OUR MISSION
- to rescue the rescuers -
Our Team
Krystal Hess
Founder / Executive Director
If anyone understands the challenges of starting over, it’s Krystal Hess. In 2011, Krystal left an abusive marriage. She dreamed of reinventing herself by moving from Canada to the sunny southwestern United States and learning to ride motorcycles. “I didn’t ever have bikes on my radar until I got divorced in Canada,” she said. “It was going to be my way of starting over, doing something cool.” Krystal met a guy who built custom motorcycles and moved to Austin, Texas to be with him. Within a year of her move, however, her new boyfriend attempted suicide, involving Krystal in a traumatic way. Once again, Krystal found herself picking up the pieces of her life — and the pieces of a motorcycle they had planned to rebuild together. “I had this big problem on my hands,” she said. “I had a motorcycle that I owned that was in a million pieces.” Rebuilding that motorcycle changed her life, and made her a true believer in the transformative power of two-wheeled machines. “I compare it to [the healing process] all the time,” said Krystal. Every part I put on the bike, I put back together a part of myself.” Since then, Krystal has rebuilt several motorcycles, started a successful powder coating business, and founded Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans with PTSD heal through motorcycles.
Words by Loryn Cole, www.we-ridewell.com
DARIN CHARTIER
President
Darin is a manufacturing industry professional of more than 35 years, enabling aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and space organizations to build complex applications. Through his executive position at EOS North America, Darin was first introduced to Motorcycle Missions in early 2022. Darin quickly realized he found an organization that connected his manufacturing and engineering expertise with his respect and admiration of our nation’s veterans and first responders.
Darin is passionate about growing Motorcycle Mission’s therapeutic impact through motorcycle riding, building, and sense of community. As President, Darin looks forward to sharing his professional experience and knowledge in support of Motorcycle Mission’s values, veterans, first responders, and leaders.
Joey Lee Willhite
Vice President / USMC Veteran
Joey Lee Willhite is a Senior Manager in Development & User Experience Design in the Software Define Vehicle space covering the Gauge Cluster, Telematics & GM Defense for General Motors. His role is to help deliver best practices in development and the future of end to end User Experience in General Motors Applications and Vehicles. He has been involved in the motorcycle racing industry since 1997, and was the youngest Tech Director for AMA Prostar, AMA Dragbike & Texas Shootout Dragbike Series. He has had the pleasure of working with & learning from some of the best mentors and racers in the industry. With the support of his son Ian & loving wife Cynthia (high school sweetheart since 1991) he has taken that knowledge to build a motorcycle racing career that has spanned Road, Drag & Top Speed Racing. The knowledge he’s gained has supported his want to build, tune & race his own motorcycles to win championships and set records.
His grandfather & the experience in the Marine Corps turned him into the kind of person he is today. (USMC - 1st Marine Division – 1st Reconnaissance Battalion: - Scout Sniper) Also, a graduate of the Harvard University with a PhD in Technology & Operations Management, Business.
Joey was introduced to Motorcycle Missions and Krystal Hess through Steve Klein in 2015 and in 2019, was asked to be a build mentor for build 10, later joining the board in 2023. “While that carries many hats from mentor, supporter, teacher, builder, worker & most of all friend/brother, I feel that my ears to listen & stories to relate are the best support!”
ADRIEN THOM
Secretary / Army Veteran
Bio Coming Soon!
RUTH SNOW
Treasurer / Navy Veteran
Ruth Snow brings military leadership experience and business expertise to her role as Financial Secretary/Treasurer. As a US Navy Seabee veteran who served seven years (1997-2004) with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four, Ruth achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class through multiple combat deployments, including operations supporting Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She was recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her leadership during Operation Bearing Duel.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Liberty University and
recently joined Leander ISD as a substitute teacher. She also serves as President of the
Leander HS Choir Booster Club, leading fundraising efforts and volunteer coordination for music education programs.
Her connection to Motorcycle Missions began in March 2024 when she helped a friend by trailering their motorcycle to an event. Though she rode as a child, Ruth returned to motorcycles as an adult, earning her endorsement in April 2024. She quickly embraced the organization's mission, participating in First Friday events and track days before stepping up when founder Krystal needed a treasurer.
Ruth's commitment to veteran advocacy continues through her role as Chapter Service Officer with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where she helps fellow veterans navigate the claims process. Her military experience, business background, and understanding of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders make her well- suited to steward the resources that make Throttle Therapy possible for those who need it most.
BEAR HAUGHTON
Board Member at Large / Veteran
Bear is a lifelong world traveler who first developed his taste for adventure while serving with NATO and UN forces as an international PeaceKeeper. He began his military career in the Black Watch Royal Highlanders and served under American, British, and Canadian command. He's a serial entrepreneur, owner, and founder of www.whiteknucklerbrand.com and www.motorcyclesherpa.com, with both being businesses that support veterans and first responder causes.
As a Motorcycle Missions board member, he maintains the organization’s website and guides social media strategy. In recent years, Bear’s focus has shifted to charitable work, ecom consulting, and creating world-class motorcycle adventures through Motorcycle Sherpa. A partnership program in collaboration with Motorcycle Missions now provides some of these expeditions free of charge to select veterans and first responders. This project is near and dear to him—rooted in his belief that the catharsis of high mountain riding is particularly healing for these souls.
“Adrenaline saves veteran lives!”
-Bear Haughton
Sgt. JUSTIN HOMER
Advisor / Active Duty LEO
Justin is a 20 plus year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. His career started in the Patrol Division on the west side of Chicago. Justin has worked in various assignments including; Incident teams, Gun teams, Gang teams, Narcotics Division, Detective assignment and then promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Justin has served as a Motor Officer and led the Motor Detail in dignitary protection assignments and Honors Funerals. Recently he led the Detail for the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Working on the streets of Chicago Justin has experienced deadly force incidents and multiple coworker suicides. Justin being an avid motorcycle rider and motorcycle enthusiast has turned to motorcycle riding as a way of combating trauma from the job. Justin is devoting his time and energy to the success and future growth of Motorcycle Missions in the Chicagoland and Midwest area.
Rev. Dr. ROBERT DAVIS
Spiritual Care / Motorcycle Enthusiast
“Pastor Bob” has served as a Lutheran pastor for over 45 years. Originally from Iowa, he attended the University of Iowa before continuing his theological and graduate education in Chicago. He spent 33 of those years as the Senior Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville, Illinois, where he now holds the title of Pastor Emeritus.
Throughout his career, Pastor Bob has been actively involved in community service and nonprofit leadership. He has served on the boards of numerous 501(c)(3) organizations and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Advocate Health’s Foundation. For over four decades, he has also been a strong supporter of veterans' initiatives and has provided ongoing support for local fire and police departments in the communities where he has lived.
Pastor Bob is married to Nancy, and together they have two children and two grandchildren. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, he began riding as a young boy on his family's farms in Iowa. Today, he rides a 2024 Indian Pursuit Dark Horse and enjoys long-distance touring. He was introduced to Motorcycle Missions in 2023 by his friend Darin Chartier and became actively involved with the organization in 2024.
Pastor Bob is a firm believer in the concept of “throttle therapy.” For him, motorcycling has been a deeply personal and spiritual experience, offering healing and freedom through the open road. He recognizes its power to support those who carry heavy burdens—whether from combat, emergency response, or the ongoing pressures of service.
“Throttle therapy offers a sense of control, connection, and peace. It’s not a replacement for professional care, but it can be a meaningful part of the healing journey. Riding helps ground people in the present, offers camaraderie without explanation, and brings joy where there may have been pain. It’s a wellness practice that strengthens mental health, balances stress, and builds community.”
Pastor Bob is honored to serve on the Board of Motorcycle Missions and is fully aligned with the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
Robert Pandya
PR Advisor
Robert Pandya first met Motorcycle Missions visionary Krystal Hess in Austin at a motorcycle event he hosted in 2012. He has supported her efforts ever since. With a background including 35 years in the motorcycle industry, a decade as a photographer and owner of many motorcycles and a few cars, he fully understands the power of wrench therapy.
Robert was recently the Director of Communications at the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, AL. He was the first ambassador for Strider Bikes All Kids Bike charity and continues to support new rider initiatives that share the freedom, power and community that only motorcycling can deliver.
Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) John Lawton
Welding & Build Mentorship Advisor / USMC Veteran
Lieutenant Colonel John Lawton (USMC, Ret) is originally from Chico, CA and has lived in Austin, TX since 2012. He met Krystal Hess within weeks of moving there and has been with Motorcycle Missions since conception. He has always been a big fan of motorcycles, motorsports and helping Veterans and First Responders heal through motorcycle therapy, so being part of Motorcycle Missions was a natural fit. John served 23 years in the Marine Corps, both enlisted and officer, where he served four combat tours, flew the President of the United States as a Marine One Pilot and also flew Marine Corps KC-130J’s prior to his retirement in 2021. John has a highly technical background, completed his undergraduate education at Purdue University, is an FAA licensed Airframe & Powerplant mechanic and has also worked for a rocket company as a Systems, Safety and Ordnance Engineer. Currently, John works full time as a pilot for Southwest Airlines and enjoys motorcycle riding, wrenching and inventing in his shop during his off-time. He looks forward to continue helping Motorcycle Missions by being a spokesperson, helping with veteran outreach, instructing welding classes, mentoring motorcycle builds and advising the organization.
Police Commander (ret.) Robert "Uno" Richman
Advisor / USAF Veteran
Uno is a retired commander with the Austin Police Department with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. Uno began his career in the USAF and joined the Austin Police Department in 1996 where in addition to various patrol and investigative assignments he was honored to serve as a motors officer which ignited his lifelong passion for motorcycling and the freedom and camaraderie that can only be found on two wheels.
Uno became involved with Motorcycle Missions in 2017 after seeing the amazing positive influence Krystal Hess and the Motorcycle Missions alumni had on the life of a close friend.
1st Sergeant (ret.) Ross Dobelbower
Advisor / USMC & Army Veteran
Ross is a Marine Corps and Army Veteran serving a combined 23 years including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Concurrent with his military service he’s spent 28 years as a Police Officer in Texas. Ross has been an avid motorcycle rider his entire life including 7 years as a Motorcycle Officer. Ross began building bikes in his garage in 2018 as a therapy for his own PTSD. Ross was invited to be a builder on build 11 in Paris, Texas and has not looked back since, devoting his time and energy to the success and future growth of Motorcycle Missions.
Sofi Tsingos
Build Mentorship Program Advisor
You might expect someone whose childhood included being strapped to the tank of a motorcycle to steer clear of bikes as an adult — but for Texas native Sofi Tsingos, it had the opposite effect. That early experience sparked a lifelong love affair with motorized machines, thanks in no small part to her dad.
Sofi grew up wrenching on old cars and motorcycles in her father’s workshop, and the two continue to work side by side in their two-car garage in the northern suburbs of Dallas — the home base of their custom motorcycle business, GT-Moto. She first met Krystal in 2015 at the International Motorcycle Show’s Ultimate Builder Competition in Dallas, and they’ve been fast friends ever since. Since then, Sofi has mentored five Motorcycle Missions builds alongside Krystal, helping fellow veterans and first responders find healing and community through wrenching and riding.
When she's not in the garage building motorcycle suspension or working on a classic car restore with her dad, Sofi works as an MX Engine & Electric Dealer Trainer for Peterbilt, sharing her technical expertise with the next generation of mechanics and technicians.
Guest Mentors
Real Deal Revolution
Guest Mentors
Jessi Combs (the blonde) and Theresa Contreras (the brunette) are the co-creators of Real Deal Revolution, a non profit that revolutionizes the perception of skilled trades and women’s roles in them. The two met during the 2012 SEMA Business Women’s Network (SBN) Ford Mustang all female build; the car was at Theresa's paint shop and Jessi swung by to help the process. It was right then they realized a mutual appreciation and respect for each other's passion to work, devotion to details, and drive to inspire. Both are steadfast in their skillsets and carry an air of assertiveness in all they set out to do... which is a lot... because in their minds, anything is possible! FASTER THAN FEAR, WE MISS YOU, OUR JESSI COMBS. FOREVER OUR SISTER. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
Shane Conley of How2Wrench
Guest Mentors
How2Wrench was formed during a painful loss of Shane Conley’s mother due to a mistake made in her healthcare. This sparked a deep desire in him to make change in the delivery of technical education and raise awareness for scholarships in the areas of technical studies. As one of the first technician content producers on the original YouTube platform, How2Wrench has since impacted over 230 countries and it’s 16 million visitors to date.