HONORING LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS & MILITARY PERSONNEL
Heroes Unite is a community-driven event dedicated to bringing together Veterans, service members, first responders, families, and supporters for a day of connection, wellness, and impact. Hosted by the Range Fore Hope Foundation, Heroes Unite creates opportunities to strengthen community relationships while highlighting the importance of mental health, physical wellness, and continued support for those who have served. Through engaging activities, outreach opportunities, and meaningful partnerships, the event serves as a platform to inspire hope, build resilience, and celebrate the individuals who continue to make a difference in our communities. Heroes Unite is more than an event — it is a movement focused on unity, service, and empowering heroes beyond the uniform.
Event Info
DATE: May 30, 2026
LOCATION:
The Meeting Place Church- Parking Lot
201 Columbia Mall Blvd.,
Columbia, SC 29223
Price: FREE TO ATTEND
Click on image to enlarge
Year: 2026
This Year's Heroes Unite Honorees
Honorees List
Briaana Duncan
Military Spouse
As a Community Coordinator with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) on Sumter/Shaw AFB, Briaana Duncan plays a vital role in supporting military-connected children, parents, schools, and families through education, advocacy, resources, and community partnerships. MCEC is a nationally respected organization dedicated to helping military families navigate school transitions, deployments, relocations, and the unique challenges that come with military life while promoting resilience, stability, and connection.
Through her role, Duncan completes workshops, trainings, and outreach programs at several schools within Richland School District Two, helping students, educators, and families better understand and support the needs of military-connected children. She also actively partners with and supports other military-serving organizations, working collaboratively to strengthen relationships, share resources, and build a stronger sense of community among military families throughout the region.
In addition to her professional role, Duncan is a supportive military spouse who understands firsthand the unique strengths and challenges of military family life. She uses that experience to uplift others with encouragement, empathy, and genuine care. She is also an active member and valued community partner of Beyond the Role, where she continues to invest in building connection, wellness, and support for military spouses and families. Duncan consistently goes above and beyond to serve others, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen the community around her.
Sergeant (Ret.) Robert Allmann
Co-Owner, Warrior Axe Cross Fit
Robert Allmann is a retired law enforcement professional, fitness advocate, and community leader with nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the Columbia, South Carolina community. During his career with the Columbia Police Department, Allmann served in several specialized and leadership roles, including the Gang Unit, SWAT, and the Police Academy, where he helped mentor and train future law enforcement officers. His extensive background in tactical operations, gang enforcement, officer development, and public safety earned him the respect of both his peers and the community he served.
Allmann also provided civilian response training focused on active aggressor situations, helping educate individuals and organizations on preparedness, situational awareness, and community safety. A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, he was a college athlete and has always believed in the power of fitness to build discipline, resilience, and confidence. He earned his Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University, further strengthening his leadership and operational expertise.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Allmanm has worked as a personal trainer for more than 20 years and holds numerous specialty fitness credentials. His passion for fitness and performance has allowed him to help individuals from all backgrounds improve their physical health, mental resilience, and overall quality of life.
Following his retirement from law enforcement, Allmann continued his commitment to service through fitness and mentorship. As co-owner of Warrior Axe CrossFit and a supporter of the Workout Warriors Foundation, he is passionate about helping veterans, first responders, and individuals facing physical or mental challenges improve their quality of life through fitness, wellness, and community support.
Allmann remains dedicated to empowering others through leadership, fitness, and service, using his life experience to help individuals build strength both physically and mentally while reinforcing the belief that no one fights alone.
Captain Brittany Jackamonis
Minister, Bible Way Church of Atlas Rd
Captain Brittany Jackamonis is an 18-year veteran of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. She currently serves as a Commander in the Criminal Investigations Division leading investigations within the Special Victim’s Unit. Jackamonis interest in law enforcement began at 16 when she became a junior cadet in the Explorer Post Program at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department within its Youth Services Division. She officially started her career when she turned 21.
Captain Jackamonis is dedicated in bringing justice and hope to those being sexually and physically abused. She leads a dedicated Team who also works tirelessly in the investigations of child fatalities and also missing children and adults. Jackamonis takes pride in her daily operations ensuring community trust and partnership. She strives to remain sharp through training and continued learning within her career field.
While Jackamonis is currently assigned to the Special Victim’s Unit, she has worked Patrol, Narcotics, Homicides, 911 Communications, Public Information, and Gun Crime. She is a 2024 graduate of the FBI National Academy, and a 2018 graduate of the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, KY.
Jackamonis also holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Columbia International University, a Bachelors in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of South Carolina and an Associates in Criminal Justice from Midlands Technical College. She is a licensed minister at the Bible Way Church of Atlas Road and has been married for 10 years and has a toddler son.
Battalion Chief Thomas Niles, Jr.
Co-Chair, The Brown & Niles Foundation
Thomas Niles, Jr. is a native of Columbia and an Alumni of Eau Claire High School. He's a 23 year veteran with the Columbia Fire Dept. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. As a leader with the Columbia Fire Department, Chief Niles has dedicated his career to protecting lives, supporting families, and serving residents across Columbia and Richland County. He was selected as the 2018 Men On The Move Calendar Project’s Man of the Year, an honor highlighting men who are active in the community, successful in their field, making a difference with social concerns, and considered game changers. He has also been recognized as Firefighter of the Year by American Legion representatives, reinforcing the respect he has earned from groups that value service, commitment, and community impact.
His record includes direct life-saving service. In 2019, Chief Niles was among the Columbia firefighters recognized for aiding a Richland County resident during a serious medical emergency. Their response helped demonstrate the real-life impact of trained, prepared, and compassionate first responders who are ready to act when seconds matter.
Niles is the Co-Chair of The Brown & Niles Foundation, a foundation that awards rising college freshmen scholarship funds. He's also the owner of Carolina Pressure & Softwashing. He's married with four children, two of whom are graduates of HBCU's and one who is currently a Senior at Winston Salem State University.
Kelsie Carter
Career and Transition Coach
As the Military Liaison for Richland School District Two, Kelsie Carter serves as a vital bridge between schools, students, and military families, ensuring they receive the support, guidance, and resources needed to thrive during transitions and throughout their educational journey. Carter previously worked as a Family Care Behavioral Specialist for Marine Corps base camps in Okinawa, Japan, supporting military children and families through Child, Youth and Family Services Offices. She also served with Military OneSource as a consultant and first responder, helping service members and families around the world navigate emergencies, crises, and life challenges with compassion and professionalism.
Throughout her career, Carter has supported numerous military family programs including the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Army Community Service (ACS), Child Development Centers, Military Family Life Consultants, and the Wounded Warrior Program at Walter Reed in Washington, DC. She is also certified in career and transition coaching, helping retired service members and military spouses build successful futures beyond military service. In Richland Two, Carter’s impact is deeply felt as she advocates daily for military-connected students, helps families navigate school transitions, connects parents to community resources, and creates welcoming environments where children feel seen, valued, and supported. Her leadership strengthens partnerships between schools and military organizations while building a stronger sense of belonging for military families across the district.
Carter’s service spans installations across the United States and overseas, giving her firsthand understanding of the sacrifices, resilience, and unique needs of military life. She uses that experience to uplift others with empathy, expertise, and heart.
Chief (Ret.) Curtis Singleton
SC Disability Advocate
Curtis M. Singleton is a combat veteran, retired law enforcement professional, public servant, published author, mentor, and community advocate whose life and career reflect service, leadership, integrity, and dedication to others. He began his public service journey in 2001 when he joined the South Carolina Army National Guard. In 2002, while continuing to serve in the Guard, he also began his law enforcement career. During this time, he balanced military service, public safety responsibilities, and higher education, demonstrating an early commitment to discipline, growth, and service to both his country and his community.
While serving in the military and building his law enforcement career, Singleton furthered his education by earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Management, and a Master of Public Administration. His educational background strengthened his leadership, administrative, and public service foundation. He was later called to active duty during the Iraq War conflict and served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during a 15-month combat campaign commitment. During his military service, he earned several honors and awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, South Carolina Governor’s Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, and Army Service Ribbon.
He was honorably discharged from the military in February 2007. Singleton concluded his law enforcement career April 2024, retiring with 25 years, 7 months, and 5 days of dedicated service, to Public Service. His career included detention, criminal investigations, supervision, public safety leadership, administration, and service as Chief of Police and Lead Chief for Z-School during South Carolina’s opioid crisis, supporting public safety education, awareness, and response efforts. Within those years he received a Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another person. After retirement, Singleton was later recognized by the South Carolina Senate through a resolution honoring his longstanding commitment to law enforcement, military service, public safety, advocacy, community mentorship, and service to the citizens of South Carolina.
Today, he continues his public service through advocacy work focused on protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of individuals with disabilities across South Carolina. His work reflects a continued commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations are treated with fairness, respect, and humanity. In addition to his professional and advocacy work, Singleton remains active in civic and community leadership. He serves as a board member with the Central Midlands Council of Governments and the Columbia Area Mental Health Board. He has also served as VREM Chairman for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and as Scholarship Subcommittee Chairman for the 100 Black Men of Greater Columbia.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Nathaniel Durant
CEO, ND3 Inc.
As a commissioned Army officer, Nathaniel “Nat” Durant served in Iraq as a tank company executive officer and later held key roles in simulations, exercise planning, and interoperability with U.S. Army North, the Joint Multinational Simulations Center in Germany, the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center/Air Warfare Center in the United Arab Emirates, and U.S. Army Central, where he concluded his military career as Exercise Chief focused on interoperability. Those assignments directly supported joint readiness, coalition coordination, and defense support planning in complex operational environments.
After leaving active military service, Durant continued serving by founding and leading ND3 Inc., a Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business focused on drone services, logistics, interoperability, simulations, IT, and mission support. Under his leadership, ND3 has supported government and public-sector missions connected to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, Department of Justice, Defense Support of Civil Authorities, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The significance of that work is practical: it helps agencies improve coordination, situational awareness, training, and operational effectiveness in environments where readiness and public safety matter most.
Through ND3’s Drone Academy, public-sector training work, and ND3 Cares initiative, he has helped expand access to technical education and emerging career pathways for veterans, disadvantaged individuals, small businesses, and aspiring professionals. His company has helped to advance first responder and public safety capability through drone-enabled support and helped expand workforce access through hands-on drone training.
Sergeant First Class Benjamin Mishoe
Benjamin Mishoe is a native of East Palatka, Florida. He joined the U.S. Army in November of 1998. During his 25-plus year career in the Army, he has held ever Duty Position from Rifleman to Battalion Operation SGM. He has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. His Assignments include: 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment “Manchu”, 2nd Infantry Division Korea; 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division; 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division; 5th Battalion Pathfinder, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 327th Regimental Combat Team “Bastogne”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 6th Squadron, 8 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division; 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 165th Infantry Brigade, Fort Jackson, SC.
He has been a part of the LTG James C. Dozier Chapter of the National Infantry Association since 2018. Starting out as the Chapter Secretary, then moving of the Chapter Vice President and now as the Chapter President. The South Carolina Chapter is devoted to helping Infantrymen, soldiers, all Service Members, retirees, and family members. As chapter President, Mishoe continues to strengthen the bond between current soldiers and the veteran community by creating opportunities for mentorship, fellowship, recognition, and service. In September of 2025 he became a Board Member of the National Infantry Association at Fort Benning, GA. Supporting Infantrymen and their families.
Thank You!
On behalf of Range Fore Hope Foundation we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this awards program possible.
To our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and community supporters—thank you for your unwavering commitment and generosity. Your contributions have not only elevated this event but have also amplified the impact of the individuals we celebrate today.
To our honorees—your dedication, excellence, and leadership inspire us all.
And to everyone behind the scenes—your hard work and passion brought this vision to life.
Thank you for making this celebration of achievement truly unforgettable.
In collaboration with the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, RFHF is building a network of services and resources that empower families through medical literacy, emotional support, and access to integrative health care. Our Operation Home and Health Initiative is grounded in the belief that a holistic, family-centered approach leads to more lasting and impactful outcomes.