GIVING BACK TO THOSE WHO GAVE ALL: SUPPORTING HUNTERSEVEN

April 3, 2025 – Dr. Robert Bard, a U.S. Air Force veteran and renowned cancer diagnostic imaging specialist—widely known as The Cancer Detective—recently met with the leadership team of the HunterSeven Foundation, a national advocacy organization dedicated to cancer awareness, research and resource support for military veterans and active service members. The foundation provides free, confidential cancer screenings to veterans and their families, prioritizing both their health and privacy.

HunterSeven Foundation supports individuals affected by military-related exposures by offering access to essential care and medical resources through a network of strategic partnerships and foundation-backed initiatives.

Dr. Bard has long committed his efforts to serving service personnel and first responders. His work includes a vast array of innovative diagnostic services as well as forming collaborations with advocacy groups like HunterSeven. He is also deeply involved in educational programs focused on prevention, early detection, and clinical research.

This recent meeting explored a potential alliance aimed at expanding cancer diagnostics for those exposed during service and often underdiagnosed.  The discussion also included plans for future educational presentations and outreach efforts, designed to bring awareness and access to health resources that many former service members may not currently have.

"So many from our veterans are (now) fighting a second battle once they come home", says Dr. Bard about post-service injuries. "Since the 70's, I have watched the pattern of disorders arise. I am committed to research and direct patient care for those who served our country and community... suffering from occupational exposures. Without a doubt- these jobs are dangerous. I'm happy to offer integrative arsenal of technologies and modalities that may not be available to them!"

Leading with Purpose at the HunterSeven Foundation

Timothy "Chachi" Pachasa, the newly appointed Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation, brings with him a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to the veteran community. A proud retiree of the United States Air Force, Tim dedicated nearly 25 years to military service—much of it spent shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Army units on the front lines.

As a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member and certified Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), Tim was one of the elite professionals responsible for coordinating and calling in airstrikes in combat zones, directly supporting soldiers in high-stakes environments. His career embodies a rare dual pride: deep-rooted in the Air Force, yet forged through years of battlefield collaboration with the Army.

Rising through the ranks to retire as a Command Chief Master Sergeant in 2019, Tim served at the highest levels of leadership within the Air Force. His post-retirement journey has been driven by one core mission: giving back. From various roles dedicated to supporting veterans, his path has now led him to the helm of the HunterSeven Foundation—a role he describes as “absolutely amazing.”

In his leadership at HunterSeven, Tim continues to channel his operational experience and deep sense of duty into advocacy and action, championing the health, well-being, and long-term care of post-9/11 veterans.

A MISSION TO GIVE BACK AND CARE FOR ITS OWN
By: Timothy "Chachi" Pachasa

I'm the Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation. I’m a proud military retiree with 25 years of service in the United States Air Force, though I also served closely with the U.S. Army as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member and certified Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC)—one of the guys calling in airstrikes on the front lines in support of Army units.

I’m proud to have worn the Air Force uniform and equally proud to have spent the majority of my career embedded with soldiers. I retired in 2019 as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, honored to have served at some of the highest levels of the Air Force. Since retirement, I’ve focused on giving back to the veteran community. Becoming Executive Director of the HunterSeven Foundation—an organization founded just months before I retired—has been an incredible opportunity to do exactly that: help veterans in their fight against cancer.

BATTLING CANCER BEYOND THE FRONT LINES
When people join the military, they accept the inherent risks—combat, training accidents, and more. But what’s harder to anticipate is the long-term exposure to environmental hazards that can dramatically increase the risk of cancer. Unfortunately, current cancer research doesn't always account for the extreme, unique exposures experienced during military service.

We’re seeing veterans being diagnosed with cancer at younger ages and in unexpected ways—patterns that simply don’t align with civilian exposure models. That’s why our work at HunterSeven is so important—blending military knowledge with cutting-edge medical research to better understand, detect, and prevent these cancers.

OUR MISSION & OBJECTIVES
HunterSeven was founded in 2018 as a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans affected by cancer. Our leadership includes a board of directors, a medical advisory board—which we’re proud to soon welcome Dr. Bard to—and a team of passionate brand ambassadors who share our mission across the country.  Our work centers around what I call the “Four Ts”:

Teach – We educate veterans about their exposure risks and how that could lead to cancer. We also train medical professionals to recognize and properly triage these unique cases and publish our findings to inform the broader medical community.

Test – Through bloodwork and MRIs, we focus on early detection—because we know it saves lives.

Treat – When veterans lack sufficient medical coverage, we raise funds to cover treatments or offset costs. Every dollar can mean a step closer to life-saving care.

Triumph – Whether it's a full recovery, improving a veteran’s quality of life, or supporting their family through difficult times, we celebrate every victory and ensure every sacrifice is honored and remembered.

A CALL TO ACTION

If you’re a veteran, know a veteran, or simply appreciate their service, we invite you to be part of this mission. Visit www.hunterseven.org to learn how you can help—whether by donating, volunteering, inviting us to your event, or supporting our medical screenings.

If you’re a medical professional, we welcome your time and expertise. If you're part of an organization that wants to collaborate, reach out—we’re always looking to grow our impact. And if you simply want to give—whether it’s 5 cents or $5,000—every bit helps.

Together, we can save veteran lives and fight cancer with the same intensity that these heroes showed while serving our country. We’re also proud to collaborate with amazing partners like the Integrative Cancer Research Society and Dr. Bard. These partnerships allow us to combine military insight with cutting-edge civilian medical innovation. We believe the future is bright, and we’re honored to be part of this shared mission.

Please stay tuned—there’s more to come.