Please join us Tuesday, January 14th at Augusta Grill. Cash bar will start at 5:30 with the speaker starting at 6.
We will be joined by a round table of 3 Veteran Organization Leaders in the State. James Mulak, Will Smythe and Phil Palmer.
James Mulak, MSW
Director of Warrior Advocacy
Upstate Warrior Solution
James enlisted in the United State Marine Corps in July 2001 and attended basic training aboard Paris Island, SC. Upon graduation, he attended The School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, NC and then received orders to B. Co. 1st BN 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC. While with 1/8, James deployed twice to Iraq and participated in the 2nd battle of Fallujah, Operation Phantom Fury where he received a Purple Heart. After returning from his 2nd deployment, James accepted orders to Wpns and Field Training BN where he trained recruits in BWT and Crucible events. James was subsequently medically retired from injuries sustained in Iraq and training in 2009 as a Sgt. James completed his undergrad at Limestone University and his Masters degree from Boise State University. James is currently the Director of Warrior Advocacy with Upstate Warrior Solution.
Will Smythe
Partner
Truitt Construction
Will is a serial hobbyist who loves spending time outdoors especially if it includes his family and friends. He is a work-in-progress as a Christian so please know he is trying even if it does not look like it on the outside. He enlisted in the Army while attending college at The Citadel. Following graduation in 1999 he commissioned as an officer and headed to his first duty station at Ft. Knox. During his 11 years in the Army he had many adventures but his most memorable was Iraq. Post-military he spent 16 years as a medical device rep and is now a partner at Truitt Construction company headquartered in Upstate, SC.
Phil Palmer
Founder and CEO
WarriorWOD
Phil Palmer, a 2005 graduate of The Citadel (Delta Company) and commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, distinguished himself through numerous deployments and leadership roles—including Iraqi Combat Advisor, Operations Officer in Iraq, Instructor and Staff Platoon Commander at The Basic School, and Operations Officer for both the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence and the Security Force Assistance Program at TECOM—earning commendations such as the Purple Heart, Army Commendation with Valor, and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor. Upon his honorable discharge in 2013, Phil confronted post-traumatic stress (PTS) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI), discovering that physical fitness and nutrition played a pivotal role in his recovery. Driven to help fellow veterans facing similar challenges, he founded WarriorWOD in 2021, a program emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and mentorship that has reached over 1,000 veterans, with hundreds finding significant relief through its support. A Regional Jefferson Award recipient and avid skydiver—having completed over 4,000 jumps—Phil also serves as Director of Sales for Liquid Web. Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, he is a devoted husband to Tessa, proud father to Sophie, and daily fitness enthusiast.
We look forward to seeing you Tuesday!
