Bridging the Gap in Veteran Support
Your Donation Will Help Change Lives!
Board Members
Mike Christensen, Founder
Mike Christensen is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 20 years of service, including deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan. With a background in structural engineering and entrepreneurship, he built a successful construction business while serving in the National Guard. After losing six fellow veterans to suicide, Mike founded Freedom for Heroes to provide outdoor-based support and camaraderie to those struggling with PTSD. His mission is to bridge the gap between VA services and the real needs of veterans through connection, advocacy, and community.
Gina Muré Christensen
Gina is passionate about Freedom For Heroes because she is the proud spouse of the soldier who started it—Mike. It is extremely admirable and inspiring that Mike is dedicating so much to help the lives of others who are struggling after his own 20 years of sacrifice.
Why are you passionate about Freedom for Heroes?
Hugging the spouse of a soldier who had taken his own life at his memorial was heart-wrenching. And at the same time, she immediately felt guilt. She can only imagine what our soldiers must feel when their brothers are killed in combat and they survive and get to go home to their families.
Shelby Butler
Shelby is an Arizona native currently located and working as an interior designer in the Scottsdale area. Out of her 10 professional years as a designer and project manager, the last 3 have included many opportunities to work on projects with PeakOne Builders. She has a deep connection with animals and nature and shares a very strong bond with her family. She currently has a wild cattle dog named Maynard and recently rescued a reservation mutt named Mona. She and her fiancé love to travel in their camper van named Remedy, where they both find their sense of peace in a wild world.
Why are you passionate about Freedom for Heroes?
Serving the community has always been a priority in Shelby’s life, thanks to her upbringing. Freedom for Heroes personally touches her heart after hearing from others who have lost loved ones due to suicide. Her own family has been struck by this devastation and its long-lasting effects, which have deeply impacted multiple generations. She believes Freedom for Heroes has the opportunity to reach and support so many and guide those in need. She is honored to be involved in this organization for the greater good.
