Co-Founder, Patriot Cruise & Salute | Retired U.S. Army Officer | Advocate for America’s Heroes

Ed Mason is a retired U.S. Army officer and proud co-founder of Patriot Cruise & Salute. A lifelong recreational boater, Ed found a new mission after military retirement: giving back to fellow service members by offering them a chance to experience the joy, freedom, and camaraderie of being out on the water. For Ed, it’s more than just a boat ride  it’s about creating moments of peace, fun, and healing for heroes who carry heavy burdens.

Today, Ed serves as a leader at CALIBRE Systems, Inc., where he heads business development for human capital accounts across the defense and federal civilian sectors. His career spans 28 years of military leadership and strategic influence within the Department of Defense. In his final Army role, Ed served as the senior consultant on Transition Policy to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army — advising senior leaders across Human Capital, Medical, Installation, Training, Guard, and Reserve sectors, as well as the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, U.S. Congress, and the White House.

Ed’s service took him around the world. His final deployment was in 2005 with the legendary 101st Airborne Division, where he commanded a battalion in Iraq supporting Task Force Band of Brothers. His unit led critical finance, postal, casualty, personnel replacement, and HR operations in support of Multinational Division-North.

A soldier, a strategist, and a servant leader, Ed Mason continues to live out his calling by making sure that America’s heroes are seen, celebrated, and given the care-free moments they’ve earned.

 Co-Founder, Patriot Cruise & Salute | Retired U.S. Army Logistics Officer | Champion for America’s Heroes

Christine Mason is a retired U.S. Army logistics officer and co-founder of Patriot Cruise & Salute. While her first military assignment placed her in a floating craft unit, her love for boating started long before then. It’s been a lifelong passion  one that now fuels her mission to serve those who’ve served.

Driven by deep love for her country and unwavering respect for those who selflessly answer the call of duty, Christine helped launch Patriot Cruise & Salute to provide more than just a day on the water  it’s her way of saying “thank you” in action. For her, this isn’t just an event. It’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a chance to offer healing, connection, and joy to America’s heroes and their families.

Today, Christine works at Decisive Point Consulting Group, where she leads efforts in strategy, business development, capture, bid and proposal management, and operational support across the defense and federal civilian sectors.

During her military career, Christine served in a variety of command and staff roles, including multiple overseas tours  two in Germany and one in Honduras. Her logistics expertise supported over 2,600 humanitarian aid airdrops into Bosnia, along with critical operations in Zagreb and Somalia. She also planned and executed joint support missions across Honduras and other Central American nations. In her final command, Christine was responsible for leading and supporting nearly 3,000 enlisted soldiers, officers, and international military personnel.

Christine Mason brings leadership, heart, and a deep commitment to honoring service. Through Patriot Cruise & Salute, she continues to make sure our nation's heroes are never forgotten and always celebrated.