Genesis is the coming into being of anything, origin, or creation
The Genesis team is responsible for the creation of Tee it up for the Troops. This team is made up of individuals from the same local community, all with a common bond; to serve their country in time of need following 9/11.
Parents of the Genesis Team became connected through a military support program at a church in that same local community; they continue to meet in support of our troops via bible study and through volunteering for Tee it up for the Troops.
Genesis Team Bios
Tyler, Army
Tyler Ball
Andy, USMC
Andy Klein
Andy has been involved in Tee it up since 2007. Knowing what veterans and their families go through as well as being a grandson of a wounded veteran, he would like to ensure that they all get the support they deserve. He has also volunteered at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Andy has also been trained as an EMT and was previously employed by David Price Construction Inc.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Cassie, and has been married for 6 years. They have a 2 ½ year-old daughter, Marah, and a 4 month-old son, Grant.
Ryan, USMC
Ryan Christopherson
Ryan graduated from high school in 2003 and enlisted in the Marine Corps as an infantryman. Upon completion of his four year obligation Ryan attended school, but three years later in 2011 he decided to continue his military career in the Air Force Reserve as a Loadmaster. He is a 3x rifle expert and 2x pistol expert, his deployments as a Marine include: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Celebes Sea, Philippines; Al Qa’im, Iraq
Ryan has been involved with TIUFTT since he ended his enlistment with the Marine Corps. His family has been involved since the beginning and he has volunteered to help out when he can. “I have been involved (with TIUFTT) because I really admire what the organization does for service members who are deployed,” states Ryan.
Prior to his military experience he has also been employed by DPMS Firearms as a Shipping Clerk and by Lifetime Fitness as a Member Services Associate. Ryan’s military experience has earned him the title “Marine” Basic Loadmaster Course – Distinguished Graduate as well as the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Citation, and Combat Action Ribbon.
While attending the Minnesota School of Business, Ryan has had the privilege to serve with the Boys and Girls Club for his Global Citizenship class. Their small group played with the children and taught them valuable skills.
His parents, Todd and Nancy, have been a major influence in my life. They have always been there for love and support while he has been away serving in the military. He also has two sisters Lauren and Rachel, and just this summer he married his beautiful wife, Emily. Emily and Ryan are currently living in Apple Valley with their 3 dogs Juno, Maverick, and Domino.
Dan, USMC
Dan Klein
Dan spent six years as military police in the marine corps reserve. He also spent seven months deployed to Djibouti (Africa) in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
He has been involved with Tee it up for the Troops for 2 years, and believes it is our responsibility to protect the freedom that we have been blessed with. The troops of the United States put forth great effort to protect this freedom, and as such they deserve our utmost support. Besides his involvement with Tee it up for the Troops Dan has also volunteered for Kids on 2 Wheels where he successfully taught students with disabilities how to ride a two-wheeled bicycle independently. While serving in the Marine Corps he volunteered at Damerjog School in Djibouti, Africa to develop respectful and trusting relationships with village leaders, schoolteachers, and students, while teaching English skills to elementary classes. He used sports as tools to break through the language barrier by helping to organize a soccer game between high school students and a Marine Corps Platoon
Dan graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and major emphasis in Physical Education with a minor emphasis in Developmental/Adapted Physical Education. His previous employers include the City of Burnsville Department of Foresty and Replenex Tools where he was employed as a warehouse forklift operator.
Dan’s accomplishments include be named to the SCSU Dean’s list as well as a Certificate of Commendation from the United States Marine Corps for leadership abilities, exemplary performance of duty, and volunteer efforts during deployme
During his spare time Dan enjoys biking, going to the lake, working out and hanging out out with family and friends. He especially enjoys playing with his niece, Marah and nephew, Grant. Dan loves working with kids and hopes to coach in his near future. He currently lives in Plymouth with his wife, Meghan.
