Joe Schumacher was a senior in high school when the horrific attacks of 9/11 took place, and like many Americans, felt a calling to serve his nation. After graduation, Joe joined the United States Army and served as an Armor Crewman on the Abrams battle tank in all four positions: driver, loader, gunner, and tank commander. Joe would also go on to serve as a recruiter and training NCO later in his career. After serving in the military for ten years, including overseas tours in Korea and Iraq, Joe returned to his hometown of Bozeman, Montana to utilize his VA education benefit. After graduating from Montana State University (MSU) with a degree in political science and international relations, Joe worked as the primary violence prevention educator for the VOICE Center. After leaving the VOICE Center, Joe was asked to come back to the center that assisted him in his transition from the military, and for more than five years, Joe assisted other veterans in their own transition back to civilian and academic life as the director of Veteran Services at MSU. Under Joe’s supervision, the Veteran Support Center at MSU became nationally recognized and was known as one of the top ten best Vet Centers in the nation. It was during this time that Joe first met Nick Jones and learned of the vision that would one day become Talons Reach Foundation.

Seeing the tremendous impact they have on the community, Joe began getting involved with many non-profit organizations, including Haven, Thrive, Help Center Inc, The Overwatch Project, and served on the board for Hope & The Holidays. In 2022, Joe was recognized for his contributions to the community as one of Bozeman’s “20 Under 40”. Joe joined the team at Stillwater Strategy Partners, a purpose-driven consulting firm, and would go on to work with several local non-profit organizations in their development and operations work. Today, Joe serves as vice president on the board of directors at Opera Montana and sings in their Veterans Chorus. When not serving his community, Joe spends his time in the great Montana outdoors, fishing and hiking with his teenager. Serving those who have served our state and nation remain core to Joe’s values and he is so excited to join the team at Talons Reach Foundation as the director of development and operations.