Ricky Chaffin Jr. is the founder of Operation Dog Tags and House Keys, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in need. Born in California, Ricky earned the nickname “TANK” from his parents, a testament to his tenacity and willingness to face challenges head-on, often quite literally. As a young kid, he was initially upset with the name until his parents introduced him to the film "Kelly's Heroes," which ignited a sense of pride in the nickname, reassuring him that he wasn’t being compared to a fish tank.
His family relocated to Texas during his childhood, where Ricky proudly embraces his identity as a Texan. Despite growing up amidst challenges such as violence, drugs, and alcoholism, he emerged with a strong resolve, never succumbing to the temptations that surrounded him. His commitment to a drug-free life is a remarkable achievement, especially given his family history.
Coming from a family with a deep-rooted military legacy, Ricky was unable to serve in the armed forces due to medical conditions. Nevertheless, his passion for his country and its servicemen and women has remained unwavering. From a young age, he actively engaged in fundraisers and initiatives aimed at supporting the military community. This passion culminated in the establishment of Red White and Build, a remodeling company dedicated to assisting wounded service members, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
Ricky's heritage adds a unique dimension to his story. He is a descendant of the Hatfields from the infamous Hatfields and McCoys feud and is also directly related to notable military figures, including General George S. Patton and General Mercer, who fought alongside General Washington. This rich lineage fuels his patriotic spirit, evident in the decorations of his home and truck, both adorned with American flags, symbols of pride, and messages like “SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.”
In April 2024, Ricky married a beautiful military brat named Katherine Marie, marking a new chapter in his life. Shortly after, he discovered his true calling: creating Operation Dog Tags and House Keys. Witnessing how the country has let down its veterans by denying them the essential services they need, Ricky reached out to Army veterans Bryan Piper and Nick Laurent to form this not-for-profit. Together, they laid the groundwork for the organization, driven by a shared commitment to helping others.
Ricky's perseverance paid off when, within just seven days of applying for the necessary paperwork, Operation Dog Tags and House Keys was officially formed. Seven weeks later, the organization was recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, allowing it to operate as a charitable entity—an achievement he attributes to his faith in God and the guidance of the Bible.
With his heart, blood, sweat, and tears invested in this mission, Ricky Chaffin Jr. is dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support and resources they deserve. Through Operation Dog Tags and House Keys, he aims to honor their sacrifices and make a meaningful difference in their lives, embodying the spirit of service that has defined his journey. He works tirelessly alongside his business partners to build multiple communities that will house veterans as they transition to civilian life. The first location is planned to break ground in Midlothian, Texas, with a second planned for South Carolina, where they will offer housing, mental and physical health resources, job placement assistance, and spiritual guidance.
Nick Laurent, born in South Carolina in 1993, is a devoted humanitarian and community leader with a strong commitment to serving veterans. A Christian at heart, Nick has been actively engaged in faith-based community work since 2011, focusing on uplifting individuals and making a meaningful impact in their lives.
With 12 years of service in the Army, Nick gained firsthand insight into the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. This experience fueled his passion for helping others, leading him to co-found Dog Tags and House Keys, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, mental and physical health resources, job placement, and spiritual guidance for veterans. Through this initiative, Nick strives to ensure that those who have served our country receive the support they need to thrive in their new lives.
Nick pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he studied business and marketing. This academic foundation, combined with his practical skills in carpentry and remodeling—a hobby he transformed into a career—has equipped him with the tools necessary to effectively support his nonprofit's mission.
In his work, Nick embodies the spirit of service, inspired by the biblical verse, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). This belief drives his dedication to serving veterans and helping them find purpose and hope as they transition into civilian life.
Nick Laurent continues to be a passionate advocate for veterans, making a lasting impact in his community through his unwavering commitment to service and compassion.
Courtney Messick, born in Utah in 1997, has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts and community service from a remarkably young age. At just eight years old, she began her journey by participating in initiatives that aimed to build hospitals and schools in underserved areas.
This early exposure to the needs of others ignited her passion for helping people, a drive that has only intensified over the years.
In 2015, Courtney expanded her skill set by delving into event planning. Her organizational talents and commitment to making a positive impact led her to create events that not only raise funds but also awareness for various humanitarian causes. Through her event planning, she has successfully brought communities together to support those in need.
In addition to her work in event planning, Courtney has been involved in public relations since 2016. This role has allowed her to amplify the voices of the causes she cares about, fostering connections and promoting initiatives that align with her humanitarian values.
Recently, Courtney joined Operation Dog Tags and House Keys, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing, mental and physical health resources, and job placement for veterans transitioning out of the military. Through this partnership, she is committed to raising funds and doing everything she can to positively impact the lives of U.S. veterans.
With a strong foundation built on compassion and a desire to improve the lives of others, Courtney Messick continues to be an inspiring figure in her community, dedicated to making the world a better place through her relentless efforts in humanitarian work and public engagement.
My name is Bryan Piper, and I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I have been married to my loving and supportive wife, Denise, for 27 years. She is my best friend and partner in life. We have had the blessing of raising three uniquely different children: Hannah, Karli, and Joshua.
Over the past 25 plus years, I have worked in one of the hardest and challenging industries as a Christian man; commercial, municipal, and residential construction. Currently, I serve as the Vice President of C-Con Services, Inc. Previously, I was the Executive Vice President for SAI which I helped start as an asphalt construction company in 2014. Before joining SAI in February of 2020, I was an Executive Vice President for RKM Utility for seven years.
I am also proud to be a board member for Prime Ministries. Prime is a faith-based non-profit that focuses on teaching and equipping Christians to be leaders and preachers with Bible as the main curriculum.
In addition to running a construction company, I have previously served as a City Councilman for the City of Enchanted Oaks. I oversaw roads and drainage throughout the city.
My work and life experiences have allowed me the blessing of giving back to my communities, programs, and schools I have been a part of. I have enjoyed many seasons of youth baseball as a little league coach and volunteer umpire, and I have partnered with Temple Christian School on various construction related projects on their campus.
Over the years, our family has enjoyed yearly snow skiing trips, but now, Denise and I are newly “empty nesters”, and we are discovering some new hobbies together. We are enjoying our time playing golf together.
I trust and believe that God will continue to guide me for the advancement of his Kingdom.
A fun fact about me and my family heritage is that my great, great uncle was David Thomas (mom’s side). Because of his friendship with Sam Houston, he was asked to join in the fight for Texas Independence. He was the first Attorney General for The Republic of Texas, the acting Secretary of War, and he signed the Declaration of Independence along with Sam Houston. He died in 1836 from a gunshot wound to the leg.
