Board of Directors

Founder and Executive Director

Founder and Executive Director of Enduring Freedom Company, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans, first responders, adaptive athletes, youth, and families through archery, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.

A retired Chief Master Sergeant with nearly 30 years of service in the United States Air Force Reserve, Lisa has dedicated her life to serving others through leadership, mentorship, and community-building. Drawing on her military experience and passion for creating meaningful opportunities for others, she founded Enduring Freedom Company in 2023 with a vision of providing programs that foster resilience, confidence, personal growth, and connection.

In addition to leading the organization, Lisa is an active competitive archer who participates in regional and national tournaments. Her involvement in the sport provides valuable perspective on athlete development, sportsmanship, and the positive impact archery can have on individuals of all ages and abilities.

Under Lisa’s leadership, Enduring Freedom Company has experienced significant growth, expanding its reach through archery programs, outdoor recreation initiatives, community partnerships, and special events that positively impact individuals and families throughout the region. The organization has become a place where people of all backgrounds can find support, build relationships, and discover new opportunities for personal achievement and wellness.

Lisa remains committed to ensuring the organization continues to make a lasting difference in the community by creating inclusive programs, strengthening partnerships, and providing opportunities that enrich lives through service, recreation, and the outdoors.

Vice President

Jason Tabansky is a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant whose life has been defined by service, resilience, and an unwavering drive for excellence. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Jason’s journey began in August 2001. The events of September 11th solidified his commitment to his country, leading to a distinguished 15-and-a-half-year military career. As a Chinook helicopter mechanic, crewmember, and flight instructor, he served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, with assignments spanning the globe from South Korea to Germany. His dedicated service earned him prestigious accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Senior Crew Member Badge, and the Order of Saint Michael.

In September 2015, Jason’s life took a dramatic turn when an epidural abscess led to a career-ending spinal cord injury, leaving him an incomplete tetraplegic. While the injury changed how he navigated the world, it never diminished his spirit. Pivoting to para-athletics, Jason rose to become a world-class competitor in archery. His hard work culminated in his greatest athletic achievement to date: representing Team USA as a one-time Paralympian and securing a gold medal in the Individual W1 - Men’s category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His career highlights also include multiple gold medals at the Parapan American Championships and Games between 2022 and 2024.

Beyond the archery range, Jason remains deeply committed to his community. He serves as an adaptive archery coach for both veterans and civilians and holds a position on the board of Wheelchairs for Warriors, an organization dedicated to providing specialized wheelchairs to veterans in need. A man of many talents, Jason is also a lifelong musician who plays guitar, bass, piano, and trumpet, and is currently adapting his drum kit to play once again. A passionate polyglot, he complements his native Spanish with studies in German, Portuguese, and Korean. Whether he is cheering for the Texas Longhorns or his beloved Green Bay Packers, Jason Tabansky continues to inspire others by living life to the fullest and serving those around him.

Director of Academy Operations

Secretary

Melanie brings more than 30 years of competitive archery experience and a passion for serving others through the sport she loves. She began shooting archery at age 11 and has competed in tournaments across the country, earning two National Championship titles, multiple State Championships, and a first-place finish in the Women’s 50+ Division at a USA Archery USAT Series event in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As Secretary/Treasurer of Enduring Freedom Company, Melanie provides leadership and oversight in support of the organization’s mission while actively contributing to coaching, fundraising, and program initiatives. Her dedication helps strengthen opportunities for veterans, first responders, youth, and families to engage in archery, outdoor recreation, and community-building experiences.

Married to an Army veteran for more than 30 years and the proud mother of an active-duty Air Force service member, Melanie has a deep appreciation for military service and the sacrifices made by military families. Her commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement reflects the core values of Enduring Freedom Company. Through her leadership both on and off the shooting line, Melanie continues to make a meaningful impact on the individuals and communities the organization serves.

Director of Athlete Development

Scott Hamlin serves as Director of Athlete Development for Enduring Freedom Company, where he mentors athletes, supports competitive archery programs, and helps advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals through archery and outdoor recreation.

With more than 40 years of experience in the sport, Scott is a Senior Open Professional competitor on the ASA circuit and serves as the Southwest Territory Representative for Darton Archery, Black Eagle Arrows, and Conquest Archery. His extensive knowledge of athlete development, equipment optimization, and competitive performance has earned him recognition throughout the archery industry.

Scott has coached athletes at every level, from beginners to professionals, and has conducted athlete and coach development camps across the United States and internationally. His coaching accomplishments include mentoring Paralympic Gold Medalist Jason Tabansky through a six-year development journey culminating in a Gold Medal performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Through leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, Scott continues to develop athletes while helping shape the future of archery both within Enduring Freedom Company and throughout the broader archery community.