J.B. SPISSO (Founder and Chief Executive Officer) has 23 years of
military experience, including 10 years in Special Operations where he led US Army Rangers in combat (Panama - 1989 & Haiti - 1994). He has extensive experience has a leader, trainer and educator, including experience as a Drill Sergeant; Special Operations Instructor, Officer Candidate School Instructor; and as the Head Baseball Coach of the US Military Academy Prep School. J.B. has over 20 years of supervision and management experience including serving as a Ranger Platoon Sergeant; First Sergeant of the US Military Academy Preparatory School and First Sergeant of the New York Army National Guard Officer Candidate School. As a First Sergeant, he is the Senior Enlisted Trainer for potential Army Officers, both at West Point and through Officer Candidate School. Experience in facilities management was gained through 5 years as a General Manager of the Army Athletics Sports Complex at West Point, where he supervises and manages Division I Collegiate Athletic events in venues ranging from 2,500 to 38,000. He is responsible for the security operations at these locations, as well as emergency planning. J.B. has attended numerous leadership and special operations courses throughout his military career and holds a Bachelor's degree in Management. J.B. is well known throughout the military for his ability to inspire and motivate with a passion that speaks louder than words.
LONA SPISSO (Company President & Operations Officer) is a Military Intelligence Officer with over 10 years of military and civilian leadership experience. Currently serves as the primary S-1 for an Army National Guard Regiment. Her current span of control also extends as the Special Projects Officer (SPO) for not only the Regiment but its highly acclaimed Officer Candidate School (OCS) Program. She has extensive training and experience in management and administration. She has done extensive work in the mental health field and is proficient at assisting others in determining the root causes of the issues which hamper the performances in mangers and athletes. Lona holds a Top Secret Security Clearance and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work.
JERRY STECKMEISTER (Vice-President & Web Administrator) has over 7 years experience in law enforcement, and is currently a Police Sergeant. His current duties include supervising Police Officers engaged in law enforcement and protective services at government office buildings and transportation facilities (including an international airport). Jerry has supervised security operations at various types of facilities including: universities, corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies, and research and development sites. Jerry also has 14 years of military experience, including combat service in Operation Desert Storm and 8 years in the Military Police. Jerry has completed the Army Primary Leadership Development Course and Officer Candidate School. He currently serves as a Lieutenant in charge of Training and Operations, and he holds a Secret Security Clearance.
LOU DELLI-PIZZI (Primary Trainer & Task Team Leader) is an experienced investigator with 18 years of law enforcement experience. He is currently a 2nd Grade Detective with the NYPD. His experience includes conducting investigations at all levels from street crimes to homicides and organized crime. He has worked with and been assigned to various multi-Agency task forces including the INS, ATF, and DEA. Lou's assignments include the Special Investigation Division Weapons of Mass Destruction Unit. He currently works in the Organized Crime Control Bureau, Firearms Investigation Unit. Lou has extensive experience with long term and short term undercover operations, as well as tactical apprehension and high risk search warrant executions. He has received the Medal of Valor twice, several other commendations, and the NYPD Commissioners Certificate of Excellence. He also has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Clark University. Lou is also a 2005 graduate of Officer Candidate School and is an Army Infantry Officer with a secret security clearance.
TARA DAWE (Primary Trainer & Task Team Leader) is veteran NYPD Detective with 8 years of law enforcement experience. Tara is also a Military Police Lieutenant with 8 years of military experience. She graduated the Army Officer Candidate School at the top of her class and has served in combat operations in Bosnia and Iraq. Tara’s ability to lead by example has set the standard in every military and civilian course she has attended. Tara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and holds a Secret Security Clearance.
SCOTT SMILINICH (Primary Trainer & Task Team Leader) is a High School Teacher and a 15 veteran of the Army National Guard. Scott graduated from the Army Primary Leadership Development Course as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. He has completed numerous other military courses, including: Air Assault School, the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Course, the Battle Staff Course, and the Army Instructor Training Course. Scott currently serves as the NCO in charge of Operations and Training for a Military Police Company, and as an instructor for the Army National Guard Officer Candidate School. Scott was one of only 50 Non-Commissioned Officers, nationwide, selected to participate in an exchange program to train in Scotland with the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Scott has a Bachelor's Degree in Physics from Alfred University. Scott is currently deployed fighting the war on terrorism in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
WILLIAM S. HART (Primary Trainer & Task Team Leader) is a Police Officer currently assigned to the New York City Police Department’s elite Emergency Service Unit. As part of his training, he underwent rigorous instruction that involved his obtaining Emergency Medical Technician certification, SCUBA certification, Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and ROCO Rescue ropes technician certification. He received extensive training in urban tactics and other components of emergency services, as well.
Now a Captain, William has served in the United States Army and the Army National Guard for 18 years. He graduated from Army Ranger School and the Army National Guard New York State Officer Candidate School. A veteran of foreign combat, William volunteered to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for that service. William has served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader and Executive Officer. He is currently the Senior TAC Officer at the New York State Officer Candidate School. William is a graduate of Iona College where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
JOE REILLY (Primary Trainer & Task Team Leader) is an Aviation Officer with the NY Army National Guard. He is currently a 2nd Lieutenant serving as Platoon Leader in an Air Assault company. Joe will be attending US Army Flight School and then the Qualifying Course for Blackhawk Helicopters. Joe is the Distinguished Honor Graduate from the 2006 NYARNG Officer Candidate School.
In the civilian realm Joe works as a Certified Surgical Technologist at New York Hospital (Queens). His specialties are in Cardiac and Orthopedic surgeries. Joe is also a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under UFC Fighter Matt Serra. He currently trains at the famed Renzo Gracie’s academy in NYC.