Jo Hammons

Founder of Dertie Duzin | Adaptive Athlete | USAF Veteran | Retired Firefighter Medic | Service Spartan

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Jo Hammons

Founder of Dertie Duzin | Adaptive Athlete | USAF Veteran | Service Spartan

Jo Hammons is the founder of Dertie Duzin (DD12), an adaptive athlete team built on inclusion, perseverance, teamwork, and the belief that adventure belongs to everyone.

A retired Air Force veteran, former firefighter/EMT, and wheelchair athlete, Jo has spent years proving that disability does not eliminate adventure. It simply changes how we reach the finish line.

In 2024, Jo and her team traveled to Greece and earned 3rd Place in the Para Division of the Spartan Trifecta World Championship.

In 2025, they returned to the world stage and earned 2nd Place in the ParaSpartan World Championship, continuing to demonstrate what adaptive athletes and Service Spartans can accomplish together.

Jo’s next challenge began when she overheard a group of racers excitedly discussing a future climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. When she asked if she could join, she was kindly told no. The climb would simply be too difficult because of the wheelchair, the tremors, and the obstacles she faces every day.

Instead of accepting that answer, she went home and watched a documentary about a young woman with no legs who climbed Kilimanjaro using her hands and determination.

Her reaction was simple:

“If she can, why can’t I?”

That question became a mission.

In the summer of 2028, Jo and seven teammates from Dertie Duzin will attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro together, proving once again that limitations are often just invitations to find another way forward.

Bret Byerly

Team Chief

Big dude in charge.

Eddy de Leon

Service Spartan | Retired Army Airborne Infantry Veteran | Kilimanjaro 2028 Team

Eddy DeLeon
Service Spartan | Retired Army Airborne Infantry Veteran | Kilimanjaro 2028 Team

Eddy DeLeon is a 20-year Army veteran who served in the Airborne Infantry with multiple combat deployments and overseas assignments throughout his military career. Following his retirement from the Army in 2009, he transitioned into government civilian service, continuing his commitment to serving others.

As a Service Spartan with Dertie Duzin (DD12), Eddy views supporting adaptive athletes as another way to give back to the veteran and frontline communities. Since entering the world of obstacle course racing in 2023, he has participated in events of all sizes and quickly discovered that the lessons learned on the race course extend far beyond competition.

Watching para-athletes tackle challenges that many people consider impossible has reshaped his perspective on adversity and determination. Their example serves as a constant reminder that excuses accomplish little, while teamwork, grit, and perseverance can overcome almost any obstacle.

In the summer of 2028, Eddy will join seven teammates on an expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, helping carry DD12’s mission of inclusion, service, and adventure to the highest free-standing mountain in Africa.

Mike Walkowicz

Official Hug giver

Looks grumpy, limps a lot, complains a little, loves to hug.

Barb Garringer

Chief of Staff | Coordinator of Schedules | Expedition Team Member

Barb began Spartan racing in 2013, but over time her passion evolved from completing races herself to helping others overcome obstacles and achieve goals they once believed were out of reach.

As DD12’s Chief of Staff and Coordinator of Schedules, Barb helps keep the team organized, moving, and pointed in the right direction. Whether managing logistics, supporting athletes on the course, or helping teammates prepare for their next challenge, she is always ready to lend a hand.

When asked why she is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Barb jokingly says, “Because Jo told us we had to.” In reality, she is passionate about helping others accomplish things they were told they could not do or were not allowed to do. Watching someone achieve the impossible is what fills her cup and keeps her coming back for the next adventure.

Based in Indiana, Barb continues to embody the DD12 spirit of teamwork, service, and adventure without limits.

Claire Vahary

Over energized short chick

She’s under 5’3” and is scary as shit. But she be my race wife!

Jordan Gray

The other big guy.

Dudes from Texas. Nuff said. He’s like the sheriff and will body check rude racers who are not mindful of the adaptive athletes.

Annabelle Gray ( AB BA)

Service Spartan in training | Makes Dad Proud | Future Jeep Owner

AB is proof size and age doesn’t matter when it comes to accomplishing a mission. She is being raised in the culture of inclusive and is the future of DD12.