Efrem Foster

  Efrem has been my best friend for over 10 years now. We met while both serving in the United States Air Force at Vandenberg AFB, (Now Space Force Delt, or whatever stupid name they came up with.) Efrem has been by my side through thick and thin, ups and downs. We have not always agreed on things, whether it is cultural, society, religion, politics, but at the end of the day I still love this dude as a brother. He and I live on the complete opposite side of the country, but we call each other every weekend and normally talk for 2 to 3 hours at a time. The story of him slapping a homeless persons hand is based off a true event and actually happened. Efrem now serves as an emergency room manager for the third largest pediatric hospital in America. He is amazing and am forever grateful for him.

  Aaron Michael Ritchey

  How can you not love Aaron Michael Ritchey? Aaron and I have gotten to spend time together at DragonCon and Author Nation. I also interviewed him and his co-author Nathan Ameye on my youtube channel when their book Audit Team Six released. It was the first and only time I spit out my energy drink while live streaming. Aaron has been an awesome supporter of the LitRPG genre and continues to provide a large amount of encouragement to so many authors. He has many hits under his belt. Shadowcroft, Armageddon Girls, The Cunning man, Sages of the Underpass and many more!

  Nathan Ameye

  I met Nathan and his wonderful wife Darla at DragonCon in 2023. They are both so welcoming and filled with such grace. I have loved getting to see their wonderful adventures as they hike all around the world. Nathan is a huge example that yes, you can work a 9-5 job while also being an awesome ink slayer. His first book series, Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure was a major success, and of course, he co-authored the Audit Team Six series with Aaron Michael Ritchey. Show this amazing human being and amazing author some love and check out his work, now!

  Pete Kalogeras

  Pete is not an author, but I sure do miss this guy. The tiny little town of Monmouth has not been the same since he moved away. On one fateful day in April of 2021, I was on an adventure to find a new flavor for lunch. After driving by the tiny little red food cart roughly twice, I then walked up to see old Pete welcoming me with a big smile. Pete was an Ohio native, so of course, we gave each other a hard time over our college football teams. I made sure to rub it in when Oregon beat Ohio State. Pete over the course of the summer would become an uncle type figure to me. I would go visit him at least once a week and he would come out of the food truck and sit down at the picnic table with me. We would be lost for the hour of conversation, talking about all kinds of life events and experiences. Many times Pete would not let me pay for my food, so I of course would have to try and sneak in a $10 or $20 bill into the tip jar when he wasn’t looking. Pete would eventually sell the food cart and move back to Ohio, and the food has never been the same since. I sure do miss Pete, but he'll forever have a found spot in my memories. A word of advice, go find an old guy like Pete. A little salty, crusty around the edges, but a heart of gold. Totally worth it.

  Jez & Christine Cajiao

  Jez was one of the first LitRPG authors I met when I was introduced to the genre. I had no idea who he was, or how incredibly successful his books were when I was placed on a panel with him for GuildifiCon in 2022. It was shortly after the event that I reached out to him and asked in for help with my book blurb. He gave me some much needed advice and helped me learn how to make them better. Granted I’m still terrible at them, but much less terrible. Jez has been a wonderful friend and fellow author since then. I have been blessed to get to spend personal time with him at DragonCon. Since we first met, Jez and his wonderful wife Chirstine have started The Legion Publishers where they work tirelessly to help other authors get new and amazing stories to the masses. Jez’s dark fantasy / grimdark LitRPG books are large enough to be used as body armor. And I scratch my head in trying to contemplate how exactly he gets it all done. You can check out his work with series, Rise of Mankind, Arise, and Underverse.

  Jay Beraz

  Big Jay has been a fan since the very beginning. He was one of the first people to help build LitRPG communities on facebook, has moderated them, and been an active participant in BETA reading, moderating virtual panels for GuildifiCon and has started writing himself. A Marine Veteran that grinds away at a 9-5 job but still does everything he can to build the community and support others as they chase their dreams and share their work. It is not easy being a moderator. Many people cuss them out behind the scenes and continue to tear them down, all while they are humans just trying to keep a non-toxic community for people to enjoy the genre, rather than be negative about it. I have been blessed to get to link up with Jay in Las Vegas back in 2023, and hope to see him again soon at other conventions in the months and years ahead of us. Thanks for what you do bro bro!

  Stuart Grosse

  Stuart and I have gotten to cross paths at DragonCon, 20BooksTo50K in Vegas and of course GuildifiCon. Stuart has always been a fun individual to bounce ideas off of, but has also been a big encouragement to fellow authors who are entering the genre. Though Stuart got a small shoutout in the card shop with his own card game, this community is always in for a wild time when Stuart arrives with his creative approach to villainhood. Should you be inclined to indulge your darker side, consider checking out his series, Lewd Dungeon, Lich Returnee, Dark Fate, and System Supervillain.

  Lorenzo Leao

  Lorenzo, or Loren as I normally refer to him as been my primary illustrator since the very beginning. After countless artists attempted to capture my mental vision, I found Loren and we’ve continued to work together for over three years now. Crazy to think how long we’ve been at it. Loren is always ready to help you bring your visions to life and please consider giving him some love and support. You can find him on Instagram at @leaoloren.

  Steve Campbell

  For many of you in the genre, Steve is probably already a household name. An amazing voice actor and narrator to so many of the amazing stories we love to get lost in. I have been fortunate enough to see Steve in Atlanta at DragonCon but have also been blessed to share the screen with him at multiple Guildificon’s. You can check out Steve’s work in Industrial Strength Magic, Collect the World, Towers of Heaven, Second Chance Swordsman, and many others.

  THE REAL DEFENDERS

  “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same …”

  —40th US President Ronald Reagan

  I joined the United States Air Force on July 10, 2007. As I went through the process and progression through the Basic Military Training (BMT), I found myself being asked multiple times, “What career field are you going into?”

  “Security Forces! 3P0,” I’d proclaim. As I progressed in my training through the Security Forces Academy, I couldn’t help my natural desire to learn more about the history and heritage of this career field. I wanted to know where it started, what we stood for, and who came before me.

  I was so eager and motivated in my youth. I knew I carried an intense desire that many others around me did not possess. To me, the Air Force core values of integrity, service, and excellence were a mantra that should be infused into all our daily lives. I was not just passionate, I was zealous. I gave a countless number of “love hours” to the military. I just didn’t know of any other way to be.

  I am honored and continually humbled to have accomplished a multitude of things within my military time. Yet one of the things that will forever be in my heart, within my mind, and carried inside my soul and spirit is the legacy of some special “defenders”. I would like to introduce you to some truly incredible men and women. For they were a generation of warriors that defended freedom and liberty for so many. They are the true defenders, and they will never be gone or forgotten as long as we still speak their names and share their stories.

  Airman First Class

  Elizabeth N. Jacobson

  A1C Jacobson pleaded with her leadership for permission to perform convoy operations. Her passion to serve her country and make a difference was overwhelming. It has been said that A1C Jacobson always sought the hardest challenges and never quit or gave up. She was bright, intelligent, and cared deeply for her family, friends, country, and military. A1C Jacobson was the first female airman killed in the line of duty supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was also the first female Security Forces defender to be killed in action.

  While providing security support in a convoy movement, A1C Jacobson was killed in action as a result of her vehicle being struck by an improvised explosive device on September 28, 2005. Elizabeth was only 21 years old. The quote that she is most famous for, and one that many of us carry with us daily, is “I also believe in love and here is my quote: ‘We’re only on earth for a little while, so live life to the fullest and carry a smile.’”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Technical Sergeant Staff Sergeant

  Jason L. Norton Brian S. McElroy

  TSgt Jason Norton served as a patrol officer and military K9 handler at the 3rd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) in Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Additionally, SSgt Brian McElroy also served and was stationed at the 3 SFS as the Information Security Officer. Both TSgt Norton and SSgt McElroy were deployed together in 2006 to Taji, Iraq (18 miles north of Baghdad).

  On January 22, 2006, while on combat patrol, TSgt Norton and SSgt McElroy’s vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. TSgt Norton was 32 years old and SSgt McElroy was 28 years old.

  Airman First Class

  LeeBernard E. Chavis

  A1C LeeBernard Chavis did not start his military career in a positive light. A1C Chavis, after getting in trouble for a few events, was challenged by his leadership: “I challenge you to prove to everyone in this unit that you are the best there is!”

  A1C Chavis accepted the challenge and would later be honored as the unit “Guide Bearer,” where he carried the unit’s flag on deployment and wherever the unit was represented in ceremonies—the highest honor a member of the unit could hold.

  A1C Chavis became a shining example of the warrior spirit and carried the warrior ethos wherever he went, inspiring multiple airmen along the way. In 2006, A1C Chavis was assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Baghdad, Iraq. A1C Chavis was killed by enemy gunfire on October 14, 2006. Due to A1C Chavis’s story and his actions taken that day, the USAF responded with a newly designed turret system with better security measures. The “Chavis” turret is still being utilized today.

  Staff Sergeant

  John T. Self

  Staff Sergeant John Self was a true servant warrior. Sergeant Self had just completed a six-month deployment to a war zone. He had returned home and begun wedding preparations with his fiancée when a volunteer opportunity presented itself. Sergeant Self convinced his fiancée to let him serve on a one-year deployment to Iraq, assisting the Iraqi Police and training them on how to conduct law enforcement operations.

  Sergeant Self had only been home for a few months when he left once again for the “sand box.” On May 14, 2007, Sergeant Self was serving on his 79th combat patrol on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. His team was assisting the Iraqi police force in conducting operations when an improvised explosive device erupted, cutting through the vehicle, killing him instantly and wounding his three fellow Security Forces defenders. Staff Sergeant Self was 29 years old.

  Senior Airman

  Jason D. Nathan

  A1C Jason Nathan was from a military family that has served in both the Army and the Air Force. Following in his family’s footsteps, A1C Nathan went to serve his country and instantly outshone his peers. He was awarded Security Forces Airmen of the Year while he was stationed at RAF Lakenheath, England.

  In 2007, A1C Nathan was selected to deploy to Iraq and serve in Detachment 6 of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Camp Speicher, Iraq. Their mission was to support the training and operations of the Iraqi Police Force.

  On June 23, 2007, A1C Nathan was the gunner in the Humvee turret of his vehicle while on combat patrol. An improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, and he was taken from us. A1C Nathan was 22 years old and from Macon, Georgia.

  I never had the privilege of knowing any of the Security Forces Defenders who were killed in action. However, Travis has been special to me, because I had many close friends who directly served alongside him in Iraq. I would later become friends with his mother, and felt as if I came to know him through them. Therefore, Pepper’s older brother Travis is how I chose to add Travis to the story. Never gone brother, never forgotten.

  Staff Sergeant

  Travis L. Griffin

  Staff Sergeant Travis Griffin was raised in a military family. Both his mother and stepfather served in the United States Air Force, and he quickly joined the service once eligible.

  Sergeant Griffin served four separate tours in Iraq as well as a total of eight deployments in his career. In 2008, Sergeant Griffin volunteered for another year-long deployment to Iraq. When asked why he must go again, he replied, “I am one of the few people who actually has combat experience, and I am going over there to do everything I can to make sure everyone comes back home.”

  On April 3, 2008, Sergeant Travis Griffin was killed in action when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

  First Lieutenant

  Joseph D. Helton

  1Lt Joseph Helton was the leader that every airman looks up to and hopes to encounter in their career. 1Lt Helton was not just an officer leading troops but a dedicated team member who stood right beside his airmen at all times.

  In 2009, 1Lt Helton was deployed and served an entire year with Detachment 3, of the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. 1Lt Helton completed his entire year in Iraq and saw his team members return home, but he volunteered to stay behind and assist the newly formed Detachment 2. His reasoning was that the lieutenant originally assigned was delayed in their arrival, and 1Lt Helton wanted to give his best in leading, preparing, and developing the newly formed detachment.

  On September 8, 2009, while on patrol near Baghdad, Iraq, 1Lt Helton’s vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device. He was 24 years old and always inspired his troops with his famous motto, “Don’t be a weak sauce!”

  Senior Airman

  Nicholas J. Alden

  Senior Airman Nicholas Alden was murdered in cold blood while sitting unarmed on a bus at Frankfurt International Air Terminal, Germany.

  Airman Alden was assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Airman Alden had just completed his regional training center (RTC) and was en route to an overseas assignment. While in transit to his destination, a gunman entered the bus he and his fellow Security Forces team members were utilizing, screamed “God is great” in Arabic, and then shot Airman Alden dead, along with another airman serving as the bus driver, and wounded two others. The gunman attempted to flee but was chased down and captured by Senior Airman Alden’s fellow team members. The gunman later confessed to the shooting.

  Staff Sergeant

  Todd “TJ” Lobraico

  Staff Sergeant T. J. Lobraico came from a military family where both his mother and father served in the Air Force.

  Sergeant Lobraico had already served one combat tour, but as he headed for his second in Afghanistan, he did everything he could to volunteer to assist the K9 teams.

  On September 5, 2013, Sergeant Lobraico was assisting the K9 teams and his fellow team members while on combat patrol just outside Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Sergeant Lobraico’s patrol was attacked, and while defending his airmen and laying down suppressive fire and actively engaging the enemy, he was killed from wounds sustained by small arms fire while in the firefight.

  Senior Airman Airman First Class

  Nathan C. Sartain Kcey E. Ruiz

  Senior Airman Nathan Sartain and Airman First Class Kcey Ruiz were both deployed to Afghanistan and were performing fly away security team (FAST) operations.

  Their mission objectives were to protect the aircraft, crew, passengers, and cargo whenever the aircraft was land based between missions, normally in isolated locations throughout the theater of operations. Additionally, when not performing FAST missions, both airmen would conduct installation entry controller and armorer duties. On October 2, 2015, both airmen boarded a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft which took off from Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan but crashed shortly after takeoff. There were no survivors.

  Technical Sergeant Staff Sergeant

  Joseph G. Lemm Louis Bonacasa

  Technical Sergeant Lemm and Staff Sergeant Bonacasa paid the ultimate price for their country on December 21, 2015. Four days before Christmas, both sergeants were tasked with providing security to Air Force OSI agents conducting operations outside the wire. Both sergeants were civilian law enforcement officers and utilized their skills to help protect other military members. As the team members were working their mission that day, a motorcyclist drove into their immediate area and detonated a suicide vest. The blast killed both sergeants along with four OSI agents.

  May we all try to be a little better each day. Appreciate the small moments of time. May we never forget that the life we have, was paid by the blood of those, who wished to keep us safe, and give us a peaceful life, unlike the horrors they faced.

  Jamie Holland

  The Ultimate Brit Himself… There I am one day on facebook, when I randomly get this message from Jamie. His introduction was basically, “Hey mate, I was watching a live stream of Aleron Kong and he gave you a shout out, so you write books do you? How can I check them out?” Since then, Jaime has been a great supporter and he of course is just another shining example of how awesome our genre and community is. Aleron Kong does have a character who is coming up later, but I am super grateful for him, but all the other awesome authors and community members who have helped me from the start. Of course, I did talk with Jamie first and asked him if he was okay with being a villain. And he replied, “Well if you ask my wife, she’d tell you I am a super villain to her every day, so this is nothing! Write away.”

  Matt Dinniman

  There is so much that can be said about Matt, and the ultra success of Dungeon Crawler Carl. Thousands of fans around the world have come to find the LitRPG genre, just because of his insane book also known by the acronym of DCC. For me, however, I have been blessed to spend some short one-on-one time. I got to spend time with him during GuildifiCon in 2022, 2023 and 2024. I got to spend personal time with him at DragonCon in 2022 and also seen him in Portland at a book signing event. Though, my favorite story was when we were at the 20Booksto50k convention. I run into mat in the main convention hall and ask him if I can walk with him, and ask him a question, author-to-author. He was gracious enough to spend over an hour with me and we just talked openly while walking through the lines of booths. There were multiple points when others asked us if I was his personal body guard, but later, as we approached the Soundbooth Theater display, he introduced me to the SBT team as his lovely wife, Meredyth. Now that right there is an honor, because I have had the pleasure of meeting Meredyth and she is amazing, so I will be happy to simply pretend to be her for a few minutes. All in all, I am probably one of the few authors who has gotten to be Matt’s personal security and stand in wife. What I will say is Matt is such an amazing and wonderful human being. He has continued to stay the same genuine person, day in and day out. I don’t know how he does it, but he seriously gives so much to this community time and time again. Thanks for all you do bro bro.

  Jeff Hays, Gary Furlong, and Justin James

  I think most people know who these awesome narrators are. But for those of you who don't, Jeff is most popularly know for bringing Dungeon Crawler Carl to life. His work on DCC launched it to #1 on all of audible and the rest is history. I have brushed shoulders with Jeff at a few conventions and also been a part of GuildifiCon with all three voice actors. Thanks to these individuals taking the leap of faith in becoming voice actors, because we've certainly been blessed to have them make our stories so much better.

  Zeklor

  Derek has been a huge fan of LitRPG ever since the beginning. Zeklor and I met on a combination of X and Facebook. He has helped moderate multiple facebook groups, but also has been a huge supporter and promoter for so many authors. He constantly shares whatever he is listening to or reading. He has been a huge source of encouragement for me, so of course, no better way to honor this awesome guy than by giving him an awesome character. One, you will certainly see more of.