Once and Future Seekers
2012-2020
William Miller
During his tenure thus far William summited a 14ner for the first time in 2019, participated in multiple volunteer projects within his community, became more actively involved in his youth group, and has seen his physical lifestyle improve through consistent attendance in his local Crossfit gym. Now having graduated the program he is attending Auburn University, applying his VLA lifestyle in this new chapter.
Julian Hebrard
Julian graduated the program 2020. Having successfully graduated from high school after some challenging hurdles during those years, he is now doing well working and quickly advancing at a Texas construction company in sales and production management. Pictured here with his mom and biggest champion Jennifer.
Conner Jansen
One of the original and longest participants in the VLA program, Conner is now in Grad school working to change the world of audiology. Being around the Dallas area he is still a frequent workout buddy with Grant. He has also completed his own marathon this past year and is continually involved in his church.
Jathan Gupton
Completing through his senior year in the VLA program, Jathan continues practicing the VLA principles all the way down in Florida. Now he works, plays his music, and constantly contributes his time on the worship team where he lives in Florida. He is always there to support the program for those who have come after him, even going on the 2019 conquering trip, and still talks with Grant on a regular basis.
Erik Lavespere
Erik made it through 3 spectacular years with VLA. A constant leader as the resident ‘Eagle Scout’, Erik is still leading in his life studying to be a leading geologist at Texas A&M University. He to comes back quite often to help out with fundraisers, and even comes back to help mentor those after him on Veritas trips including the 2019 conquering trip along with Jathan.
Ian Staalsen
One of the Staalsen brothers, Ian made his VLA debute in 2015 and has been living out the program ever since. With only a semester left at University, he already has a job secured in Denver, CO. He is always keeping in touch, making sure Grant stays in top rock climbing shape and is leading his own trips with his brother into the back country now. He also accompanied us on our 2019 conquering trip where his spiritual insights always stir up great conversation.
Martyn Staalsen
The other half of the Staalsen twins, Martyn is seeking as hard as ever the mission of Veritas since joining in 2015. At Baylor University he continues to get excellent internship after internship in extremely complex science and computer fields. Leading trips with his brother, the two still very much embody the ideals in and out the back country that Veritas tries to instill. Martyn makes it a point to come back whenever he can and join in any Veritas goings on.
Nathan Garner
The quiet intense leadership of Nathan can not go understated. A two year veteran of the VLA program starting in 2015, Nathan is now graduated and looking toward becoming a Firefighter and Paramedic. He still to this day exudes the calm and kind hearted leader qualities he displayed on all the trips, and has revitalized his spiritual journey over the last few years.
Somiari Tobin
One of our most tenacious seekers, Somiari graduated two years of the program in 2015, but didn’t stop there. Living through truly tough circumstances, Somairi has now fought his way into a scholarship and taken his first semester of classes at TCU. This after completing two semesters at a junior college, striving, and succeeding as a student and leader on and off campus. A man whose heart is always in the right place, he walks the talk, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Brian Heager (right), Greg Heager (left)
We are putting both of the guys together as they came on during our pilot to incorporate college age Seekers in 2018. Even when we hit our rocky times in 2017, these brothers have been stalwart advocates and practitioners of VLA ever since. Greg is now a mentor in waiting for his first two seekers in North Dallas (let us know if you have anyone in mind). Brian went with us on the Conquering Trip in 2018. They are both major leaders in their churches, and have even lent their musical talents to us, playing at our annual fundraiser. They will be there next year, God willing, so come out and join us. Greg is now married and working as a fleet salesman for GMC, and Brian is pursuing graduate studies in music while working in the field editing and producing.