The 1st Annual Rooted in Life
Summit

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, the only person to be both an F-16 fighter pilot and PGA golf professional, is the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, a foundation that has raised over $250 million to fund more than 50,000 scholarships for families of fallen or disabled U.S. military members and first responders. Inspired by a moving experience on a 2006 flight, Rooney launched Patriot Golf Days in 2007, raising $1 million in its first year.

A decorated pilot with three combat tours in Iraq, Rooney is also a motivational speaker and bestselling author of Fly Into the Wind and A Patriot’s Calling. He co-founded two golf courses, including Michigan's American Dunes, which raised over $1.1 million for Folds of Honor in 2022.

Rooney lives in Oklahoma with his wife and five daughters, continuing his mission to honor and empower military families, believing, “We are all military families, because we are all free.”

Cameron Cruse is the co-founder of R. Riveter, a company she launched in 2011 to provide mobile, flexible employment for military spouses. A military spouse and mother of two, Cameron is a passionate advocate for creativity, design, and community. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Inspired by the challenges of frequent relocations faced by military families, R. Riveter employs military spouses to craft high-quality handbags that are assembled into unique, meaningful pieces. This innovative model creates flexible jobs and fosters a strong, supportive community.

Currently residing in Texas with her family, Cameron and her co-founder have earned numerous awards for their groundbreaking approach to business and commitment to social impact.

Dr. Sarah Anderson is the Director of the Ascent Transition & Professional Development Program at an elite AFSOC-GSU unit at Pope Army Airfield. A Certified Mental Performance Coach, she holds a doctoral degree in Sport Psychology and a master’s in Clinical Counseling. With a background in sport and performance psychology and clinical counseling, she has worked with the Army, collegiate athletes, and youth sports.

Ascent assists Special Operations Forces (SOF) members in navigating their transition from military to civilian life, helping them find purpose and passion through personalized meetings, workshops, and networking events. Since 2022, the program has supported over 200 individuals and continues to develop professional courses for AFSOC members.

Raised in Mobile, AL, as the daughter of a collegiate baseball coach and a teacher, Sarah embraces her competitive family roots. A proud military spouse to Charlie, a 22-year Army veteran, and a mother of four, she remains dedicated to supporting military families and service members. Sarah also teaches online undergraduate courses in Sport & Performance Psychology at Southwest Minnesota State University.

With 34 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Colonel (Ret.) John W. Nutt’s career is defined by unique roles, including Army Attaché in East Africa, Chief of Sensitive Special Operations for the Under Secretary of Defense, and Division Chief for the DIA’s Special Operations Division.

Now an Executive Coach and independent contractor, John blends his extensive leadership expertise with a passion for experiential learning and self-mastery. His adventurous spirit recently led him to walk 1,500 miles solo along the Continental Divide Trail.

John holds a Master’s from the U.S. Naval War College, a Bachelor’s from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and an Executive Leadership Coaching certification from Brown University. His accolades include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Stars. Above all, he cherishes his 30-year marriage and his daughter, who now serves in the Army.

Cheryl L. Mason is a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and leadership expert, serving as Chief Catalyst of Catalyst Leadership Management. As the first woman and military spouse to lead the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals, she brought a people-centric, trust-based approach to leadership, earning recognition for her transformative impact. She is the author of Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart.

Cheryl has been featured on NBC’s Charlotte Today, I-Heart Radio, and over 50 podcasts. Her insights on leadership and employee engagement have appeared in platforms like CEOMonthly.com, HR.com, and HotelExecutive.com. She also consults with organizations on leadership development, cultural engagement, and relational leadership.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from Ohio Northern University and a Juris Doctor from Creighton University, Cheryl is a sought-after speaker for conferences and corporate trainings.

Speaker bio coming soon