Leadership

Storm Boen served 18.5 years in the U.S. Army, choosing to enlist after reading the Non‑Commissioned Officers Creed — a moment that shaped the rest of his career. He served in the Civil Affairs MOS, gaining a deep understanding of morale, community support, and the human side of military operations. Storm medically retired in 2014 as a First Sergeant.

His academic path includes graduating from New Mexico Military Institute, studying microbiology at Texas Tech University, and completing a master’s degree in virology.

Storm is a co‑founder of Operation Cigars for Warriors and continues to serve as the organization’s CEO and Chairman. His experience in Civil Affairs, combined with his civilian work as a Training Sergeant for the State of Texas (primarily TDCJ), helped shape the charity’s governance and ethical framework. He also co‑established the TDCJ Advisory Board of Ethics and contributed significantly to its founding bylaws — experience that directly supported the development of CFW’s structure.

While on medical leave awaiting retirement, Storm spent time feeding the homeless with his sister‑in‑law’s family. He especially valued connecting with homeless veterans, listening to their stories, and treating them with dignity. These experiences strengthened his belief that morale and respect matter at every stage of life.

Like all members of the charity, Storm serves first as an Event Coordinator (EC). He travels extensively across the United States to attend festivals, trade shows, military events, and fundraisers. Many of these trips include public speaking engagements, including military Dining‑Ins and Dining‑Outs, Chamber of Commerce events, charity gatherings, and occasional private business presentations.

Storm participates in roughly 15 podcasts each year and conducts 10–15 interviews annually, using these opportunities to share the mission and connect with supporters, cigar clubs, and local communities.

Since the beginning of CFW, Storm has written for several magazines. His most recent work was a three‑year writing tour with Tobacco Business, where his articles focused on helping companies understand how supporting CFW could benefit their business. He also interviewed industry leaders, CFW recipients, and public figures.

Storm works on governance materials, compliance documentation, and the reporting required by Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar/Candid, and GreatProfits. His efforts help ensure the charity maintains strong transparency standards and provides donors with clear, reliable information.

Storm’s leadership is steady, humble, and rooted in service. His background — military, academic, ethical, and community‑driven — continues to guide how he supports the mission of delivering morale to deployed U.S. service members.

—US Army (RET) COL Jake Parsons

I have been a volunteer for CFW for about 8 years now. I discovered CFW at CATS fest in San Antonio several years ago. While not a novice cigar smoker, I found a group of friends that would survive the test of time. My avocation and hobby became more serious.

One of my now long-term friends was working an event at a lounge in Addison TX. He seemed to think I would be a good fit for volunteering with CFW. I lurked around the edges of the charity for a while and then met Storm Boen. I discovered we had quite a few things in common, first and foremost being raised in Lubbock TX! I eventually decided to take the plunge and become an Event Coordinator for CFW.

That morphed into becoming the regional coordinator for CFW in the DFW area and eventually the Executive Admin for the charity. I am humbled to be a volunteer for this great organization. Our mission is to support the men and women serving in combat zones, long term floats and in general shi**y deployments.

I am married to a wonderful woman that supports CFW and my efforts in the charity. I’m retired and able to devote my spare time to this incredible mission!

Bringing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement to CFW. His career of service began as a paratrooper in the United States Army, where he developed the discipline and leadership skills that have defined his professional journey. Following his military service, Kris continued his dedication to protecting and serving others as a first responder in Colorado.

Beyond his professional career, Kris has remained deeply committed to volunteerism and charitable service. In 2012, he met Storm Boen at the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival (RMCF) and joined the organization as an Event Coordinator, overseeing local events and supporting the annual Smoker Friendly-hosted Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival. His dedication to the organization’s mission and continued contributions led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2018.

As Chief Operations Officer, Kris continues to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight while advancing the mission of Cigars for Warriors. His unwavering commitment to serving others remains at the core of his work, helping ensure the organization continues to deliver comfort and support to deployed service members around the world.

A Texas A&M University graduate with a degree in Accounting, Steven proudly serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Cigars for Warriors. Based in Texas, he brings a strong financial background and a commitment to ensuring the organization’s resources are managed responsibly in support of its mission. He is also an Assistant Controller at Tokio Marine HCC. When not working, he enjoys hiking, camping, playing piano and guitar, attending concerts, and reading — especially epic sci fi and fantasy.

Driven by a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s military members, Steven joined Cigars for Warriors to give back to those who serve. He believes that even a small gesture of gratitude can provide comfort, boost morale, and remind deployed service members that they are remembered and appreciated back home.

Robert Allan is a U.S. Army veteran who has volunteered with Operation Cigars for Warriors since 2013 as Director of Logistics and has served as Manager of Roz’s Cigar Emporium in Ocala, FL for over 10 years.

In his off time, he enjoys exploring different areas of Florida with his wife Tammy on their motorcycles and visiting his two sons and granddaughter.

Nathan has been a volunteer with CFW since 2018. He is a co-founder, entrepreneur & seasoned executive experienced in tackling high-impact people & business challenges. His career spans over 25 years in the Aerospace & Defense, Software and Venture Studio industries.

In addition to CFW, Nathan is active in the motorcycle rights community and is a Designated Lobbyist for Arizona Modified Motorcycle Association, and a Region IX representative and member of the Board of Directors for NCOM.

I was an active duty Marine for 5 years. I have been a part of Cigars for Warriors for 10 plus years. I am responsible for all trade show activities and responsibilities: coordinating logistics to and from conventions, direct contact for on-site coordination with other vendors, trade show attendees, and convention center operators. I ensure setup, tear-down and display of booth space is optimal for the CFW mission and all interactions with trade show attendees. Actively deployed troops of all branches of the military are my highest priority.

I am an active duty MAJ currently serving in the United States Army. I am the military liaison for Operation: Cigars for Warriors and have been for 4 years. I am the communication between active military members and our organization. I also process all the cigar requests that come through the website to ensure they are valid and are being requested by qualified personnel.

I attend major industry events on behalf of the organization and am still a local event coordinator.