Meet the hearts behind the mission

Joe “Scooter” Peterson is truly passionate about helping veterans — because he’s lived it himself. As a proud U.S. Air Force combat veteran.

After retiring from active duty, Joe transitioned to the civilian world as a General Manager for Joe Beard and Sons, a waste removal company. Through his leadership, the company’s revenue quadrupled, and he implemented strong accountability and business structures that fueled long-term growth.

Always driven by service, Joe went on to launch his own business “Feed The Obsession Outdoors” in 2020. Focused on outdoor adventures and product reviews. In March of 2024 he changed the direction of the of the business, a BBQ venture that quickly took off. Having 5 employees and serving BBQ in multiple locations.  That same entrepreneurial energy channeled into a higher calling. In 2025, he founded FTO Outdoors Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans heal through outdoor experiences. Under his leadership, the foundation has continued to grow, providing life-changing opportunities for veterans to reconnect, recover, and rediscover purpose through shared adventures and camaraderie.

“We are trained to go to war, but not to return home. We must help each other.”
— Joe “Scooter” Peterson

Joe’s mission is simple but powerful: to combat the tragic statistic of 22 veterans lost to suicide every day by creating a brotherhood of healing in the outdoors — one veteran, one adventure at a time.

Dean H. Tipper is an Army retired Master Sergeant (MSG) with Subject Matter Expertise (SME) as an Abrams Tank Master Gunner (MG). Best known for his role as the Army National Guard (ARNG) Bureau Master Gunner. Where he helped develop and field the Conduct of Fire Trainer-Mobile-Situation Awareness (COFT-M-SA) tank simulator. To include the development and instruction of the associated Senior Operator Instructors (SOI) course. With this accomplishment and his 30+ years of military service he was awarded The Legion of Merit Medal.          

  When not bugging his friends and peers for mechanical information on his Harley Davidson motorcycles, he enjoys working on his Harley Davidson motorcycles as well as riding them. Dean enjoys being part of significant groups and is a Life Member in these Veteran organizations: the American Legion (AL), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and most recently his Life Membership in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).

Dean was born in St. Albans, VT in 1967. Went to Sheldon Elementary school and graduated Enosburg Falls High School in 1985. Raised working on a family dairy farm he then joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in NOV84 and left for Parris Island, SC in AUG85. Was married to his current wife Lorri in APR87 and after four years in the Corps moved back to Vermont (VT) and joined the VTARNG as a traditional Soldier. During the next ten years he worked as a Machine Operator, Shift Maintenance, and Shift Foreman for the Fonda Group from 1989-1993. Moved on to work for Bertek and Mylan Technologies as a Mechanic, Certified Welder and Machinist.

He joined the American Legion Post 42 and served as the First Vice Commander for ten years where he was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Post canteen to include scheduling, ordering canteen unique supplies, and verifying bartenders training, daily records and managing the canteens bank deposits as well as culminating reports to the Post Treasurer. He was also credited with getting that organization out of the “red” and into the “black”. Dean then served as Post Commander for that same Post for another two years following his terms as the Post First Vice Commander.

In 1999 Dean was hired into the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program in the VTARNG as a Company Readiness NCO. Graduated from the Army’s Master Gunner Course and served as a Company level MG. Deployed to Iraq from DEC04 – JAN06 for OIF III serving as a Heavy Weapons Platoon Sergeant (PSG) and also being rated as the Company First Sergeant (1SG) for the last two plus months in country. On return served as a Battalion (BN) level MG until PCS to Fort Knox, KY in 2008 serving in the Office of the Special Assistant to the Commanding General (OSACG) Operations MG, then PCS in 2010-2011 to Fort Benning, GA as the United States Army Armor Center (USAARMC) Senior Armor NCO TATS Cell for all tasks and projects related to the MG training program, MG qualification, and COFT I/O qualification.

From 2011-2015 PCS to Arlington, VA ARNG Bureau Training Division as the ARNG-TRS (Training Support) MG to provide SME and MG support for all Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS) programs for all 54 States and Territories.

Provided technical expertise to TADSS developers, provided TADSS strategy and policy input for the Branch Chief and Team Chief. Serving as the principal technical channel for Tank Gunnery Concepts, Analysis, Training and Doctrine. Monitored Army Master Range Plan, assisted the Director of Weapons and Gunnery Doctrine in support of the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) gunnery manual.  Administered and facilitated the training and simulations needs of 7 Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) and 3 Combined Armor Battalions (CAB).

            Received both the bronze and silver Order of Saint George medallions.

            Awarded the Army Staff Badge.

            Awarded The Legion of Merit.

            Awarded The Bronze Star Medal for Actions in Combat.

            Possesses an active SECRET clearance.

Jon R. Skerrett road name Top Shelf, is an Army retired Infantry Staff Sergeant (SSG) combat veteran who served for 17 years and 8 months. Jon had the privilege to have worked in many different positions through his military career. Jon did two tours to Iraq and one tour to Afghanistan. 

Jon enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys working on his motorcycle and doing projects around the house. He loves to ride, he likes fishing, hunting, kayaking, going to the beach, and more. He enjoys being a part of veteran’s organizations. He is a member of the American Legion (AL), a member of The Fleet, a life member at the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW), and a life member with the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association (CVMA).      

Jon joined the CVMA in APR2017. During his time in the CVMA Jon served as chapter Sergeant-At-Arms (SAA) and Executive Officer (XO) till 01JAN2026 when he resigned from the CVMA 

Jon Skerrett also served as commander of DeBary VFW post 8292 from OCT2024 till MAY2025. 

Jon Skerrett became Vice president (VP) of FTO Foundation Inc, in 2025 when Joe Peterson stood it up.

Jon Skerrett left CVMA after he's term was up and joined Veteran Enforces Motorcycle Association (VEMA) Deltona Chapter. 

                                    Awarded the Army Commendation Medal (4^th Award)

                                    Awarded the Army Achievement Medal (8^th Award)

                                    Iraqi Campaign Medal w/2 stars

                                    Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/1 star

                                    Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary (GWOTE)

Angela proudly serves as Secretary of the FTO Outdoors Therapy Foundation, where her heart for service and love of the outdoors come together to support veterans. With two sons who have dedicated their lives to the military—one who served six years in the U.S. Air Force and another who is a career combat medic in the U.S. Army—Angela understands firsthand the sacrifices that service members and their families make.

Her role with the Foundation is fueled by both gratitude and determination. She works behind the scenes to help coordinate efforts that raise funds for outdoor expeditions such as iguana and python hunts, elk hunts, and offshore fishing trips. These experiences give veterans a chance to heal, reconnect, and build lasting bonds.

When she’s not serving the Foundation, Angela enjoys bringing people together—whether it’s hosting pool parties, cooking for friends and family, or cheering on her sons. Her greatest joy comes from creating spaces where others feel cared for, valued, and at home. Through FTO Outdoors, she carries that same spirit forward for veterans who deserve it most.

Angela serves as Secretary of the FTO Outdoors Therapy Foundation, where her passion for veterans is deeply personal—one son served six years in the Air Force and another is a lifer serving as a  combat medic in the Army. She helps coordinate fundraising and outdoor expeditions that give veterans opportunities to heal, reconnect, and build lasting bonds.