At Patriot Direct, we’re more than marketers—we’re mission-focused problem solvers, strategists, and creatives dedicated to supporting the Army National Guard. Our team brings together deep expertise in digital marketing, branding, technology, and recruitment strategy to deliver results that matter. Get to know the people working behind the scenes to amplify your message and strengthen the Guard’s future.
At Patriot Direct, we partner with the Army National Guard to strengthen recruiting and retention through forward-thinking marketing and high-impact services. We deliver strategic insight and creative solutions designed to produce measurable outcomes. By deeply understanding the Guard’s distinct mission and challenges, we have developed proven customized strategies that unlock opportunity and drive success. Our work is grounded in trust, transparency, and integrity—principles that guide every long-term partnership we build.
Do the right thing even when nobody is watching.
The team is more important than any single person.
Strive to be 1% better every day.
Take your profession seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.
Don’t give up when presented with an obstacle.
With over 40 years of experience building and leading small to mid-sized businesses, Sam Wheeler is a veteran executive with deep expertise in direct marketing, business operations, and supply chain strategy. For the past three decades, he has focused on helping clients drive growth through targeted marketing solutions and operational efficiency. His diverse background spans IT outsourcing, business processing, and commercial real estate development.
Sam’s commitment to service extends beyond business. A proud military parent and lifelong supporter of the armed forces, he has held leadership roles in the West Point Society of Philadelphia and the William Penn Chapter of AUSA. At Patriot Direct, Sam helps forge strategic partnerships that amplify the Army National Guard’s mission and outreach. He holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from George Washington University and continues to serve his community through various nonprofit leadership roles.
John A. Little is a results-oriented Senior Operations Executive with more than 40 years of success across the military, higher education, telecom/wireless, sales-retail/indirect/B2B, multi-media marketing, e-commerce, quality systems development-ISO 9001 and pharma printing/packaging industries. John has extensive P&L experience leading customer-focused enterprises in the telecom/wireless and manufacturing sectors to deliver multi-millions in profit. Experienced in operational turnaround planning, delivery and execution. John’s broad areas of expertise include leadership development, development and delivery of training programs, mentoring and coaching for performance, team building, full P&L responsibility, lean operations, sales, marketing, change agent, turnarounds, implementing quality systems/ISO 9001 and supply chain management. Throughout his executive career, John has held senior leadership positions at both public and private companies including Patriot Direct Inc., Defense Solutions Inc., Ubiquitel (Sprint PCS), Pharmagraphics LLC. and Tenneco Packaging.
Before his corporate career, John spent over 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as an Infantry Lieutenant Colonel–leading and operating line and staff organizations ranging from 30 to 2000 personnel worldwide to include two tours on the faculty at West Point.
John holds a BS in Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MS in Physical Education from the University of Washington in Seattle, and an MBA in International Business from Long Island University. He is a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College at Ft Leavenworth. He has held board positions with the West Point Society of Philadelphia, the William Penn AUSA Chapter in Philadelphia, and serves on the Florida West Coast WP Society and a committee of the Association of Graduates of West Point.
Regina Butel brings over 15 years of specialized marketing experience with the Army National Guard, making her an essential asset in crafting strategies that resonate with military audiences. Her expertise spans the full marketing lifecycle—from local and regional campaign development to brand positioning, lead generation, and market analysis. Regina has a proven track record of turning complex challenges into actionable strategies that drive measurable results.
At Patriot Direct, Regina leads the charge on integrated marketing initiatives designed to support recruiting, retention, and referral-based campaigns. Her deep understanding of Guard culture and mission needs allows her to develop messaging that connects authentically and performs effectively. With a strong background in strategic planning and program management, she consistently delivers high-impact solutions that align with both state-level objectives and national goals.
Nick Wheeler is a former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) Officer with nearly a decade of leadership experience in some of the military’s most elite units. During his service, he led Infantry, Ranger, and Special Forces teams and served as aide-de-camp to the Commanding General of Special Operations Command Europe. Through these roles, Nick gained firsthand insight into the challenges of recruiting and retaining top-tier talent for the Armed Forces—sparking his passion for mission-focused marketing.
Now the CEO of Tra-Cal, a test and measurement calibration business he acquired in 2024 through a self-funded search under Sage Succession, Nick continues to bring strategic leadership to purpose-driven organizations. At Patriot Direct, he advises on military engagement strategies and ensures our campaigns align with the values and realities of service members. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science from West Point and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Nicole, their son, Luke, and their Boxer, Hobie.
With over two decades of distinguished service in the Alabama Army National Guard, Tony Dyer brings a proven record of leadership, strategic planning, and mission-focused execution to every project. Retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant (E8) after 24 years, Tony combines the discipline and resilience of a combat arms veteran with the creativity and adaptability of a former marketing director. As a Master Badge Recruiter, Tony developed a deep understanding of youth engagement and outreach, building recruitment strategies that directly connected with target audiences. He routinely authored state-level marketing plans and mentored new marketing directors across multiple regions.
Tony has successfully managed advertising budgets of up to $2.5 million, ensuring every dollar met strict federal compliance while delivering measurable results. His ability to remain calm under pressure, pivot when needed, and lead teams with integrity has made him a trusted advisor and trainer. Grounded in the values that guided him in uniform—and strengthened by a Bachelor’s in Christian Studies—Tony approaches every project with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.
