TEAM JDME
Founder
John Daly
Golfer John Daly turned pro in 1987, and he earned his first pro victory soon after at the 1987 Missouri Open. He joined the PGA TOUR in 1991, and won the PGA Championship that same year. Daly garnered quite a bit of media attention from this victory, due to the fact that he was the ninth and final alternate for the event. The eight other alternates couldn’t make it. John, playing in just his third major, secured a three-stroke victory. That earned him PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year honors in 1991.
John won the British Open in 1995 in a playoff with Italian golfer Costantino Rocca at St. Andrews. Daly is the only eligible two-time major winner never selected to play in the Ryder Cup.
Daly went on to win the Buick Invitational in 2004, and earned the PGA TOUR Comeback Player of the Year distinction that year.
He is primarily known for his driving distance off the tee, earning him the nickname “Long John.” He’s earned some attention for his free-wheeling attitude and his multiple business ventures. Daly is also known for his involvement with many charities, including several in northwest Arkansas.
Co-Founder & CEO
Major Edward Pulido
Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.) is the Co-Founder of the John-Daly Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation. Major Ed has helped-form many nonprofits across the country, and serves as an Ambassador for many organizations.
On August 17th, 2004, Major Ed was hit by an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) or roadside bomb in Baquobah, Iraq that would change his life forever. As he laid in the 128-degree heat, one thing was clear, as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, he understood that it is our patriotic duty to never leave a fallen comrade behind on the field of battle, so help us God.
It was at that moment in the heat of battle, that he would remember what his father once told him. He said "When you take the oath of office to defend the greatest nation in the world, it is about God, Country, Family, and all of those that serve in the Armed Forces of the United States America to protect you, the American people."
Major Ed's spirit is infectious and it is evident in his passion for the Mission of JDME.
Major Ed lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Karen and two daughters Kaitlin and Kinsley.
President
Chick Linski
As a survivor of childhood cancer, Chick has spent several years working for nonprofits. As a graduate of Indiana University, Chick has over 20 years of experience in the corporate world, and brings his wealth of knowledge in business relationships to Team JDME.
As the President of the foundation, Chick handles Corporate Partners, donor relations, and day-to-day operations.
Chick resides in St. Louis with his family and is passionate about helping and touching as many lives as he can.
Executive Director
Monica Hites
Monica has spent most of her career serving America's Veterans, underserved communities, and brings her passion for mental health into her professional pursuits.
She is certified in Nonprofit Management and handles day-to-day operations, event planning, grant writing, governance, and board relations for Team JDME.
She resides in Oklahoma City and enjoys being outside with her dog Ralph, and exploring this beautiful country in her free time.
Monica sits on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit that serves the community experiencing homelessness: "Doing What I Can".
OUR AMBASSADORS
Ambassador
Darren McBurnett "McB" SEAL (Ret.)
On the heels of a 24-year career as a Navy SEAL, McB has become an accomplished speaker and motivator, presenting to companies and groups including CDW, Budweiser, Rite-Aid, Walk-Ons, Albany Road Real Estate Partners, Founders Brewing Company, Hilton Hotels, BMO, National Quarterback Club, Fidelity Investments, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, and many others. He is also an award-winning photographer, his professional portfolio including work for NIKE, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, Rolling Stone, CBS SEAL Team, and the movie “Act of Valor.” His work has appeared on everything from album covers to billboards to walls of Fortune 500 companies and is in the homes of Charlie Sheen, Kid Rock, Jim McMahon, John Rich, Brent Burns, Roger Clemens, and John Daly. One of his eagle photographs hangs in the White House.
McB serves as an inspirational speaker and ambassador for Team JDME.
Ambassador
Dave Dierinzo
Dave enjoyed working for seven years in the non-profit world, where he served military and their spouses and children. He developed a real passion for this type of work and now finds himself volunteering as an Ambassador for Heart of a Lion.
Originally from California, Dave now resides in the St. Louis area with his spouse of forty years, Susanna. He enjoys; snow skiing, golf and travel. But mostly enjoys spending time with his five precious grandchildren!
Ambassador
Russ Normandin MSgt. (Ret.)
Russell Normandin, former Master Sergeant in the Marines based out of Camp Lejune in North Carolina, was the first Big Break competitor in the history of the series to be on active duty.
Russell has a decorated military record. He has toured all over the world, including Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Russell enlisted in the military in 1993. While on his first tour in Japan, he began practicing regularly. Through the suggestion of his fellow Marines, he began competing when he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, and soon realized how much of a passion he had for the game of golf.
Russ serves as an Ambassador for Team JDME.
Ambassador
Aaron Sloan MSgt. (Ret.)
Master Sergeant Aaron J Sloan (Ret.) served a total of 33 in the military with 22 1/2 of those years being full-time. A former Drill Sergeant with multiple deployments, most of his tours were spent in Afghanistan. He has a statue at the Moore Veterans Memorial Park.
In the last three years, he has been involved with a local non-profit organization which assists the citizens of his hometown of Moore, Oklahoma.
He has a BA degree from Randall University and a Masters in Kinesiology from Southern Nazarene University.
Aaron and his wife Kim enjoy giving back to their local communities because they believe they have been blessed themselves.
Aaron and Kim have two daughters, Maegann and Allison along with two sons-in-law. Aaron and Kim enjoy spending time with their grandson, Lucca.
Aaron is an ambassador for JDME serving as the "go-getter" and rockstar volunteer.