Ken Eakes, Executive Director of Military Warriors Support Foundation, was born in upstate New York and moved with his family to Tyler, Texas, where he graduated from Lindale High School. Ken’s desire to experience new places, as well as his passion for golf, brought him to San Diego State University, where he majored in Political Science and played college golf. He also interned with the San Diego Mayor’s office and focused his study areas in Environmental Law and Public Affairs.

After graduation, Ken accepted an Operations Management Development role with American Stores, where he was responsible for the Store Operations and Training of over 25 stores in the Southern California Market. Upon merger with Albertsons (ABS), Ken accepted an HR/Communications role to implement company strategy across the business. Ken was instrumental in developing the Albertsons Education Network (Satellite TV) across all business lines to communicate key company initiatives to its 41 states and 235K employees. Ken’s role grew to overseeing Leadership Development for the company’s 21K managers.

After 15 years with ABS, Ken accepted a leadership opportunity at Harcourt Assessment (HA), moving his wife, Genesis, and their 3 boys, Sam, Anthony and Tyler, to San Antonio, Texas. At HA (now part of Pearson), Ken oversaw the Succession Planning, Management Development and Training. Ken also supported national Medical Assessment Testing programs and Stanford Testing programs, both of which support “The No Child Left Behind” State and Federal programs.

Throughout his career, Ken devoted many years to volunteering in football, from youth to college level. In February 2007, Ken was informed that Ray Werner, a young man he coached in high school football in Boise, Idaho from 2002 to 2003, was killed as a result of an IED explosion in Iraq. This tragedy sparked Ken’s innate passion for service to others and uncovered his calling to support the nation’s wounded heroes and their families. Alongside Lt. General Leroy Sisco (Ret), Military Warriors Support Foundation was born. What began as a short-term mission evolved into a 50 state, multi-program, non-profit organization which is approaching $200M in veteran program support. Though not a veteran himself, Ken’s family has a long history of military service, and he remains dedicated to honoring our heroes by assisting those whom have given so much. Ken does, and will continue to do so, in memory of Ray Werner and all those who serve.