About The Foundation

Chip is a retired U.S. Army officer and seasoned government affairs executive whose career has spanned combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, strategic defense leadership, and high impact federal engagement. His last role in uniform was as the Division Chief, Programs Division, in the Army’s Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison. In this capacity, he liaised with various Congressional committees to secure authorities and funding for the Army. He also served as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Forces Afghanistan, where he led a 730-person team and managed a $3.4 billion operating budget supporting over 13,000 service members. He served in multiple roles on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon and commanded combat arms units at multiple levels over a 28-year career.

In industry, Chip was the Vice President for Strategy & Transformation, as well as VP of Government Affairs at SolarWinds, an industry-leading IT software company. Chip and his team were responsible for monitoring and assessing the legislative and regulatory environments, liaising with U.S. federal administration and policy thought leaders.

Chip serves as President of the 1-5 Cav Black Knight Foundation, a nonprofit formed in May 2025 to help veterans turn trauma into growth. The foundation focuses on programs that enhance the well-being of veterans and service members, fostering resilience, and a sense of belonging. The foundation is producing a documentary that captures the unit’s sacrifice and resilience both during and after its historic deployment to Baghdad from 2006-08.

Chip holds a B.S. from Virginia Tech, an MBA from Duke University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Chip and his wife Lisa have three children and reside in Fairfax Station, VA.

Mike Meyers serves as the Commissioner of the Military Basketball Association (MBA), the league’s primary spokesperson and strategic leader since its founding in the summer of 2017. As CEO and Founder, Mike has been instrumental in establishing the MBA as a globally recognized volunteer organization that promotes military athletes and fosters collaboration among military communities, sponsors, and stakeholders. Through his leadership, the MBA serves as a vital platform for advancing military wellness initiatives, community engagement, and advocacy.

Mike Meyers is an Army combat veteran who served 23 years, first as an enlisted Soldier and then as a commissioned officer. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in 2005 and later deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the Surge with 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in 2006. 

With more than 25 years of volunteer coaching experience, Mike has been a pioneer in using military basketball as a tool to prevent harmful behaviors and promote resilience. The MBA actively facilitates dialogue between military installations, sponsors, and community partners, ensuring alignment of shared goals and resources. It also plays a crucial role in setting the agenda for military athlete development and mental health awareness, with a focus on issues like suicide prevention and Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). 

Chris is a retired Army Colonel who served for 30 years as an Infantry Officer and Army Strategist. He twice deployed to Iraq, led a variety of operational, training, and research organizations, and served as an Assistant Professor of Strategy at the National Defense University. He culminated his military career leading the Army’s Future Study Program, responsible for providing qualitative and quantitative research findings to guide Army modernization efforts and investments.

Since retiring from active duty, Chris continues to pursue his passion for serving others and developing leaders. In addition to serving as the Foundation Treasurer, Chris serves on the physical security team where he worships, as the Historian for his West Point Class Committee, and as the Secretary to the Board of Directors for Mira Precision Health, where he is employed as the Senior Director of Operations. Chris is also a certified instructor with Simon Sinek’s Optimism Company and is currently pursuing his Associate certification with the International Coaching Federation.

Chris holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West, Point, and Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), and the U.S. Army War College. He and his wife Jo have two grown sons and reside in Lebanon, Ohio

Colonel (Ret.) Dale C. Kuehl served 30 years as a U.S. Army infantry officer, with combat experience in Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm, and as commander of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment during the 2007–2008 surge in Baghdad. As a battalion commander, he directed complex counterinsurgency operations in one of Baghdad’s most volatile districts, integrating U.S., coalition, and emerging Iraqi forces at a pivotal moment in the war.

Since retiring from active duty, Colonel Kuehl has built a second career in the financial sector, where he continues to advise, mentor, and develop leaders. He remains active in his community, supporting veterans’ organizations, local leadership initiatives, and programs that strengthen resilience and civic engagement.