Project Heroes First is guided by a leadership team deeply committed to service, resilience, and community impact with over 40 combined years of public service. Each leader brings a unique blend of military, nonprofit, and public sector expertise, united by a shared mission to support Veterans, First Responders, and their families. We honor the determination of Veterans and First Responders—and the unwavering support of their families—by providing access to holistic recovery through enrichment programs. Through both physical and mental rehabilitation, Project Heroes First helps rebuild lives, restore purpose, and strengthen resilience one day at a time.
Justin Torres is the Founder, CEO of Project Heroes First, and creator of the Paladin Program. He is a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of military leadership experience that has guided his path to pursue his passion of supporting veterans and their families. He holds a graduate degree in Public Administration from UT San Antonio and is currently furthering his academic career at Texas A&M School of Law in Business & Employment Law.
Dr. Logan is the Co-Vice Chair of Project Heroes First and Director of the Center for Military Affiliated Students at UTSA where he is directly involved in supporting over 6,000 military-affiliated students. Dr. Logan is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 15+ years of leadership experience and holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (Higher Education) from UTSA. He is also a G.W. Bush Presidential Scholar.
Melisa is the Director of Cognitive Performance for PHF. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University and has over a decade of experience supporting US military, first responders, and their families nationwide. As a military spouse of more than 20 years, she has navigated multiple PCS moves, deployments, and the challenges of raising children while building her career as a therapist. This lived experience gives her unique insight into the resilience required by uniformed service families. Melisa is highly trained in evidence-based methods that help individuals move beyond shut-down and survival mode-restoring stability, resilience, and an active, engaged life.
Andrew is the Director of Financial Strategy for Project Heroes First. He has 10+ years of experience in military leadership, financial governance, and applied Al research. A certified Scrum Master and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he holds a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from NYU and serves as Head Process Engineer at Huntington National Bank.
Dr. Barrow is the Director of Program Development/Advancement for Project Heroes First. With over 20+ years of experience supporting Active Duty Service members, she is an Assistant Professor in the Army-Baylor Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, focusing on research to improve sleep-related policies for Active Duty personnel. She holds a Doctorate of Science in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University.
Monteigne Long is a part of the advisory board in support of the Veteran higher education program and success. Dr. Long current role is the Director of Military and Veteran Affairs for the entire Texas A&M University system. With over 10+ years of mentorship and dedication assisting the US forces, she brings top-tier experience to project heroes first. She is a Bush Institute scholar, a military spouse and holds a Ph. D. in higher education & higher education administration from Texas A&M University.
Ben brings a strong background in Healthcare Administration, holding a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. His expertise in health integration and analysis allows him to apply research-backed strategies and measurable outcomes that strengthen the sustainability and impact of PHF’s initiatives and our Veterans. He is Project Heroes First’s ambassador at the University of Georgia. In addition to his board role, Ben is a certified Lean Six Sigma White Belt and currently serves at UGA in Student Health Growth & Research. His commitment to advancing Veteran health ensures that our mission continues to move forward with purpose and measurable results. We are honored to have Ben’s leadership and vision on our advisory board.
