OUR TEAM

Here at the Check-6 Foundation, our vision and drive is working towards the goal that one day, every child battling a serious medical condition, and every military veteran in need will have a WINGMAN who HAS THEIR BACK.

Through the efforts of our staff, partners, and ambassador volunteers, we are seeing that goal beginning to be realized, but there is much more to do. Find out how can help.

Board of Directors

Rob “Balz” Balzano

Rob is a Colonel in the US Air Force, currently serving as the Senior Advisor and interagency liaison in Washington, DC...

George Onyenyeonwu

George recently retired from the United States Air Force as a Major...

Mike Knapp

Mike is an active duty officer in Washington, DC. He is leading the Check-6 Foundation, Pilot for a Day National Program.

Board of Advisors

Chrisitan Okoye

Christian is a former NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs...

Butch Wilmore

Barry Eugene "Butch" Wilmore is a NASA astronaut and United States Navy test pilot...

Mike "Mo" Beale

Mo is a former Thunderbird Pilot and retired Colonel in the US Air Force...

Check-6 Ambassadors

Our ambassadors are individuals that have gone above and beyond to help carry out the mission.

They embody the ”service before self” mentality and are dedicated to helping others.

Emily Balzano

Emily is a currently a law student at Suffolk University Law in Boston, MA. She has been involved with the Check-6 Foundation for many years and continues to assist spread our mission.

Sue Fopiano

Katie is a Junior Board Member and the Director of Social Media for Check-6.

Karl McGarvey

George recently retired from the United States Air Force as a Major...

" The wingman is absolutely indispensable. I look after the wingman. The wingman looks after me. It's another set of eyes protecting you. That’s the defensive part. Offensively, it gives you a lot more firepower. We work together. We fight together. The wingman knows what his responsibilities are, and knows what mine are. Wars are not won by individuals. They're won by teams."

- Lt Col. Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski, USAF

[28 victories in WWII & 6.5 MiGs over Korea]