Ron Holmes
Founder, Director, & Owner
About Ron
Ron Holmes retired from Marine Special Operations Command after serving over 20 years in the U.S. Marines. During his time at MARSOC as the Communications Operations Chief he was the senior enlisted responsible for the creation and development of the first Marine Special Operations Communications School called MNOC (Marine Network Operators Course). Prior to this he served with Force Reconnaissance commands for much of his time in service. His primary job was Reconnaissance Communications. Post retirement he worked in support of the Global War on Terror for the Joint Special Operations Command. Shortly thereafter serving as a Sensor Operator on an Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance platform. This led him to working as an Independent Diplomatic Security Consultant. In 2014 he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer deploy. As of today, he is cancer free. He is a principal owner of RYKER USA that was created in 2014 and is a Service-Related Disabled Owned Small Business. He holds a patent for a medical device he invented.
He is the Founder, Director and owner of the Life SkillZ Academy and Life SkillZ USA. Family and friends had strongly suggested he start a summer camp. In Nov 2022 his father passed away. He has worked very hard to pass along the things his father taught him to his son. It was a few things, first God put it on his heart in Jan 2023 to create something. This with the observations that our children have been hijacked by a broken system. He felt compelled enough to do something and here we are. He and his team have identified the problem, our children are taught to be victims. Their solution, to create assets, to create victors from victimhood. To develop the confidence starting at 6 years old to understand they can make a difference in all things. The summer camps for 6–15-year old's is just the beginning.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with honors. He is married to Traceylynn Holmes together they have their son Ryker Jeffrey Holmes. His son is also named after fallen Force Recon Communicator, Jeffrey “Corky” Starling. He lives by the 5 F’s and a B. Faith, Family, Fitness, Fighting, Firearms, and a BOW. The goal with their company, products and training is the same: Make a positive impact and leave you better than when you started. God-Family-Country.
Summer Peterson
Instructor
About Summer
Summer Peterson is a daughter of the King and from that everything flows. She is a respiratory therapist at Novant New Hanover Regional Hospital and has been practicing for 10 years. She is currently working towards a masters degree in Cardiovascular Perfusion. Working as a travel nurse she has had the opportunity to work/live in Hawaii, Utah, California, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Wilmington, NC.
Summer has been a competitive athlete all her life and played collegiate D1 soccer at East Tennessee State University. Her experience on the soccer field was the start of her leadership growth personally and professionally. She is a personal trainer at F45 Training Midtown and extremely involved in her community. She has served two mission trips in Africa, focusing on development of authentic Christ-centered relationships, discipleship, and thus received the gift of new perspective. Summer is passionate about the youth and wishes to educate, encourage, and challenge our future citizens and leaders. She volunteers with the Scotts Hill Baptist Church Youth Ministry and serves as an 8th grade girls small group leader. She also runs FaithFit, a youth sports ministry that consists of a free workout followed by a time of devotion.
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Summers' father is a blue-collared man and her mother previously served in the Army is now a School Teacher. "Growing up they always taught me to be smart and work hard. Life is a balance of grace and truth. The truth is children stand in need of situational awareness, the ability to communicate, and lack a possession of a proactive, grit mentality. The grace is we are at war with the enemy and can only do our best with how God has already equipped us. It is crucial we meet our children where they are, and remind them they matter. We are to go out into this world and be better for those around us, with obedience to God’s calling. It takes willingness and deference to make a change. It takes discipline and intentionality to maintain growth, and it takes confidence to find peace. I am looking forward to making a difference in the lives of our youth. In addition, I am eager to learn and serve alongside the other humble, extremely knowledgeable, leaders within LifeSkillz community.”