our team
Mike Ferrell - President & Co-Founder
Mike has been a professional angler for more than a decade, spending countless days on the water and in the field pursuing his passion for the outdoors. When he’s not fishing, he enjoys time in the woods hunting deer and upland birds.
At the core of Mike’s passion is sharing time in the boat with men and women who serve our communities and country. “There is something truly special about the smiles—and the life-changing moments—that many men and women experience after a trip like ours.”
For more than 15 years, Mike has been actively involved in supporting veteran-based nonprofit organizations. Combining his extensive fishing background with years of event and trip-planning experience, he set out to create a hands-down, top-quality experience tailored specifically for military members and first responders.
Ryan Street - MMO Vice President
Ryan is a Minnesota native who grew up in White Bear Lake, he served in the United States Marine Corps until he retired in 2015, he is a combat Veteran in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. He was a key member of the Marine Corps longest amphibious landing in history. Ryan is a Realtor and an entrepreneur who has or is involved in a wide array of ventures including Farming, Real Estate, Corporate Finance, Alcohol, Prepaid calling cards, medical device development and sales and Prepaid Debit Cards. Ryan's infatuation with the outdoors started when he went fishing for the first time at 4 yrs old. Ryan has traveled the world and for the most part "seen it all" by the age of 36. Ryan currently lives in San Diego, CA with his wife Beth and their 3 girls.
Alie Witthans - MMO Co-Founder, Secretary
Alie is from North Branch. Her passions include hunting, fishing and cooking. Ice fishing is number 1, because of the first walleye she brought topside the ice which was 29 1/2". Comingling her love of catching and spending time with hero's has been easy through different organizations. Luckily Mike wanted to create his own and Alie jumped on board. She wants to make sure all around her enjoy their fishing experience. As well as make sure the attendees eat well. You will see her in a boat fishing and behind the scenes cooking meals for those who attend.
Paul Hershfield - MMO Treasurer
Paul lives in Osceola, WI. Paul has two sons. He enjoys spending time outdoors whether it is camping, fishing open water or ice fishing. Paul also likes hiking as well. Paul is especially known for throwing something on the grill or smoker. He especially enjoys spending time outdoors with his sons and looks forward to sharing his love of the outdoors with others.
Capt. Jason Benson - MMO Board Member
Jason grew up in Wanamingo, MN where he currently runs his metal fabrication shop and is a volunteer fire fighter/EMT on the Wanamingo Fire and Rescue Department.
Jason served 4 1/2 years in the Army Infantry from 2003-2007 spending a significant amount of time deployed.
After the service he worked as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico oil fields, across the western US, and at AUTEC on Andros Island Bahamas.
He rekindled his love of fishing the Midwest and Canada after moving home 13 years ago and has been helping several organizations getting his fellow veteran, fire, and EMS family out on the water. He is extremely excited to continue this work with the amazing crew at Memories Made Outdoors!
Jay Helin - MMO Board Member
Jay lives in North Branch with his wife, Kindra, and their two children, Maddie and Tanner. They are also the proud owners of a chocolate lab named Tucker. Jay has been in the law enforcement field since 1998 and currently serves as a deputy for Chisago County. He has been with the county for over 22 years.
Jay has always enjoyed hunting and fishing, which he attributes to his grandfathers, father, uncles, and cousins. His interest in this hobby was further encouraged by his relationship with Mike and Mike's fiancé, Alie. Jay's wife and Alie are sisters.
Jay started volunteering with a similar organization and is excited to be part of the MMO experience, which provides support to veterans and first responders.
Kevin Harteloo - MMO Board Member
Kevin Harteloo, a Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and combat veteran who originally hails from the Columbia River Gorge area of SW Washington State. Growing up there fueled Kevin’s passion for hunting, fishing and the mountains and woods in general. Kevin currently resides in Perris, California with his wife, Stacy and daughter Lillian. Upon retiring from the Marines in 2016 after 20 years of service and multiple combat deployments, Kevin went to work in the construction industry and is also part owner of a garlic farming operation located near Harris, MN.
Volunteer staff
Kyle Richey
Kyle Richey was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and now lives in Le Mars, Iowa. His passion for fishing began when he was just four or five years old, and it has remained a constant in his life ever since. For Kyle, fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s his version of therapy and a way to connect with the outdoors. He loves spending time outside and sharing adventures with his family, creating memories through travel and time on the water.
After high school, Kyle joined the United States Army and served his country with pride, including a 16-month deployment to Iraq in 2003. Today, he is a proud veteran who carries those experiences with him. Whether he’s on the water fishing or exploring the outdoors with his family, Kyle values the peace, adventure, and connection that nature brings to his life.
Drew Abrahamson
Drew Abrahamson spends his time fishing waters across the Midwest and Canada, always chasing the next adventure on the water. Growing up in east-central Minnesota, he learned to fish alongside his dad and grandpa, where his lifelong passion for the outdoors began.
With 19 years in law enforcement, Drew values hard work, patience, and time spent outside. Today he continues that tradition with his son—already a fishing machine—while fishing local leagues and competing in more local tournaments. For Drew, it’s all about family, fishing, and the memories made outdoors.
Zak Vork
Zak Vork, currently a Law Enforcement Officer living and working in East Central, MN. I have been working in that field since 2013. I grew up on the Canadian border, hunting and fishing from a young age, and never stopped. I have a wife and three boys who also enjoy spending time in the woods and on the water. I was a guest to White Pine Lodge in 2025 with MMO, and I am looking forward to being able to assist with future guests as a volunteer.
JT Beck
JT Beck retired from the United States Army Reserve in 2023 after 27 years, wrapping up his career as a Command Sergeant Major (E-9). Somewhere along the way he also squeezed in 13 years in law enforcement, including time on SWAT and working as a medical examiner. He’s got a Firefighter/Paramedic degree and now works as a safety professional for a large construction and ready-mix company.
When he’s not on the job, JT can usually be found with his wife and their two golden retrievers where he now lives in Chippewa Falls, WI. JT loves most, chasing walleyes or sitting in a deer stand with his bow. He’s a die hard outdoorsman who enjoys sharing a few stories, lessons learned, and maybe a little bit of hard earned wisdom with fellow veterans and anyone else who likes the outdoors.
Mark Morse
Mark Morse, a retired Army veteran with 27 years of service. Now enjoys life in Northern Minnesota with his wife, Jaime, and their three dogs. A passionate outdoorsman, Mark spends his days fishing, hunting, and working on projects around the house. As a volunteer guide with MMO he loves sharing his knowledge and appreciation of the outdoors with others. When Mark isn't on the water, he works part time as a marine technician, combining his mechanical skills with his love for boats and lakeside fishing. Mark experienced a fishing trip with MMO, and has participated in several trips as a volunteer, and even some community events.