Our Leadership
Jeff “Gunny” Shilanski honorably served as an Infantry Unit Leader in the United States Marine Corps from January 1993 to October 2013. Throughout his career, he held multiple leadership and instructional roles, including serving as a Combat Instructor, where he earned Combat Instructor of the Year for excellence in training, mentorship, and mission readiness.
During his deployment to Afghanistan, Gunny was part of a leadership team responsible for guiding and training approximately 1,200 Afghan soldiers. This work required strong coordination, cultural awareness, and the ability to lead effectively under complex and high-risk conditions.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Gunny faced a severe battle with PTSD. Through the support of fellow veterans and a renewed commitment to his recovery, he rebuilt his life and refocused his purpose. In 2020, he co-founded FOB Rasor with CarrieRae to ensure that no veteran or first responder navigates their struggles alone.
Gunny is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and has logged thousands of peer-support hours, serving in both lead and follower roles. His approach is grounded in lived experience, humility, trauma-informed practice, and a deep commitment to safety and connection. He is a trusted mentor, facilitator, and advocate for individuals and families seeking stability, purpose, and healing.
Today, Gunny serves as a key leader within FOB Rasor, guiding veterans and first responders toward recovery, community, and hope. Outside of his service work, he enjoys time with his family, their dogs, the outdoors, and the continued gift of sobriety.
CarrieRae is the wife of Marine, Jeff Shilanski and daughter of purple heart veteran Jim Munson. She co-founded FOB Rasor and now serves as Chairman of the Board, providing leadership and oversight for the organization’s operations, programs, and marketing. She has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for over 25 years, with experience in pediatrics, home health, and inpatient rehabilitation. CarrieRae is also the founder and operator of Undersummers.com, a women’s apparel brand focused on comfort and confidence which she started and has operated for 15 years. She holds her B.S. and M.S. in Communication Disorders from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, respectively. Currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Kansas (Class of 2026), she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, business management, and community service to her role at FOB Rasor.
Rudy Wentzler
Board Member
Rudy is a US Army Veteran, having served on active duty from 2001-2006, then again from 2008-2009 after being recalled from the Inactive Ready Reserve. He served two tours in Iraq (’03-’04; ’08-’09). Since leaving the service, he has been and always will be a passionate supporter of the Veteran community.
Currently, Rudy is a financial advisor and Senior Vice President at Woodforest Wealth Strategies. Prior to joining the financial services industry, he worked in various operations and supply chain management roles within the Chemical industry.
Rudy has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The United States Military Academy at West Point (’01), and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin (’08). He is a proud father of two incredible girls and husband to his amazing wife, Courtney. Rudy enjoys traveling with his family, working out, rucking, and doing pretty much anything that will get him outside.
Board Member
Charles Ray Thompson, a dedicated graduate student at Lamar University , is pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of obtaining his Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification. His rich and diverse background, which includes military experiences and education, provides a unique perspective in his counseling practice. A native of Crosby (Barrett-Station), Texas, Charles has a distinguished military career spanning over 23 years, culminating in his retirement as a Major in the U.S. Army. His service included deployments during significant conflicts, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience.
In addition to his military service, Charles has made significant contributions to education as the Senior Army Instructor for the Army JROTC program at Westfield High School in Houston, Texas. His academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and he is well-equipped with training from various military courses. Charles is committed to fostering emotional well-being and resilience in his future clients, drawing from his extensive life experiences, military leadership, and educational background. He understands the complexities of mental health, especially among veterans and military families, and aims to provide compassionate and effective counseling to those in need.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Charles is a family man. He is married to Nancy Valenciana from El Paso, Texas, and they are proud parents of two children, Christiana Racquel and Aiden Patrick De-Jesus. Charles’s dedication to his family and community, along with his passion for helping others, drives his ambition to make a positive impact in mental health counseling.