Sgt D’s Foundation was created by a young man who served as a Sergeant in the U. S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005. While serving in Iraq, Michael T. DeBolt witnessed the effects of poverty, sadness, illness, and loneliness. He watched as individuals and families struggled to live their lives as normal as possible through difficult times. Upon his return, “Sgt D” made it his mission to lend a hand to others who may feel they have nowhere else to turn. With the help of an all volunteer board, Michael created Sgt. D’s Foundation to serve the West Michigan community as a public charity – hosting fun and interactive events year-round.

Michael was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. He spent four years in the US Marine Corps as an infantry scout – including two tours in Iraq. Following his enlistment, Michael returned to his home town, where he earned a B.S. in Digital Forensics from Ferris State University. He currently works as a NCIS Special Agent located in the Norfolk, VA field office where he investigates cyber crimes and national security related issues.

Michael has been happily married to his middle-school sweetheart, Andrea, for over 6 years. They both enjoy spending time with their two small children.

Maria Wiest – Chairperson
maria.wiest@sgtdsfoundation.org

Maria was born, raised, and currently resides in Grand Rapids Michigan. After graduating from Union High School in 1998, she attended Grand Valley State University. Maria currently works for Macatawa Bank as both the Relationship Manager and Customer Service Supervisor of the Cascade branch office. She is also attending GVSU in pursuit of her B.B.A. in Business Economics. When she’s not busy with work and school, Maria enjoys camping, hanging out with friends, and sitting on her back deck with a good book and a glass of wine.

Carolyn Wiig – Secretary
carolyn.wiig@sgtdsfoundation.org

Brandon Bajema – Treasurer
brandon.bajema@sgtdsfoundation.org

Brandon is a graduate of Union High School and a two time graduate of Grand Valley State University. Brandon is grateful for the support that the West Michigan Community has given to him during his 29 years here and is excited to be able to give back to the same Community. Brandon is currently a CPA with BDO Seidman, LLP where he works in the Insurance and Financial Institutions industries.

Cinda DeBolt – Public Relations Director
cinda.debolt@sgtdsfoundation.org

Cinda and her husband Mike have lived in the Grand Rapids area for over 30 years. They have raised two wonderful young adults, Michael and Mariann. Cinda has been an active member of our community as founder and past director of the West Michigan Military Family Support Group. She created this non-profit group to support families who need a shoulder to lean on while their loved ones were so far away from home. She organized and promoted “Operation Pillow Talk” events and many other benefits raising money to mail thousands of personalized, hand-decorated pillows to active military across the globe.

Cinda has worked in public relations, promotions, marketing, event planning and customer service. She works for Koeze Company in Grand Rapids, MI as a Customer Service Manager. Cinda enjoys spending time with her family, especially her beautiful granddaughters. She also enjoys kickball, dodgeball, karaoke and photography.

Laura Wiest – Activities and Events Director
laura.wiest@sgtdsfoundation.org

Laura was born and raised on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from Union High School in 2001, she attended Grand Valley State University. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from GVSU in 2007 with a major in Marketing. She currently works as the Sales & Marketing Coordinator of Michigan Office Solutions.

When Laura’s not at work, with her family or helping out the foundation she enjoys soccer, tennis, softball, camping, golfing, cooking and gardening.

Mike DeBolt – Recipient Relations Director
mike.debolt@sgtdsfoundation.org

Skyler Willett – Information Technology Director
skyler.willett@sgtdsfoundation.org

Originally from the Grand Rapids area, Skyler graduated from ITT Tech in 2004 with a degree in Web Development. With over 7 years of freelance experience and his new degree under arm, Skyler moved to Ann Arbor in 2005 to work for a small IT company as their resident graphic & web designer and has been there, enjoying the town and his work, ever since… though that certainly doesn’t prevent him from making his way out to Grand Rapids as frequently as possible.

When Skyler’s not busy staring glassy-eyed at a computer monitor, you can find him enjoying time with his family & friends wherever they may be, playing bass (loudly), reading the newest Stephen King novel, unwinding at his lakefront cottage up north, or enjoying a good flick at the nearest movie theater.