meet the Team
kris tomes - guardian grit
SMSgt Kris Tomes is a highly decorated U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) and Special Warfare leader with over a decade of operational and instructional experience. Throughout his career, he has deployed multiple times in support of global rescue and combat operations, earning numerous awards including eight Air Medals—one with Valor—and the Combat Action Medal. As a former Pararescue Indoctrination and Special Warfare Prep Course instructor, Kris was named Instructor of the Year for his dedication to developing the next generation of elite operators. He later became the first full-time Special Warfare recruiter, bringing firsthand experience and authenticity to the recruiting and training pipeline. Known for his mentorship and leadership, he has been instrumental in bridging the gap between operational excellence and candidate development. Beyond his Air Force duties, Kris is the founder of Guardian Grit LLC and Valor Med LLC, a company focused on tactical medical education and preparedness. He also helped author Texas House Bill 496, which mandates bleeding-control stations in every school across the state—a reflection of his commitment to saving lives both on and off the battlefield. With a blend of combat-tested experience, instructional expertise, and community service, Kris continues to shape the future of Special Warfare and public safety.
Aaron Love
Aaron Love is a former U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (PJ) and a founding member of Ones Ready, a mentorship and education platform dedicated to preparing candidates for Air Force Special Warfare careers. Over his distinguished military career, Aaron deployed globally in support of combat rescue and special operations missions, specializing in advanced trauma medicine, personnel recovery, and team leadership under pressure. Known for his authenticity and mission-focused mindset, he became one of the most respected voices in the Special Warfare community. As an instructor and mentor, Aaron played a key role in shaping both operational PJs and candidates navigating the demanding selection and training pipelines. Following his military service, he co-founded Ones Ready to bridge the gap between recruiters, cadre, and aspiring operators, providing real-world insight through podcasts, events, and direct mentorship. His teaching style blends tactical experience, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the psychological demands of elite service. Beyond Ones Ready, Aaron continues to serve the community through speaking engagements and leadership development programs focused on mental toughness and resilience. His lifelong mission remains empowering others to succeed in high-stress, high-consequence environments—both in and out of uniform.
Trent Seegmiller
Trent Seegmiller is a former U.S. Air Force Special Reconnaissance (SR) operator and a founding member of Ones Ready, where he mentors and educates aspiring Special Warfare candidates. As one of the early members to transition into the newly established SR career field, Trent helped define what modern battlefield reconnaissance looks like within Special Tactics. His operational background includes intelligence gathering, environmental reconnaissance, and joint operations in support of global special operations missions. Known for his quiet professionalism and depth of knowledge, he’s earned a reputation for delivering practical, mission-focused guidance to candidates pursuing Special Warfare careers. Through Ones Ready, Trent brings clarity to one of the Air Force’s most misunderstood career paths, helping candidates understand the unique blend of technical expertise and physical grit required to succeed in SR. His mentorship style emphasizes preparation, humility, and adaptability—core traits that define success in the field. Outside of Ones Ready, he continues to contribute to the development of future operators through leadership programs and community education. Trent’s mission remains simple: prepare the next generation to meet the operational and mental demands of Special Warfare with integrity and precision.
Taylor Starch
Taylor Starch is a nationally recognized Performance Coach, Human Performance Architect, and Founder of Special Warfare Prep, known for achieving results where others cannot. With over 35,000 hours of coaching experience, he has built a system that bridges the gap between science and application—transforming how strength, mobility, and resilience are developed. Taylor has worked with Tier One operators, Special Operations candidates, professional athletes, and elite performers across multiple domains, applying a data-driven yet deeply human approach to performance. As a subject matter expert for the U.S. Department of Defense, he created the first standalone mobility curriculum in DoD history, developed the first comprehensive neck and spine conditioning program for Undergraduate Pilot Training, and helped establish both the Fighter Wing Human Performance Program and the Air Force Special Warfare Prep Course. His methods fuse physiology, biomechanics, and real-world performance demands into a unified framework that builds durable, adaptable, and mission-ready humans. Over his career, Taylor has coached world champions and countless tactical athletes preparing for elite military selection. He has lectured at national performance conferences, including the NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Conference and USA Cycling National Campat the Olympic Training Center. As founder of Jungle Law in Denver, he continues to push the boundaries of physical mastery and human evolution through precision coaching.
Jared “Peaches” Pietras
Jared “Peaches” Pietras is a former U.S. Air Force Combat Controller (CCT) and founding member of Ones Ready, a platform dedicated to mentoring and preparing candidates for Air Force Special Warfare careers. Over a career spanning multiple deployments and global operations, Peaches served in high-stakes combat environments directing air strikes, controlling aircraft, and integrating joint fires with ground forces. His operational experience includes assignments in both Afghanistan and Iraq, where he supported Special Operations teams in some of the most demanding missions of the Global War on Terror. Known for his leadership, humor, and authenticity, Peaches became a respected voice in the Special Tactics community. Through Ones Ready, he helps bridge the gap between recruiters, cadre, and aspiring operators—offering transparent, no-BS insight into the realities of training and operational life. Beyond his military service, he continues to coach and mentor others through speaking engagements, leadership programs, and special events such as the Operator Training Summit series. His approach blends professional candor with genuine care for helping others succeed under pressure. Peaches remains committed to shaping the next generation of Air Force Special Warfare operators by emphasizing accountability, mindset, and purpose-driven leadership.