Donations to Local Charities Since July 2020 = $125,171 Donations Since May, 2023 = $34,010
Awarded Trade School Scholarships Since January 2022 = $3,000
Chapter Leadership
Gabe Jackson
Chapter President
Gabriel Jackson is from Pearland, Tx. He is a 16-year veteran in the Oil and Gas Industry. He has experience in Telecommunications, Security and Access Control for remote harsh environments. Working for BlackHawk Datacom as an account manager.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 2003 to 2007 with deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
My Passion is assistance and management of PTSD in combat veterans. We lose 22 veterans a day to suicide and even one is just too many. My spare time is spent volunteering for combat veterans with PTSD and equine therapy for children with special needs.
Gabe’s life Motto is “Love, Serve and Remember” Love Everyone, Serve Everyone and Remember God.
Justin Van Sant
Chapter Vice-President
Justin began his career in Oil & Gas over 10 years ago as a hotshot driver at his family’s trucking company. It was a way to make ends meet as he was chasing the neon rainbow on country music stages across Texas. His experience as a truck driver opened the door to an opportunity in the industrial equipment rental market. For the last 7 years he has made a name for himself along the Gulf Coast as someone you can trust to get the job done safely and efficiently. The success of those around him continues to be his driving force and that will be no different as the V.P. on the Board of Oilfield Connections.
Family. It is really that simple for Justin. From his wife and two little kids, his Team at Epic Tool & Rental, the leaders of Camp Hope and the PTSD Foundation of America where he donates his time, the kids he coaches in youth sports or the folks he worships with on Sundays, they’re all family to him. The decisions he has made throughout his life in business and beyond have centered around the very ideal that we will grow, we will face challenges and we will succeed as family.
Melissa Wolkenhauer
Treasurer
Melissa is a Chicago transplant that moved to Houston after college to start a career in the Oil & Gas industry. With her father and brother-in-law in the industry for most of their careers it gave her a nice perspective. The opportunity to work for Enterprise Pipeline and Genesis Energy and their data integrity teams gave her an in-depth knowledge of the midstream sector. With a passionate personality and motivation to interact with customers she transitioned to a sales role in the waste packaging space.
In her everyday life Melissa is always with her family and friends. If she can help you or connect you to a need you have then she will drop anything to help. With a competitive edge if you ever need a partner to attend an event she will show up and hopefully help you win. At work Melissa is the Client Strategy Manager for BIC Alliance, which distributes BIC Magazine- the largest multi-industry, multi-departmental energy publication in the US. Melissa loves to interact with BIC’s partners and connect people in business and industry with one another to help grow everyone’s business.
Jason Perry
Chapter Social Media & Communications
Jason Perry
Jason currently serves as Vice President of Information Technology for Ranger Energy Services. Previously, Mr. Perry served as Ranger Energy Services Director of Application Development after serving as Senior Manager of Application Development from 2014 to 2022. He brings with him over 17 years of experience in Oil and Gas.
Ryan McGuire
Veterans Affairs Officer
Ryan Mcguire, based in Pearland, Texas, is a US Army combat veteran, an 80% service-connected for PTSD and TBI, and a family man with a wife and daughter. His military service in Iraq in 2003 set the stage for a career marked by leadership and innovation.
After his military service, Ryan founded Third Coast Grappling, revolutionizing the grappling scene. He then made significant strides in the corporate world, excelling in recruitment roles at Viking Life Saving Equipment, Crane Companies, and as Houston Area Market Manager for Randstad USA.
Later, as the founder of 24-hourhire.com and co-founder and VP of Chief Talent Group, Ryan showcased his entrepreneurial flair. Currently, he's expanding his expertise as a Senior Account Executive at Procom Services.
Passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ryan's commitment extends beyond the professional sphere. He is deeply involved in supporting the veteran community, drawing from his personal experiences to make a positive impact. Balancing family, career, and community service, Ryan embodies resilience, dedication, and the spirit of giving back.
Vince Eklund
Chapter - Chaplain
Deacon Vince Eklund, married to Ruth Eklund 45 years, two sons and daughter in laws, and two granddaughters. Ordained as a Deacon for 7 years and serving at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood. Served in USAF from 1978-1982. My full time job is in pest control, where I own Clear Lake Termite & Pest Control for 24 years, and I have served in my church for 30 years, as a choir member, lecturer, extra ordinary minister of the Eucharist, Instituted Acolyte, and now serve as an ordained Deacon. I love being able to celebrate the Sacraments and being able to bring people into a more personal relationship with Christ.
Gary Giddings
Chapter - Director of Outreach
Gary Giddings is a dedicated Enterprise Account Manager at BlackHawk Datacom, where he leverages his extensive experience in account management and client relations to drive business growth and customer satisfaction. With a proven track record in managing high-profile accounts and delivering exceptional service, Gary excels in building strong, long-lasting relationships with clients.
He has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications, IT, and security industries. Throughout his career, he has held various key roles that have honed his skills in strategic planning, sales, and customer service. His expertise spans across multiple sectors, including Utilities, Oil & Gas, Petrochem, and Logistics. Gary’s experience also includes managing divisions for technology companies, overseeing sales, operations, and P&L responsibilities.
Gary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LeTourneau University. Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family, including their three children, their spouses, and five grandchildren. He also has a passion for watersports, travel, going to the beach, and fishing.
Throughout his sales and leadership career he achieved President’s Club status for Sales and Branch performance. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo each year, serving on the Technology Committee for Resource One Credit Union, and acting as the Director of Outreach for Oilfield Connections International (OCI).