THE HISTORY OF MEEKNESS
“The Greek word Praus (prah-oos) was used to define a horse trained for battle. Wild stallions were brought down from the mountains and broke for riding. Some were used to pull wagons, some were raced, and the best were trained for warfare. They retained their fierce spirit, courage, and power, but were disciplined to respond to the slightest nudge or pressure of the rider’s leg. They could gallop into battle at 35 miles per hour and come to a sliding stop at a word. They were not frightened by arrows, spears, or torches. Then they were said to be meeked. To be meeked was to be taken from a state of wild rebellion and made completely loyal to, and dependent upon, one’s master. When a horse passed the conditioning required for service, its state was described as praus.”
With over 80 years of combined instructor experience in combat deployments, austere missionary assignments, and high-risk training, Warriors Rise delivers a holistic, life- changing program that goes beyond training to form a lasting brotherhood. The instructors of Warriors Rise have a real passion to not only train, but to mentor and develop a brotherhood with men that come through our program. We look forward to meeting you!
The People behind the scene
Meet our team
Neil Dyer
Founder
Upon high school graduation in Austin Texas, Neil began his enlisted military service in Oct 2000. On completion of boot-camp he served two years in Annapolis Maryland as an undesignated deck seaman teaching basic seamanship to future leaders and two years in Sasebo Japan as a loadmaster for an amphibious craft unit. Feeling the need to progress in a different professional avenue, Neil entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training pipeline beginning his Naval Special Warfare (NSW) career with class 259. After graduation he checked into SEAL Team Five where he served two Iraq and one Afghanistan deployments conducting over 150 operations ranging from Direct Action, Special Reconnaissance and Preparation of Environment. Returning from Afghanistan, he checked into NSW Training Detachment Group-1 under the Maritime Operations cell as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for Combat swimmer and Over-the-Beach instruction for all West Coast SEALs. This position accommodated the training of US Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and Marine Forces Special Operations (MARSOC) as well. After understanding the lack of technological advancement within the maritime environment, Neil shifted his focus into advancing maritime operations Tactics, Training Procedures (TTP’s), equipment and execution through research and development at a Special Operations Command level. Once rotation neared, the opportunity for Tactical Leader (TACLEAD) as a Platoon Chief arose at SEAL Team One where he completed two years leading 18 SEALs through Unit Level Training, Professional Development and a kinetic deployment to North Iraq. Neil’s final tour in the Navy was completed at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training as a first phase instructor introducing young men aspiring to be Navy SEALs to the grueling requirements of Naval Special Warfare (NSW). Through his tenner he trained 2,022 students and conducted over 1,500 high risk evolutions and 9 Hell weeks. Family has been a crucial factor to Neil’s growth; being happily married fourteen years to his supportive wife Danisa. Together they have six children ranging from one to twelve years old.
Due to the experiences and training he gained at Naval Special Warfare (NSW), Neil and his family developed a non-profit organization. This organization was geared to assist the rest, recuperation and restoration of military members, first responders and pastoral/ministry family members alike; whom confront hardships of separation and traumatic experiences in their chosen career. Our results in just under four years found us ministering and aiding over 100 individuals. Within the last year the Dyer family has shifted focus on training men to rise through adversity and gain confidence in overwhelming situations for, but not limited to, high-risk missionaries, Special Operations candidates, Law Enforcement and church security teams.
Neil’s hopes are to expand and develop growth within individuals and teams alike, in confidence, character, resiliency and accomplishment. Using the foundational standards of NSW, Neil’s training pushes for extreme decision making while utilizing the understanding of threshold limitations. Neil believes the only thing that holds individuals back is self. He believes the foundation of Christ as Lord and Savior models chivalrous knighthood, which in turn molds and develops a warrior spirit. His mentorship seeks to bring out that warrior spirit from all individuals willing to test themselves.
Phil Dupont
In 1994 Phil answered the call to missions. For the next two years he lived among the animist, indigenous people group, the Iwam/Drupas; in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He held daily medical clinics and bible studies effectively teaching dozens of people how to read in Tok Pisin; enabling them to understand the Bible for themselves. After leaving the Jungle his mission continued in the Capital city of Port Moresby; you would often find him street preaching in the markets, and helping to organize evangelistic seminars.
After 9-11 Phil felt the need to serve in a different mission field so he enlisted in the US Army. He served 6 years as part of a light Infantry unit with 25th Infantry Division. During multiple deployments to Iraq, he conducted direct action, counter insurgency interdiction, and training and deployment of partner forces in Iraq. Currently Phil resides in North Idaho, where he built an off-grid homestead for his wife and two children. He recently worked on the Child Abuse Task Force in Probation and currently serves as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He continues to hone in on various skills, increasing his proficiency in firearms and survival. He recently graduated from a two-year course in Firearms Technology and earned a certificate in Unmanned Aerial Technology.
Matthew Brakeman
Matthew Brakeman (aka Tracer to many of his friends and teammates) has been actively working in the high-threat
security contracting industry and law enforcement since 1999. From June 1995 to September 1999 he served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps with 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. While there he served as an infantry rifleman, fire-team leader, then squad leader in a Sparrowhawk Platoon supporting the 31st MEUSOC on his first deployment to Okinawa, Korea, Russia and Thailand in 1996. In 1997 he volunteered for the very demanding selection to 3/5 Surveillance Target Acquisition (STA) Platoon.
He deployed overseas two more times with 3/5 STA Platoon as a scout sniper and sniper section leader. His last deployment on active duty was to East Africa in spring and summer of 1999, in response to the Al Qaeda bombings of the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dares Salaam. This experience and the commendations he received for “working well above his pay grade” and developing unconventional solutions to unconventional problems, opened the door to working for private clients and the US government (USDOE, DoD and CIA) as an independent contractor in the security and intelligence space. Matthew’s security and training roles over the last 25+ years have varied greatly, to include; high-threat personal protection for CIA staff in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Global Response Staff contract officer (7 yrs 2003-2010), domestic personal protection for private clients (ongoing since 1999), sniper/countersniper, aerial gunner, full-time firearms and tactics instructor in Las Vegas, after deciding to follow Christ he and his wife volunteered full- time with the Free Burma Rangers (3yrs) as head of security in the conflict zones of Eastern Burma, then domestic law-enforcement as a full-time Sheriff’s Patrol Deputy (6yrs) in North Idaho. He is an ALERT instructor, weapons and tactics trainer and role-player with pyrotechnic special effects experience for DoD and missions agencies. He also trains surveillance/counter-surveillance techniques and tactical driving, advance work in support of high-risk
operations and other courses to enhance his client’s ability to operate in non-permissive environments, and still occasionally takes
assignments to enhance national and regional security. Additionally, Matthew is a Chaplain and Critical Incident Stress Management professional for local First Responders and Dispatchers in North Idaho. Since 2021 he has been diversifying his skill sets while tending to his beautiful family and occasionally going overseas to help those in harm’s way. Matthew, with his wife and children, love training others to go help and encourage people; while glorifying Christ across the globe in austere and dangerous places.
Rick Seigmund
Richard has built a distinguished career in security and law enforcement, marked by his foundational role as a Border Patrol Agent in San Diego, CA. Here he honed his skills in critical areas such as drug interdiction, intelligence, counter-surveillance, and human tracking prevention, playing a pivotal role in national security efforts. His collaborative work with federal agencies like the FBI, BATF, DEA and US Marshals underscores his capacity to operate in high-stakes environments.
Transitioning from federal service, Richard leveraged his extensive experience to establish two leading security firms:
● Full Circle Systems Security & Defense (2015): Richard’s vision brought forth comprehensive security solutions for the corporate and healthcare sectors. His leadership guided the company in delivering top-tier active shooter training, in-depth investigations, and strategic risk assessments.
● FCS Black (2020): Recognizing the need for specialized protection services, Richard launched FCS Black to offer elite executive and close protection services, as well as estate security; catering to high-profile and high-net-worth clients with bespoke security solutions.
Richard’s certified expertise supplies practical skills for his clients to utilize. He holds multiple certifications in defensive tactics, firearms, surveillance, defensive driving, and is a certified First Responder. His ongoing education through DHS and FEMA further equips him to handle emergent situations with unmatched proficiency.
Most recently, Richard has channeled his insights into creating the Family Readiness Project (FRP), an initiative aimed at equipping families with the tools and knowledge to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving societal landscape, preserving traditional values against contemporary challenges.
Richard’s commitment to safety, security, and preparedness positions him as a leader in his field. He is constantly pushing the boundaries to provide protective services, while fostering resilience in communities and families alike.
Chris Stoehner
Chris Stoehner is the owner and lead instructor of XSA International LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran owned and operated small business. He teaches firearms, survival, and emergency medical training at all levels for military, law enforcement, and civilians. Chris started the company in 2009 to better serve and train entities with integrated and comprehensive curriculum development. Through his company he has trained thousands of people across the country including Special Operations Forces as well as SWAT Police Officers. Courses of instruction that he specializes in teaching are basic and advanced pistol and rifle, Concealed Carry, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, CPR/AED, and field survival.
Chris holds a Bachelors Degree of Individualized Studies with a strong focus in Military Sciences and International Politics from New Mexico State University. He draws upon his education and previous training and experience for developing and implementing training standards for the course work he teaches through his business. Chris is also a Nationally Registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician.
Chris served his community in New Mexico as a Reserve Police Officer as a Patrol Sergeant and member of the agencies Special Activities Division (SWAT). His role within the SAD was to serve as a primary team medic and Long Range Designated Marksman as well as multiple other collateral duties in training. He holds multiple awards for meritorious service over the nearly 12 years he served. The agency also held a memorandum of understanding with the Southeast New Mexico Marshal’s Fugitive Recovery Task Force.
Chris has held various positions in Executive Protection and Personal Security and was the team leader and site manager on a static site project in New Mexico for the owner of Four Horsemen International where he coordinated the security of the facility by running agents in shifts to have 24 hour coverage of the property and the principals. He was responsible for all weapons and emergency medicine training while maintaining and enforcing all Standard Operating Procedures. Chris has also worked in different capacities in sports clinics and urgent care units as a Medical/Surgical Technician.
Chris served in the United States Navy and Marine Corps team as a Hospital Corpsman for the 2D Marine Division Ground Combat Element. He is a qualified Fleet Marine Force Warfare Expert and his duties included running sick call through the Battalion and Regimental Aid Station, administering drugs and patient care plans, providing casualty care in high risk environments, teaching Combat Life Saving skills to Marines, vehicle and dismounted patrols, and overwatch. While on Active Duty he was forward deployed in 2004/2005 to Iraq’s Anbar Province. Chris is a successful graduate also of Operational Emergency Medical Services School. He was Honorably Discharged in 2006.
Ron Riveira
Chaplain
Ron Riveira began his US Navy Career by enlisting in 1990. Upon becoming a Corpsman (FMF) and his first major assignment was OCONUS at Allied Forces South (AFS South) in Southern Italy. Spending two years rotating deployments with Marine Corps Security Units (MCSF) and International Security Teams to the Middle East, MFO (Multinational Force and Observers in Sinai, Egypt (North and South Camps), Somalia, and other target rich environments. Extensive training and exposure made Ron a solid “Doc” confident in his medical skills, ability to protect others, and excel in arduous conditions. Ron left the navy in 1996 after a short tour at BUDS (Class 195.)
In 1996 Ron entered the Oakland Police Department, 137th Police Academy, Oakland CA. In 1997 Ron was selected and assigned to the “Tactical Operations Team” (SWAT) as a Sniper. A role he excelled and thrived at due to his military experience. Concurrently with police Work, Ron Re Enlisted in the Army National Guards 184th Air-Assault Company. His assignment as a reservist was as the senior medic of the ‘Recon Platoon.” Ron earned the ARMY Achievement for a lifesaving medivac while OCONUS, Ron also initiated cover for his unit during an ambush on exfil. Ron Retired from the Oakland Police Department with the title of Weapons Unit Investigator.
Ron attended Nursing School and graduated with an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASW.) This led him to serve veterans and work as a Hospice Nurse. He went on to create and be the Team Lead for Hospice in the “We Honor Veterans” program. Helping veterans and their families at the end of life. While working as a Nurse he continued the pursuit of education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Bethany University in Organizational Management, with a Minor in Theological Studies. This was the start of Ron’s journey to Chaplaincy.
A lifelong Martial Artist, Ron’s Hawaiian Heritage (Kanaka) provided him with the instruction and support for success in the arts. His paternal “GranFadda” Daniel Riveira Sr. (Founding member of Team Hawaii, and Pearl City Judo) was one of Seishiro “Henry” Okazaki’s original students, along with his “Unco” Wally Jay (Founder of “Small Circle Jujitsu.”) Ron is a Sensei in DanZan Ryu Jujitsu, a Sifu in Kajukenbo, and a Brown Belt in Judo, Purple in BJJ and a multitude of certificates of training. Ron founded Riveira Jujitsu and Hawaiian Combat Arts in 2009. He owned his own dojo and has been in the role of instructor, instructing others since receiving his first Black Belt in 1990. Ron has extensive training and has been blessed with training with many fellow instructors, such as SGM Ron Esteller, SGM Frank Cariaga, Professor Mitch Powell, Sensei John Chow Hoon, Gm Gary Forbach, Professor Phillip Dang, Hock Hockheim, Tim Licuda, James Mccan, Dan Inosanto, Ralph Gracie, Royce Gracie, Koga Institute, and a multitude of others.
In Ron’s endeavor to provide others with support and a quest to change fellow Veteran’s ability to receive the best “End of life care”, Ron attended the University of Southern California School of Social Work. He completed His master’s in social work with Honors in 2016. His goal was to achieve an avenue to legislate for veteran rights.
Currently Ron volunteers part time near the Canadian border (Off-Grid) as a Chaplain. ‘Living a life of service” has been Ron’s lifetime credo. Walking into Chaos with Christ at his side and providing support and relief to others in need is his lifework. Ron’s heart is especially driven to aid military, first responders and their families! Ron is a “Warrior Disciple of the Rebel Priest: JESUS CHRIST!”