Our Team | Bondfire Ranch

G. Brian Eddy, Col, USAF(R)
Founder & President

Prior to founding BondFire Ranch, Brian served over 28 years in the United States Air Force, in his last assignment he commanded the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. AFMAO which has global responsibility for all Air Force mortuary matters for current and past conflicts, operates the nation's sole port mortuary, and provides global contingency mortuary response teams in support of Air Force and combatant command requirements. He was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Program of the University of South Carolina in May 1992. During his 28+ years he served in a variety of assignments to include five squadrons, Major Commands, Headquarters Air Force, NATO, and the Defense Commissary Agency, all of which focused on serving members and their families.

Barry Franks, LTC, USA(R)
Chairman of the Board

Prior to serving as the BondFire Ranch Chairman of the Board, Barry served 26 years in the United States Army, in his last assignment he served as the Army Special Forces Liaison Officer to the Special Operations Command Pacific at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. He was commissioned through the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps of the University of Alabama Birmingham and earn his Bachelor of Science of Psychology from the University of Montevallo in May 1995. During his 26 years he led at a variety of levels from Platoon to Brigade and served Combat tours include two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003, 2008) and one deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan-2010). In 2016 Barry return home to Chilton County where he graduated from Chilton County High School in 1988. He has since served the community in a variety of roles to include an assistant track and field coach for CCHS.

Mason Platzke
Vice President

With 47 years of participating in some form in the horse industry through backyard pony riding to 4-H achievements in the pony Express 4-H club along with jousting with Eastern shore casting association as well as Maryland jousting association knights of the round table jousting association and amateur jousting club. Training horses as an independent contractor for all levels of equestrian activities. To helping others build relationships with their horses. All while working full-time as owner and operator of flashburn welding and now with CK Stone. Raising an amazing equestrian that is now 19 years old and starting her own business in the horse industry.

Anne Bell
Lead Horse Volunteer

Anne brings a BA degree in Special Education, as well as a passion for equine therapy work. Starting at 16 with her own horse, she rode and learned about horses with an undying interest and love. Since then, she has worked for over 10 years in different special needs and equine therapy circles. She has 6 years of experience teaching beginner riders, English & Western, to all ages. She’s gained various experiences and has a wide knowledge of the inner workings of therapy barns and the business of caring for horses and their clients. Her previous 3 years were spent at Kings Home, where she was involved in managing the stables for 12 horses and 3 staff members that served over 96 troubled and abused youth. The barn also offered a homeschool horse club, which included weekly lessons and summer camps that taught about horses and riding. In addition, they taught several special needs individuals. Anne has a brother in the Army National Guard who is about to retire, and her life journey has led her to find a common bond at BondFire, where she would like to help those like her brother who need a place to find healing!

Ramie Strand
Treasure/Secretary

With a sincere appreciation for our military, the outdoors and the opportunity to be on a team providing amazing experiences to a wide variety of people, Ramie is currently our Board Secretary/Treasurer. Ramie developed a deep passion to work with people, numbers and math. This idea stuck with her until she received her BA in Business Administration in Accounting. Over 20 years later, Ramie has worked in a large variety of accounting areas and volunteered for a few nonprofits. Ramie enjoys spending time in Iowa with her family and friends and traveling outside of Iowa whenever she can.

"Work like you don't need the money, Love like you have never been hurt, and Dance like nobody is watching!"