After joining the Marine Corps infantry in 2000, Robert took part in the initial push into Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning a Certificate of Commendation for his role in capturing Kandahar Airport and a Navy Achievement Medal for taking the Embassy in Kabul. After leaving the Marine Corps as a sergeant, he began working with artists in multiple media, often raising money for charities. Before founding Bullets and Bandaids, he dedicated hundreds of hours and raised thousands of dollars for local charities, as well as volunteering to teach creative writing to underprivileged children and inmates in detention centers in North and South Carolina. He’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he won awards for outstanding work in the field of Writing for Media Arts. He is also a member of the Global Alliance for a Peaceful Earth, or AGAPE.
Doc was born in Saint Augustine, Florida. He joined the Navy in July of 2001 to serve as a Hospital Corpsman. As a corpsman, he was attached to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, Company K, where he deployed several times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In July of 2007, he left the Navy and joined the Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent/Public Affairs specialist. Shawn eventually served as Editor for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego’s “Chevron” newspaper. He also served as the MCRD Social Media Manager. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2017, he graduated from Sam Houston State University with his Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Communications Studies. Shawn has contributed to Volumes 3 and 4 of Bullets and Bandaids, writing a total of 9 stories to date.
Mr. Lozano is a non-profit executive and grassroots organizer. His years of public service have allowed him the title of Deputy Assistant to the Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, as well as being the Director of USA Freedom Corps. He advanced the “Call to Service” initiative launched by President George W. Bush in his 2002 “State of the Union” address, as well as being appointed to serve as the Director of Los Angeles County Teen Challenge and Urban Ministries Initiatives. In 2005, Lozano was awarded the Presidential Call to Service Award in recognition of a lifetime of service. He was also president and CEO of Californians for Drug-free Youth (CAFDY), a non-profit organization working to bring parents, youth, schools, and communities together to create and support safe and healthy communities (from 1996 to 2007). He is also on the Council of Advisors for the United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., or UNITY. He is also a member of the Global Alliance for a Peaceful Earth, or AGAPE.
Eric Donath joined our Board of Directors in October 2024. With his leadership experience, creativity, and interest in honoring veterans, he is a great fit and asset to the organization!
Eric previously served as Director of Instructional Technology at Florida Tech, where he also earned his master’s and taught for over a decade. He was an undergrad at the University of South Carolina, graduating with honors, and has close ties to Columbia’s community of artists.
Eric’s father was a U.S. combat veteran of WWII and consummate poet. His father took immense pride in serving the Armed Forces, education, and creativity. Eric proudly serves as a civilian on our Board to honor and respect veterans and his father’s legacy.
In June of 1967, Ron Osso was assigned to the 525th Military Intelligence Group in Cau Binh Loi, South Vietnam, where he served as a combat cameraman.
While in Vietnam, Osso met a GI who owned a small film production company in Chicago. Ultimately, through that connection, he ended up with a 47-year career in marketing and advertising for agencies in Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Charlotte. He retired in 2014 and now spends his time tinkering.
Today Osso lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife Lorraine. He occasionally does a little freelance work with Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, has written two unpublished novels, published a book of twenty-five short stories, and is about to publish a second. For the past year, Osso has been conducting interviews and writing for Bullets and Bandaids, which he finds rewarding.
Robert Matheson is a community-engaged artist from Newberry, South Carolina. His work is focused on improving the health and well-being of others through the arts. In 2019, Robert established Newberry Made, a local artist & maker registry that has grown to include over 200 artists & makers throughout Newberry County.