PAUL POGUE

President
Founding Member - Paul is a founder of Minuteman, and has remained a highly active member since its inception. While delivering donated goods to Joplin following the 2011 tornado there, he was moved by the struggles suffered by victims and the high demands encountered by first responders. He recognized there was room for prepared volunteers to help in the immediate hours following such disasters. He has seen the dreams of Minuteman fulfilled and exceeded, witnessing strong growth in the team’s membership and breadth of capabilities. Asked why other people should participate with Minuteman, his reply is simple and direct:

“It is very rewarding to help those in need.”

That’s the core of the opportunity Minuteman presents and provides. Paul has been involved in Missions ministry for 40 years. He also started a commercial construction company that is 40-years strong, and now run by one of his sons. He sees the parallel successes of those endeavors as no mere coincidence. Paul is blessed by his vivacious wife, Judy, and plenty of grandchildren.

Contact

JEFF SPELMAN

Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2018 - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Jeff with an outlet to volunteer. For Jeff, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Jeff has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Jeff believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting, and hands-on.  

If you have a heart for service and do not mind getting a little dirty, stepping into the gap to provide what others cannot or will not is following the Golden Rule.

   

Contact

PETE THIEL

Deputy Director of Relief Operations Member Since 2019 - Pete got involved with disaster relief operations to assist those who were in situations beyond their control. Working hard to help others has always come naturally to Pete, so joining the MDR Team was a no-brainer for him.  

When Minuteman comes to help resolve their situation, the gratitude they express is priceless. They had no hope. We had the equipment, expertise, and willingness to help, and now they have hope.

Pete is a retired commodity trader and broker. He and his wife, a third grade school teacher, have two children, a daughter in medical school and a son entering senior year in college.    

Contact

SCOTT EVERETT

Director of National Expansion - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Scott an outlet to volunteer. For Scott, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Scott has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Scott believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting and hands-on.  

“I have been very blessed in providing for devastated communities. ”

Even as a traveling sales professional with a wife and three children, Minuteman has offered Scott a platform that provides a well-balanced life and intangible rewards.          

Contact

JOSEPH BREWSTER

Director of Media   Originally joining on with Minuteman as a part of the Rapid Response Team, Joseph has served as a volunteer since 2019 by utilizing his media background and proficient skills in drone piloting to helps those in need.  

I believe the MDR founders are driven by the needs of disaster victims and guided by a determination to expand our competencies and extend our services, and are doing so with a high level of expectation for conduct and professionalism that I believe is superior to many other similar organizations.

Jospeh is creator and entrepreneur, a father, a husband and a passionate proponent of intentional living and productivity.  

Contact

MICHAEL GAMBLE

Chaplain
Member Since 2011 - Grateful for being one of the four men who founded Minuteman after responding to Joplin, Missouri’s EF5 tornado, Michael found an avenue to express his passion to serve those affected by disasters. For Michael, the training offered by Minuteman is not only in-depth and professional, but filled with heart, compassion and desire to effectively deploy in the midst of crisis.

“We offer an incredible “on-ramp” training for any individual -- even with little or no experience.“

Michael is honored to serve as the Pastor of his local church in McKinney, Texas. He also enjoys cycling, reading, mission trips to Mexico, and Friday night pizza and movies with his wife and three children.

Contact

PHILLIP REEVES

Sawyer Coordinator Member Since 2023 - Phillip has been involved with disaster relief operations for many years and came into contact with MDR while serving those in need.  After being impressed by the organizations structure and training, he joined the team and quickly became a regular volunteer on the team.  

I love helping people, but my true passion is teaching and increasing capability in others. Helping inexperienced sawyers become faster and more efficient has been very rewarding.

Phillip is an Afgahanistan army combat veteran, former school teacher, and contractor. His girlfiend, also an MDR Member, and him split their time between their home in Louisiana and their home in Puerto Rico where they build response capabilites and oppurtunities.    

Contact

MIKE LUDTKA

Heavy Equipment Coordinator Member Since 2018 - Mike has always felt a calling to serve others in his life and has done so through many church organizations and projects.  When he learned of MDR he quickly joined and with years of experience already under his belt, Mike became a master at operating MDR's heavy equipment.  

The resources we get to use on deployment are top-notch! There's nothing better than a shower and a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of helping others.

Mike works as a Quality Assurance Supervisor for the Federal Government. He spends his time with his wife and two kids and working his classical cars.      

Contact

MARK NAMEY

Membership Coordinator
Member Since 2017 - After retirement, Mark had his sights set on becoming an EMT. However when he discovered MDR, he found a more relaxed, flexible way to provide support to those in need. Mark enjoys every opportunity to talk and pray with those affected by natural disaster. Working with MDR has provided Mark with an immense personal satisfaction that comes from giving back and and helping others.  

MDR will challenge you in learning a variety of emergency response techniques.

  Mark has been married for 31 years and has two beautiful daughters. He is a retired electrical engineer after 33 years working for Raytheon in the field of electro-optical sensors development. He is also the Outreach Director for over 25 ministries at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Community.

Contact

STAN SHERWOOD

Field Communications Coordinator
Member Since 2016 - Stan learned of Minuteman Disaster Response while his church was looking for ways to aid those suffering after a natural disaster. After attending a meeting and learning more about MDR, the concept of the rapid response team was especially appealing to him. From the start, joining MDR has been a very rewarding opportunity for Stan to make a difference in the lives of natural disaster victims, and even more rewarding to aid the first responders and families that have suffered in the same disaster.  

MDR is a great team of God-loving people who I'm honored to work with.

  When not assisting with Minuteman, Stan enjoys spending time with his wife or working at the company he’s co-owned for more than 23 years. Stan has two married sons and a daughter who's soon to be married.

Contact

WILLIAM "BILL" SOMMERS

Maintenance Coordinator
Member Since 2017 - After retiring from the McKinney Post Office, Bill was looking for a way to "pay it back" with the free time he had on his hands. When he learned about Minuteman Disaster Response he thought that it would be a perfect fit for him. Bill recounted his early days with MDR by saying that the group is full of incredible individuals that come together for a common goal.  

It is difficult to describe the feeling of satisfaction that I get after helping families that have been traumatized by disasters. Although we can’t solve all of their problems, we definitely make a difference.

  Bill leads the maintenance team for MDR, but when he's not fixing, repairing, or jerry-rigging equipment he's busy raising his dwarf goats with his wife Alisha, of 27 years.

Contact

GREG STORY

Meteorologist - Weather Operations Coordinator - Greg was introduced to Minuteman via his fellow church friends who were longstanding members of the organization, and was amazed by the desire of strangers to join together and help those in need. Being a retired meteorologist, Greg found that serving in the OPS Center would be monumental to the team's success in storm tracking.  

“We certainly need more volunteers, and I look forward to working along side you. And trust me, the work Minuteman does is rewarding. The gratitude shown by those we assist is not soon forgotten.”

Greg spends his free time with his wife, Dawn, three children, and three grandchildren. He regularly volunteers at his local church and is an avid Texas Rangers Fan.    

Contact

MICHAEL TURNBOW

sUAS Coordinator Member Since 2017 - Michael has been a drone enthusiast as long as he can recall, but even with his fascination and impressive skills, he always wanted to use his knowledge for a better cause. After teaching several drone courses inside of MDR, Michael took the position of the sUAS Coordinator.

“MDR is truly a great organization with many like-minded people who have a passion for helping people.”

Michael, a Cisco Systems employee, spends his time biking, hiking, camping, and honey-do's/DIY projects for his wife around the house. He is the proud father of his son, who is an Eagle Scout, and daughter, an SFA graduate and talented voalist.    

Contact

BILL WERNER

Gear Coordinator Member Since 2017 - Bill retired from Texas Instruments as an Electrical Engineer, and was able to substantially increase his level of participation in several community service organizations, providing support for those that have likely just experienced the most devastating day of their lives.  

MDR is a well-rounded group of highly motivated volunteers with an exceptional dedication to helping others.

  Bill spends his free time pursuing his interests in amateur radio, mountain climbing, marine aquariums and drone operations.  

Contact

KRISTI COOPER

Dallas, TX District Coordinator - Kristi joined MDR in 2017 through her church, Gateway, after searching for ways to serve her community. She notes how rewarding it is to be the hands and feet of Christ, deploying in times of need.  

“MDR is very organized, offers top-notch training, is well run, and is a respected community partner.”

Kristi is a Church Success Partner with Ministry Brands and spends her free time at Lake Texoma with her husband, two children, and one grandchild.        

Contact

WILLIAM (W.A.) DEVORE

Tulsa, OK District Coordinator - W.A. joined the Minuteman team in 2019 after witnessing first-hand disaster strike and the flood of volunteers that had come to assist residents impacted. Quickly following his joining of the organization, W.A. was placed as the District Coordinator for Tulsa, OK.  

“Anyone that wants to help people and enjoys working with other volunteers should join MDR”

W.A. is retired from the oil industry and enjoys spending time with his wife, Arlynaa, and family.    

Contact

SCOTT EVERETT

San Antonio, TX District Coordinator - With a passion to serve others in the aftermath of a disaster, Minuteman provided Scott an outlet to volunteer. For Scott, it has been a pleasure working with a growing organization that holds high standards of professionalism while also building deep, trusting relationships with other team members. The most rewarding experience for Scott has been witnessing the positive impact of his service on those who have been affected by natural disasters. Scott believes Minuteman is the right organization for any individual looking for something truly unique, exciting and hands-on.  

“I have been very blessed in providing for devastated communities. ”

Even as a traveling sales professional with a wife and three children, Minuteman has offered Scott a platform that provides a well-balanced life and intangible rewards.          

Contact

JASON HEIM

McKinney, TX District Coordinator - After traveling to Little Axe, OK, in 2013 to help with tornado cleanup, Jason felt God was calling him to partake in assisting others in a bigger way. Soon after, he joined Minuteman and quickly became a Rapid Response Team Member.  

“In 1 Peter 4:10 we are told 'As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace….'”

Jason is a Senior Inside Salesmen for Wave Electronics, who spends his days away from work with his wife or playing golf and mountain biking.    

Contact

GREG STORY

Ft. Worth, TX District Coordinator - Greg was introduced to Minuteman via his fellow church friends who were longstanding members of the organization, and was amazed by the desire of strangers to join together and help those in need. Being a retired meteorologist, Greg found that serving in the OPS Center would be monumental to the team's success in storm tracking.  

“We certainly need more volunteers, and I look forward to working along side you. And trust me, the work Minuteman does is rewarding. The gratitude shown by those we assist is not soon forgotten.”

Greg spends his free time with his wife, Dawn, three children, and three grandchildren. He regularly volunteers at his local church and is an avid Texas Rangers Fan.    

Contact