Who We Are

Our Story

The spark that ignites Soul Survivor Outdoor began while Founder and President LtCol Rick Wolf served at Marine Corps Base Twentynine Palms in charge of wounded Marines in 2013.

His assignment gave him a front row seat to the moral and spiritual breakdown that our military service members have endured as a result of extended exposure to combat and combat support operations. He saw that there was more going on with the Marines than the emotional (PTSD) and physical wounds from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the medical and psychological care alone was not fully addressing the damage to their souls. The Marines needed “soul repair.”

{

Rick and his team have genuine care and concern for our service members and I hope to get to experience more with them and support them in any way I can. SSO represents what’s best in people and I’m excited for what they hold for the future.”

1stLt Damon Alvarez, U.S. Marine Corps
{

“I recently took the opportunity to go to a SSO rock climbing event and we all had a blast! The events themselves were super fun and opened up some new hobbies for me. But more importantly we all gathered together and got to talk about our relationship with God and received some great information to guide us with our spiritual journey.”

Cpl Emmanuel Garcia, U.S. Marine Corps
{

“The best spiritual event I’ve ever been to, great time and felt more connected to God when I left!”

LCpl Caleb Cook, U.S. Marine Corps
{

“Top notch ability to connect with active duty soldiers and provide free resources that really engage the soldier.”

MSG Kristopher Small, U.S. Army
{

“Amazing experience and fantastic staff. . . the experience can be enjoyed regardless of your religious preference . . .  I would highly recommend the organization to anyone who’s looking to better themselves or simply have an amazing time with an extraordinary community that truly cares for the people it serves regardless of opinion or background.”

Sgt Bo Olson, U.S. Marine Corps
{

“Real resilient training with practicable life applications lessons to draw from. Thanks to . . . Mr. Garcia and his team.”

1LT Henry Onwughai, Chaplain, U.S. Army
{

“Soul Survivor Outdoor provides some of the best practical/tangible support to active duty military service members through outdoor adventures. . . each event creates a positive environment and esprit de corps that is engaging and opens up an aspect of outdoor life too easily neglected in the grind of deployment and training cycles. SSO is a must for any unit who desires their service members to have a revitalizing experience.”  

SFC Jacob Schanck, U.S. Army
{

 “I loved the trip they had us take with them, and their stories they had to share I was very grateful to listen to. Even if you consider yourself a secular person it’s a wonderful opportunity to work on a spiritual side and connect with that part of ourselves that we as a society lack in. Definitely take the trip if given the chance.”

PFC Justin Kirschner, U.S. Marine Corps
{

“I came out of this event spiritually, mentally and emotionally refreshed and refitted for my unit’s mission! I would definitely do another event like this and encourage my Soldiers to attend!”

CW3 Jacob Cowen, U.S. Army
{

“The freaking best thing hands down! Loved every bit of it!”

Petty Officer Third Class Heidy Salmeron, U.S. Navy

Early in 2014, Rick developed an outdoor wilderness program for the Marines of the Detachment that centered around an outdoor activity with a meal together, and a motivational discussion by a fellow military service member who “had been there, done that.” The program’s focus was to build or rebuild a solid life foundation, give military service members a chance to relax, unpack the stress of daily life, refresh their spirit, clear their minds, re-build confidence in themself and others, and ultimately provide an opportunity to restore their souls. 

The success of the program was significant and prompted Col Willie Buhl USMC, Retired, former USMC Wounded Warrior Regiment Commanding Officer, to comment that this was “one of the best all-around spiritual/physical evolutions he had participated in at the Wounded Warrior Regiment.” Col Buhl went on to further say that “the combination of get away from it all, fireside chat, interesting/relevant/powerful speakers, decent food, prayer breakfast and unique physical challenge of rock climbing made for a superb healing time.”

From that initial concept and program conducted at Joshua Tree National Park, the enduring mission that is now Soul Survivor Outdoor was born.

Our Team

Rick Wolf

Founder & President

Randy Garcia

Deputy Director & Colorado Area Director

Richard Davis

Kentucky/Tennessee Area Director

Steve Workman

Steve Workman

Assistant East Coast Director

Tony Smit

Texas Area Director

Kim Wolf

Marketing & Communications Director

Tina Keating

Tina Richards

Accounting Manager

Chris Thompson

Digital Missionary

Founder, President

Rick Wolf

Rick Wolf is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and the founder and president of Soul Survivor Outdoor, dedicated to building resiliency and spiritual fitness in active duty service members. During his 29 years as a Marine Corps communications officer, he had the opportunity to serve in various locations around the country and across the globe. Rick has 34+ years of leadership spanning private, defense, government, and nonprofit sectors.

From 2013 to 2014, Rick served as the officer in charge of the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Detachment at Twentynine Palms. This role gave him a front row seat to the moral and spiritual breakdown that our military service members have endured as a result of extended exposure to combat and combat support operations, and is the spark that ignited Soul Survivor Outdoor.

Most who know him would use the word tenacious to describe Rick’s determination in accomplishing whatever is put in front of him, whether it’s the successful launch and growth of SSO or convincing Kim, his wife of 37 years, that getting his A license in skydiving is a good idea. Rick and Kim live in Carlsbad, California, have three sons and one grandson, and are grateful to be reaching our nation’s warriors with the life-changing message of hope in Jesus Christ.

Deputy Director & Colorado Area Director

Randy Garcia

Randy García served 21 years as a U.S. Marine and 17 years in Department of Defense information technology leadership before joining SSO as a full-time volunteer in 2023. He has a passion for serving our active duty military in spiritual resilience, and he supports our military branches in Colorado as the area director. 

He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 36 years, has four grown children and four grandchildren. Currently, Randy and his family reside in Black Forest, Colorado near military bases such as Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, Cheyenne Mountain, and Buckley Space Force Base, and the US Air Force Academy.

Randy has a bachelor’s and master’s in electrical engineering and computer science, and a doctorate in cybersecurity. His hobbies include all things “outdoor Colorado” from snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and hunting. SSO has provided him a platform to better give back to our military and challenge each individual to develop spiritual fitness habits and pursue a solid relationship with Jesus Christ.

Area Director Kentucky/Tennessee

Richard Davis

Richard and his wife Tina live in Clarksville, TN with two crazy Huskies. They were married in 1989, have two incredible daughters and sons-in-law, and seven amazing grandchildren! 

Richard retired from active duty in July 2011 from the United States Army after twenty years of service. His last duty assignment was with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Special Forces qualified senior non-commissioned officer with six combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. 

He has been serving as the Area Director in Kentucky/Tennessee for SSO since February 2023, supporting units on Fort Campbell and deployed units in Poland. 

Richard has a Doctor of Educational Ministry, a Master of Theology – Applied Theology, a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University. He is also a certified trauma professional, and speaks and teaches on combat traumatic stress, hope, and growth from a Christian worldview in the United States and Ukraine. 

Steve Workman

Assistant East Coast Director

Steve Workman

Steve Workman is a retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 5 with 28 years of distinguished service. His career was evenly split between roles as an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Radar Technician and an ATC Systems Maintenance Officer, showcasing his extensive leadership and technical expertise. Steve’s service took him to various locations across the United States and around the world.

In 2017, while stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, Steve met Rick Wolf, the Founder and President of Soul Survivor Outdoor. Inspired by the mission, Steve eagerly volunteered, engaging in activities like rock climbing, skydiving, and skeet shooting with fellow Marines and Sailors. His passion for fitness and faith drives him to use outdoor adventure as a platform to discuss resilience and building a life foundation on Christ.

Known for his servant leadership, Steve has dedicated himself to serving others, both in his military career and through his involvement in his local church and faith-based organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse. Steve and his wife, Rebekah, reside in Milton, Florida, with their four children, and are excited to be part of SSO sharing the message of Christ with active duty service members.

Texas Area Director

Tony Smit

Tony Smit is a retired Marine Corps master sergeant and the Texas Area Director for Soul Survivor Outdoor. He served 25 years as a Military Policeman in various locations around the country and across the globe. Tony was fortunate to serve most of his career handling, training and deploying military working dog teams.

From 1999 to 2002, while he served as the Kennel Master for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Tony was assigned duties at the World Trade Center on 9-11-2001. The events of that day significantly impacted his faith and the course of his life.  

While on recruiting duty in Sacramento, California, Tony met his wife Jenn. They currently reside in Texas and actively share their faith with Jenn serving at Antioch Georgetown Church, while Tony is dedicated to lighting a spark in the darkness and building faith and resilience in active duty service members as part of the SSO Team. 

Marketing & Communications Director

Kim Wolf

Kim Wolf considers it a privilege to serve as SSO’s marketing and communications director, sharing the unique story of serving active-duty military through Christ centered outdoor adventure. Originally from the Boston area (Go Patriots!), Kim is well versed with the military, growing up as an Army dependent and spending 29 years as a Marine Corps spouse to SSO Founder and President Rick Wolf.

When the Marine Corps moved them to California in 1991, Kim entered the computer sales industry and traveled nationally and internationally to successfully establish and expand the customer base. Prior to joining SSO on staff, Kim spent the past 10 years working in private Christian education, culminating in her role as the director of marketing and communications for Tri-City Christian School in Vista, CA.  

When not working at SSO, you can find her enjoying time with Rick and their family of three boys, daughter-in-law and grandson, staying informed on current affairs, and using her passion for baking and organizing to help friends and family with events.

Tina Keating

Accounting Manager

Tina Richards

Tina Richards is honored to be a part of the Soul Survivor Outdoor team as the accounting manager. Born in North Carolina into a military family, Tina’s father was a career Marine who served 35 years and fought in three wars. Growing up and working on military bases, Tina developed a deep respect for all who have chosen to wear the uniform and serve our nation.

Tina has been married to her husband, Tom, for 34 years. They have two children, both married, and a wonderful grandson who always keeps her on her toes.

When not working, she loves to hike, swim and spend time with family and friends.

Video Production, Graphic Design

Chris Thompson

For nearly two decades, Chris has been creating imagery that tells stories and sells products. His mediums are diverse – print, web photography and video. Chris has extensive experience using  creativity and artistry in all these mediums to give product/services the cohesive branding and messaging needed.

Our Mission

Impacting the World for Christ One Active Duty Service Member at a Time.

REACHING service members with the gospel of Christ.

CONNECTING with other service members through small group Bible studies led by fellow service members.

BUILDING a Christ-centered foundation for living.

DEPLOYING on short-term missions locally and abroad.

SUSTAINING a relationship with Christ through fellow service members leading and mentoring others.

IMPACTING the world and an entire generation for Christ.

They Deserve Our Support

Our freedom is secured by the men and women who sacrifice to protect it, shouldering stress and hardship so we don’t have to. They deserve our unwavering support and gratitude.