GW Ayers - CEO
GW is pleased to join the Resilient Warrior non-profit organization. As Chief Executive Officer, he will guide the Resilient Warrior team with the goal to help heal the lives of the Warriors and their families in order to curb the epidemic which is veteran suicide.
GW graduated from a small high school located in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army, where he served for 22 years before retiring in 2006 after deploying to Iraq. During his time in the Army, he earned several awards and decorations including the Soldiers Medal for Heroism.
Leveraging his organizational and leadership skills, GW then went to work for a defense contractor and military equipment manufacture, holding various leadership positions including Director of Sales and Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During his tenure, he assisted in the launch of their firearms manufacturing business and also a commercial tactical gear company.
In his current role as Chief Operating Officer at Rainier Arms Firearms Academy, GW is responsible for the day-to-day operations of this multifaceted company.
The addition of GW to our team enhances our commitment to building a robust, self-sufficient and results driven organization.
Sheryl Perez - Property Manager
Meet Sheryl Perez, a proud member of the Delaware Nation and a graduate of Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas. She continued her education at Friends University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, all while working full-time for over 25 years in the aircraft industry.
Sheryl’s strong work ethic was deeply influenced by her family. Her father served in the U.S. Navy, and her stepfather was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. Her sister also recently served in the Navy, further fueling Sheryl’s drive to always strive for excellence.
With an impressive career as a flightline avionics mechanic, Sheryl contributed to significant projects, including installing and upgrading systems on Air Force One and B1-B bombers. She later transitioned into Human Resource Management, where her passion for diversity and workplace safety flourished. As an HR Specialist, she developed diversity programs, tracked company goals, and implemented Safety and Health Prevention initiatives. Sheryl also played a pivotal role on the Safety, Health, and Wellness Committee, representing both union and company interests.
Sheryl’s experience as a company representative took her coast-to-coast, speaking, coaching, and building valuable relationships. Her work kept her in tune with industry trends, ensuring that she could effectively support employees, management, and veterans alike.
Her extensive background, combined with a deep sense of compassion, makes Sheryl a dedicated advocate for Resilient Warriors. She is committed to supporting veterans by fostering strong community relationships, solving problems, and ensuring their spiritual, mental, physical, and housing needs are met—helping them live with dignity and independence.