Matt Troy, Founder
The Vision Behind the Mission
As a Marine veteran who served as a 7051 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting specialist, Matt Troy founded the Healing Veterans Project with a simple belief: veterans should not be denied access to promising non-pharmaceutical wellness options simply because they cannot afford them.
Through his work with clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy, Matt saw firsthand that many of the people who could potentially benefit most were also among those with the least access. Veterans living on fixed incomes or VA disability often could not afford clinical-grade devices for home use. After seeing veterans seek assistance from multiple nonprofit organizations focused on veteran health and wellness, only to find that this type of support was not available, Matt recognized a gap that needed to be filled.
That experience became the driving force behind the Healing Veterans Project.
Drawing on his background as a Marine veteran with a 7051 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting MOS, as well as his experience as a First Responder Firefighter I, Certified Airport Firefighter, and co-founder of RedVive Health, Matt created the Healing Veterans Project to help qualified veterans gain access to clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy when financial circumstances would otherwise put it beyond their reach.
Today, his mission is to ensure that veterans struggling with the lasting effects of their service have greater access to non-opioid wellness options that may help support pain management, recovery, sleep, and overall quality of life.
For Matt, the Healing Veterans Project is about veterans helping veterans and making sure those who served our country are not left without options simply because they cannot afford them.
PAUL HARRELL, BOARD MEMBER
Amplifying the Veteran Voice
A prominent media personality, Paul Harrell brings his significant influence and deep commitment to advocacy to the board. By leveraging his platforms, he tirelessly works to spread awareness about non-pharmaceutical pain relief and the critical mission of The Healing Veterans Project, ensuring the stories and needs of our veterans reach a national audience.
Joe Wojciakowski, Purple Heart Recipient & Board Member
Restored by Red Light
Wounded in Vietnam by an exploding grenade that severely injured his back, Purple Heart recipient Joe Wojciakowski lived with chronic pain for decades.
After a physician recommended an in-home red light therapy device, Joe and his wife, Michelle, spent more than a year seeking assistance through the VA to obtain one for daily use. Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure coverage and eventually felt they had exhausted their options.
That’s when the Healing Veterans Project stepped in and provided Joe with a clinical-grade red and near-infrared light therapy system for his home.
Within just a few weeks of consistent use, Joe reported significant reductions in his pain, improved sleep, and an improvement in his overall quality of life. He also reported that his improvement allowed him to stop using prescription pain medications he had previously relied upon.
The experience had such a profound impact on Joe that he wanted to help other veterans gain access to the same opportunity. Passionate about sharing his story and advocating for fellow veterans, Joe joined the Healing Veterans Project Advisory Board.
Today, Joe serves not only as an example of the veterans the Healing Veterans Project was created to help, but also as an advocate working to ensure that other veterans are not left without options simply because they cannot afford them.
Paul Reese
U.S. Army Veteran, Entrepreneur, and Community Advocate
Paul Reese is a U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur whose work has moved from military service to telecommunications, real estate, finance, renewable energy, and coffee. A line-of-duty injury ended his Army career in 1993. While pursuing a degree in biology, he built one of Minnesota’s first cellular dealerships and, through 1998, led retail expansion and the development of corporate sales teams. That early work set the pattern for the companies he later founded and led.
Leadership
• Chief Executive Officer, Split Rock Coffee, LLC (2018–present). Sets strategy and leads the company.
• President, Ham Lake Plaza, LLC (2014–present). Directs commercial and residential development in Ham Lake, Minnesota, including senior assisted living and memory care, and build-to-suit projects with city planning and engineering teams.
• President, Equinox Partners, LTD (2007–2012). Connected U.S. manufacturing with renewable-energy initiatives, worked with governments in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and managed private equity for projects in the Middle East.
• President, Priority Financial, INC (1998–2008). Built wealth strategies for clients and pursued affordable housing through cash-flow models still used in local communities.
• President, First Priority Mortgage, INC (1998–2007). Founded and grew a mortgage company, trained teams, and, as a member of the Minnesota Association of Mortgage Brokers, advocated for consumer-friendly standards.
• New Construction Consultant and Project Manager, Alpine Homes, INC, and Senior Vice President of Development, Stallion Development, INC (both 2000–2008). Identified sites, designed models, and delivered developments with landowners, cities, and banking partners.
Service to veterans
Mr. Reese lives in Andover, Minnesota, with his wife, three children, and two grandchildren. A life member of Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion, he volunteers daily to help homeless and disabled veterans transition to civilian life and navigate benefits.
Contact
He is known for building teams, leading projects, and growing organizations with integrity. He may be reached at paul@splitrockcoffee.com.
In brief
Paul Reese is a U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur based in Andover, Minnesota. After a line-of-duty injury ended his Army career in 1993, and while pursuing a degree in biology, he built one of the state’s first cellular dealerships. He later led companies in mortgage finance, real estate development, renewable energy, and coffee, including Split Rock Coffee and Ham Lake Plaza. A life member of Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion, he volunteers daily with homeless and disabled veterans.
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