Atlas

Jack enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. He was assigned for 1/24 A Co, 4th Marine Division. He took part in funeral duties and fundraisers for fallen Marines. His primary military occupational specialty was Machine Gunner 0331 where he employed the M240B machine gun.

Jack pursued his degrees during this time in hopes of receiving a commission to fly for the Marine Corps. During his time in college and service in the Marine Corps, while in college he was awarded Dean's list 3 times. Jack received his pilot's license during this time.

Jack put college, flight school, and his business on hold after the call for help from President Zelenskyy for anyone who can hold a weapon. Jack, without regard for his safety, bought a plane ticket on his 22 birthday (February 25th) to come and help fight off the Russian aggressors and got right to work. In the first week, Jack helped extract 12 families. When he could have left he continued and continues to fight the Russian aggressor, and will continue to supply critical aid to service members, refugees as well as the people of Ukraine.

Darion Hester, who everyone calls Tex, is a proud Texan from San Antonio, and a recent addition to Atlas Global Aid‘s efforts in Ukraine.

During the invasion and occupation in Winter 2022, Darion found it difficult to reconcile with the conflict from his home in San Antonio, and very quickly made the decision that he wanted to help those in Ukraine who did not have adequate resources to protect and defend themselves.

Despite having no prior military experience, Darion made the decision to travel to Ukraine to join the fight to protect Ukraine from the Russian aggressors. He first met Jack when they found themselves in the same group of volunteers in Spring 2022. Darion is a comforting and emotional person and he uses those qualities to drive his passion to help others.

Because of his selfless attributes and willingness to serve others, Tex has found a home with Atlas Global Aid. He will often be found working on projects that provide aid and comfort to those in need. He spends his free time reading and has started to explore all that the beautiful country of Ukraine has to offer. Tex is ready to stand with Atlas Global Aid and fight for a better future and Atlas is proud to have him on board.

Madelyn enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, where she served on active duty for over 5 years. She held billets in almost every available environment as a Navy Corpsman, including beginning her tour of duty with three years in the Emergency Department, Labor and Delivery, and the Multiservice Ward. Madelyn made the move to "green side" and spent the final two years of her enlistment working with the Marine Corps supporting 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and various other Marine Corps units. While on active duty, she pursued her degree in Criminal Justice, and almost concurrently with her honorable discharge from the United States Navy, she received her B.S. in Criminal Justice. 

In June of 2022, the day her contract ended as an active duty sailor, Madelyn flew directly to Poland and made her way to Ukraine, using her expertise to assist a non-governmental organization in training military members and civilians in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). She has a passion for the impact that well-practiced medicine can have on an individual and loves to share the skills and knowledge she attained and honed in the U.S. Navy with the people in her family's ancestral home of Ukraine. 

Shortly after arriving in Ukraine, Madelyn started working alongside Jack Frye, President of Atlas Global Aid. Jack realized that Madelyn shared the same passion and vision for helping people that embodies the ethos of Atlas Global Aid. While they completed numerous tasks that were deemed to be improbable, at best, and nigh-unto-impossible, at worst, they determined that Madelyn would be a great fit for the Atlas team as a Director of a medical program. In December of 2022, based on her dedication to Atlas' vision, her relentless drive, and her forethought pertaining to future operations. Atlas' founding members voted to bring Madelyn on board as their Chief Medical Advisor.

A lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast region, Madelyn enjoys surfing, paddle boarding, and scuba diving when she travels home to visit family. Her work-related passions include traveling to conflict regions around the globe and assisting trauma and operating teams in high-stress environments.