimed strip pits before heading to college in mid-Missouri. His corporate career took him and his family around the world before settling in Allen, Texas, in the late 1970s. Outside of HOW, George stays active in community programs and enjoys collecting vintage fishing tackle – a nod to the pastime that first connected him to the organization’s mission.
JOSH DRODDY
Josh Droddy is an Iraq War veteran who served in the U.S. Army. After returning home, he faced significant challenges related to PTSD, TBI, and substance abuse, ultimately committing to recovery and prioritizing his mental health in 2010. Years later, Josh was diagnosed with a service-connected spinal cord injury that required surgery and extensive rehabilitation, forcing him to relearn how to walk.
He became involved with HOW during a pivotal point in his life. What began as a single event participation quickly grew into long-term volunteering, chapter leadership, and now ambassador. Kayak fishing has played a key role in his recovery, providing Josh with peace, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Josh currently lives in Junction City, Arkansas, where he remains deeply involved in the veteran community and is passionate about helping veterans, first responders and their families find connection, calm, and belonging through HOW.
MICHAEL LIBERTINI
Michael has been in law enforcement since 2001, and currently serves at the rank of Deputy Chief in a smaller police agency in Western Connecticut. He is a staunch supporter of mental health and wellness for police officers, and has developed department policies and formed a peer support team for his officers. He has led the Patrol Division, Detective Division, and has served on the Emergency Services Unit. He is also the recipient of the Department’s second highest award, The Police Cross, for an incident in 2009 as well as a first responder to the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012.
He currently lives inWestern Connecticut with his wife and two daughters who are regular volunteers at HOW events! He began his own Chapter of Heroes on the Water – Western Connecticut, in order to bring the benefits and healing of the HOW mission to his officers, other first responders, and veterans in the area.
SCOT RUSSELL
Scot is a US Navy Veteran who served as a Submarine Sonar Technician from 1990- 1996, He was attached to the USS Norfolk (SSN-714) fast attack submarine where he earned his Submarine Warfare (SS). He served in the Gulf war and in support of NATO in other areas. He received a Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Navy Arctic Service, and NATO Medal. He comes from a longline of Veterans, his Father is a Vietnam Veteran and his Grandfather served in the Koeran and WW2.
He was raised in North Georgia and now lives outside of Nashville, TN with his wife and youngest daughter and his oldest daughter still lives in GA with her husband who is a Police officer. He has been an avid activist in the Veteran community. He is passionate about helping others and considers working with Heroes on the Water a continuation of his service, serving fellow veterans and first responders. Scot has been part of Heroes on the Water since 2018.
STEVEN BURGE
Steven Burge is a retired US Army Veteran who served as an 11B Infantryman before transitioning into working on the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter as an Armament, Avionics, Sights, and Navigation repairer serving from 1993-2014. He has deployments to Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo, Poland, and Iraq. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (5th award), National Defense Service Medal (3rd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star (2nd award), and Overseas Service Ribbon (Kosovo).
Retiring in Williamsburg, Virginia with his wife and daughter he continues to serve with the military as an Aviation Credentialing manager. He is an avid angler and promoter of the Heroes on the Water’s mission volunteering and serving since 2012.
