Meet Our Board of Directors
James Collins
President & CEO
James Collins is a proud veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served 27 months in deployment and combat with A Co. 296 BSB, 3-2 SBCT, and the 1-37 Field Artillery Logistical Supply Team in Q-West / Northern Iraq. During his service, he operated at multiple Forward Operating Bases, including Warhorse and Camp Striker, and was assigned to Asset Recovery Teams in Baghdad and surrounding areas along MSR Tampa and Route Irish.
For his distinguished service in a combat zone, Mr. Collins was awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars. As an M2 Gunner, he played a pivotal role in Detainee Holding Operations in Baghdad, supporting the Army’s first Expeditionary Detainee Holding Area Annex. He was also a certified Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP) Operator and proudly participated in Operations Arrowhead Strike 9, 10, and 11. His leadership training includes completion of both the Warrior Leader Course (WLC) and the Advanced Leader Course (ALC).
Following his honorable separation from military service in 2013, Mr. Collins faced profound personal struggles, including multiple suicidal crises and self-endangering behaviors while deployed. These experiences inspired his lifelong commitment to confronting the mental health and suicide epidemic impacting veterans, first responders, and their families.
As President and CEO of the Heroes in the Sky Foundation, Mr. Collins leads initiatives that honor the fallen, raise awareness, and eliminate stigma surrounding mental health and suicide through memorial ceremonies, education, and community outreach.
Mr. Collins also serves on the Board of Directors for Mission Phoenix, where he represents the veteran community and advocates for education on Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), its ripple effects on families, and its link to elevated suicide rates.
Above all, he is a devoted husband to Jessica Collins and a proud father of four children, who serve as his greatest source of strength and inspiration.
Jeremy Bryant, PHC, CEP
Vice President/Secretary
Jeremy Bryant serves as our Secretary of the Board. He hails from Savannah, Georgia
and is a retired 20-year veteran of the United Stated Air Force that included being
stationed at eight different bases and six deployments to the desert. He holds a degree
in Transportation from the Community College of the Air Force and degrees in both
Culinary and Baking & Pastry from Savannah Technical College. In his free time, he
enjoys traveling to new places, volunteering in various organizations and charities and
spending time with friends and family.
D’Angelo Shaw
Co-Founder
Bio coming soon
Dave Pawloski
Treasurer
Bio Coming Soon
Daisha Schwear
Director of Ceremony
Daisha Schwear serves as our Director of Ceremony. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and later her J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law. Daisha is admitted to practice law in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. Additionally, Daisha is also an adjunct instructor in the Paralegal Studies degree program at Savannah Technical College where she teaches Civil Litigation, Torts, Law Office Management, and Legal & Policy Issues in Healthcare. Prior to entering private practice and academia, Daisha honed her advocacy skills through legislative work, most notably lobbying on behalf of motorcyclists in Virginia and later expanding to Georgia once she moved to Savannah in 2022. In Daisha’s free time, she enjoys riding her motorcycles, exploring new roads, and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica Collins
Merchandise Coordinator/ Community Event Team
Bio Coming Soon
Heather Choquette
Memorial Board Media Team
Bio Coming Soon
Rae Robertson
Community Event Team
Bio Coming Soon
Haley Powers-Bunner
Facebook/TikTok Media Manager
Bio Coming Soon
Jennifer Grossman
Media Account Manager
Jennifer is an award-winning filmmaker with a passion for creating relatable characters
and stories that resonate. She has recently begun trying her hand at documentaries in
the hopes of reaching new audiences, giving a voice to those who can’t speak, and
perhaps, to be brave enough to tell her own story. Originally from Rhode Island, Jennifer
was one of the youngest children diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).
She had a team of doctors, family, and friends who rallied around her year after year to
get her through fundraising, numerous surgeries, therapies, all while trying to navigate a
normal childhood. She thrived when she went to community college and found a voice
through filmmaking and theatre. Jennifer’s not only an actor, she also has a long list of
credits as a writer, director, editor, and producer. She’s honored to be the Media
Manager for Heroes In The Sky Foundation.
Heroes in the Sky Foundation 