Michael Schlitz now finds it his mission to give back to the Veteran and First Responder Communities. Schlitz regularly travels the country for speaking engagements and events. Since the injury, he has returned to Iraq three times to mentor wounded and non-wounded veterans, supported the establishment of multiple new non-profit organizations and had the honor of speaking in front of Congress on issues facing Veterans today. Micheal Schlitz is a proud Robert Irvine Foundation Ambassador, he shares the vision, values, and passion to give back to the Military and First Responders who have given so much for our Great Nation.

In 2007, he launched the IM ABLE Foundation, with the mission to remove obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from being physically active by providing grants, resources, fitness opportunities, and motivation. His motto was simply, “Get Up and Move!”. He has developed programs like IM FIT, a free fitness class for all adaptive children and young adults to practice the fundamentals of exercise together in a supportive and motivational environment, Operation Lead From the Front, a mentorship program that matches adaptive athletes with veterans in a relationship fostered around physical fitness and fun, and Rally Point, geared around his passion for the trails, which joins the adaptive and able-bodied community on various level bike rides through the Berks county trails and beyond. The IM ABLE Foundation has also awarded hundreds of equipment grants to motivated and deserving individuals in the adaptive community.

He has been able to accomplish great things with the support of his resilient and ever-supportive wife and fellow trainer, Gretchen Kaag. Their rambunctious and lovable son, Carter, is a testament to the Kaag culture.

Chris Kaag is an inspiration to everyone, able-bodied and adaptive, that he encounters, and he encourages them to celebrate the abilities they have, rather than focus on those they don’t. Chris, his family, his team, and his community believe that an active lifestyle is achievable for all, regardless of their abilities. Chris is a Robert Irvine Foundation IBOT recipient and is honored to be a part of Robert’s Ambassadors.

A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson’s life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson’s greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Col. Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by his severe and permanent injuries, he has continued to draw upon the lessons of Pride, Poise, and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and apply them to his life, career, and family.

He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from West Point. He has served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He announced his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2014. Col. Gadson has served in various assignments throughout the world, dedicating himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees, and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans, and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testifying before Congress on issues related to these groups.

In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. Col. Gadson talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance, and adversity. Although he refuses to take any credit, the Giants players and coaches have heralded the key inspirational role he played in their unprecedented season, culminating as victors of the 2008 Super Bowl. Col. Gadson currently maintains his mentoring relationship with the Giants. In addition, Col. Gadson has delivered his inspirational message and leadership counsel to numerous sports teams, corporate and non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Col. Gadson also established himself as an actor, acting in several movies and appearing in many TV shows. In 2012, he starred in the American military science fiction action war film Battleship, portraying the role of Lieutenant Colonel Mick Canales. He is also an avid photographer. In 2023, he wrote a book called Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose. Col. Gadson is looking forward to sharing his story and spreading the Robert Irvine Foundation’s mission as an Ambassador.

Tracie is also the proud mother of a son who served for four years in the Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Sergeant, and was stationed in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being honorably discharged, he joined the Erie County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and later became a Sergeant with the Erie Police Department, where he has served since 2009. On July 30th, 2023, he was shot in the line of duty and is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in that incident.

Since her retirement, Tracie has remained active with her family, particularly enjoying time with her four granddaughters. In 2023, the Robert Irvine Foundation provided her with an IBot wheelchair, which has allowed her to enjoy outdoor activities and family events more independently, enhancing her quality of life.