Meet Dean Tartaro

When USMC Veteran and FDNY firefighter Dean Tartaro arrived in Park City for Hyperformance Foundation’s Winter Multi-Sport Adventure, he carried with him the same courage, humility, and devotion to service that define his work with FDNY Marine One—one of the city’s most elite emergency response units.

But he also brought something else: the heart of a grandfather and the kind of playful, youthful energy that instantly disarms kids, sparks laughter, and brings even the shyest little ones out of their shells.

Dean is a longtime adaptive ski and snowboard instructor, a trusted member of Hyperformance’s Advisory Board representing First Responders, and a coach who has guided athletes all the way to Invictus Team US. But in Park City, his most powerful impact wasn’t just technical—it was personal.

Helping Families of the Fallen Heal Through Joy

Our Winter Multi-Sport Adventure supports Families of the Fallen, many of whom also have children with disabilities like autism and Down syndrome. These trips are powerful but vulnerable spaces—places where trust is fragile, emotions run deep, and new environments can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Dean shines.

On the first morning, a young girl with Down syndrome stood off to the side, unsure about skiing. Dean didn’t rush. He crouched down, smiled, made a joke and got the kids laughing. Within minutes, they were talking, laughing, tossing snowballs, and trying on ski boots.

That’s the grandfather in him—warm, patient, goofy, and full of life.

By lunchtime, that same hesitant kid was cruising down the hill, grinning ear to ear, waving at her family each time she passed.

For her parents, it was more than a fun moment.
It was a glimpse of the joy that sports can bring, and the independence it offers.

A Leader Who Serves on Every Front

Prior to hitting the slopes with the families, Dean joined our Train the Trainer program—bringing quiet leadership, deep technical knowledge, and a huge capacity for fun. Participants gravitated toward him instantly.

So when Invictus Team US prepared for the winter games, Dean was a natural fit for our coaching crew. He brought the same energy with adult athletes that he brings with kids—encouraging, leveling up their confidence, and reminding them that joy matters as much as discipline.

Meet Tyler Jeffries

Tyler first learned of adaptive sports while recovering at Walter Reed. What began as a simple fishing trip quickly became something much deeper—a lifeline, a renewed sense of purpose, and the spark that ignited his passion for serving others.

Inspired by the healing and camaraderie he experienced on the water, Tyler made a commitment to pay it forward. Today, he leads Hookin Veterans our peer-to-peer fishing trips, hosting events throughout the year for veterans from every generation.

These aren’t just fishing trips—they’re community-building experiences. Camaraderie comes first; the fishing is just a bonus. Each event includes skills-based instruction designed to empower veterans to return home with the confidence to keep engaging with their families, friends, and local communities through outdoor recreation.

As Tyler continued giving back, he discovered a new path through our Serve Program—one that would take him from the deck of a fishing boat to the bobsled tracks of the world.

Through our Para Sliding Program, Tyler was introduced to the sport of Para Bobsled and quickly identified for a fast-track training regimen. Thanks to his dedication and the support of fellow veterans and coaches, Tyler—and several others from our community—earned spots on the U.S. National Team for Para Bobsled.

Now competing internationally on the IBSF Para World Cup circuit, Tyler once again wears the American flag on his uniform as he represents our nation across Europe and North America.

But he’s not done yet. Tyler’s goals are clear and deeply rooted in service:

• Continue mentoring and guiding veterans through offshore fishing

• Introduce more veterans to the sport of Para Bobsled

• Advance Para Sliding toward full inclusion in the Winter Paralympics

• Bring home a gold medal for the United States

Your support helps make journeys like Tyler’s possible. Because of donors like you, veterans can find belonging, purpose, and the opportunity to thrive—on the water, on the track, and in every part of their lives.