TIDES OF GRATITUDE Supporting the Veteran Community
November 8th, 2025
Master of Ceremonies
Tyr Symank is a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, writer, and advocate whose multifaceted career spans over two decades of military service, creative storytelling, and community leadership.​Task & Purpose
Enlisting in 1995 as a tanker, Tyr's early military journey led him to the 1st Cavalry Division's Horse Cavalry Detachment, where he spent five years representing the division at public events and rodeos. Seeking greater challenges, he volunteered for Special Forces and was selected, eventually serving with the 19th Special Forces Group in the Washington National Guard. Throughout his 22-year career, Tyr operated extensively overseas as a Green Beret, medic, and intelligence specialist in high-threat environments, including assignments with USASOC and JSOC.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Tyr is a passionate storyteller, writing under the pseudonym Charlie Martel. His works, such as "Milk Run," delve into the complexities of combat and the human experience within it. ​
In 2019, Tyr transitioned to a civilian role as a Program Manager at Black Rifle Coffee Company, where he also contributes content and spearheads philanthropic initiatives. He founded The BRCC Fund in 2020, focusing on veteran health and rights, collaborating with organizations like HunterSeven Foundation, Second Chance K9, and Reel Warriors Foundation.
As the Master of Ceremonies for the Tides of Gratitude Gala, Tyr brings a wealth of experience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication that the event celebrates.
Mistress of Ceremonies
Jen Guidry is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, and former top-producing mortgage executive whose life story embodies resilience, faith, and transformation. With nearly three decades of experience in the mortgage industry, she consistently ranked among the top 1% of loan originators nationwide, earning accolades such as San Antonio’s No. 1 Loan Officer and being named one of the Top 10 Most Empowering Women in Mortgage globally in 2023. ​
Jen's journey began at the age of 19 when she entered the mortgage industry as a receptionist. Her dedication and drive propelled her to leadership roles, including branch and regional manager positions at major national firms. Despite her professional success, Jen faced personal challenges, including surviving cancer and overcoming trauma. These experiences led her to reevaluate her definition of success and prioritize holistic well-being.​
In 2023, Jen transitioned from her mortgage career to focus on empowering others through her coaching practice, The High Level Life™. As a certified trauma recovery expert and Christian counselor, she guides high achievers in aligning professional success with personal fulfillment. Her bestselling books, The Storm and Grit & Gratitude, offer insights into overcoming adversity through faith and resilience. ​
Jen's compelling story and dynamic presence make her a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, and faith-based gatherings. Her mission is to inspire others to pursue excellence without sacrificing their well-being, demonstrating that true success encompasses both achievement and inner peace.
Kirstie Ennis is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, adaptive athlete, and humanitarian whose life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and service. Enlisting at 17, she served as an airframes mechanic and .50-caliber aerial door gunner, deploying twice to Afghanistan. In 2012, during her second deployment, her helicopter crashed in Helmand Province, resulting in severe injuries, including the eventual amputation of her left leg above the knee. Despite enduring over 40 surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, Ennis transformed her adversity into a mission to inspire and uplift others .​
Following her medical retirement, Ennis pursued higher education, earning three master's degrees in Human Behavior, Business Administration, and Public Administration, and is currently completing her doctorate in Education . She channeled her experiences into founding the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, which focuses on providing education, opportunity, and healing through outdoor recreational therapy. Her "Climbing for a Cause" initiative aims to summit the highest peak on each continent, raising funds and awareness for various charitable organizations. To date, she has successfully climbed six of the Seven Summits, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid, Denali, and Mount Vinson
Kirstie's remarkable achievements have garnered national recognition. In 2019, she received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards, honoring her dedication to serving others beyond the military . She has also been inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame and received the Yolanda King Higher Ground Award for her humanitarian efforts .​As a motivational speaker, Ennis shares her journey of overcoming adversity, emphasizing the power of perseverance and the importance of finding purpose beyond personal challenges. Her story continues to inspire countless individuals to confront their obstacles with determination and hope.
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What to Expect
Tides of Gratitude is a Semi-Formal Fundraising Event where we will have dinner and drinks as well as gifts for all that join us. Through out the event we will have a silent auction followed by a live auction.