Meet Our Board

Mark McQuate

Mark’s life has been shaped by service, sacrifice, and a determination that has been tested more times than most people will ever know. A Veteran U.S. Marine, he served in the 1980’s conflicts across the Middle East and Central America, carrying the weight of those experiences long after returning home. His commitment to protecting others didn’t end with his military service — he went on to become a professional firefighter and proud member of the International Association of Fire Fighters. While living in Wisconsin, Mark poured his energy into public service, running for State Legislature and working for former Vice President Al Gore. But in 2001, his health began to decline, marking the beginning of a long and painful chapter. Even as his body and mind struggled, Mark refused to let hardship define him. He created the Ride with Kelly Foundation and the Kelly McQuate Memorial Scholarship in 2010, honoring a loss that shaped him deeply. In 2015, he launched the Bikers for Backpacks Ride, turning his own challenges into compassion for children and families in need. Then came 2017 — the year everything changed. Mark’s health took a devastating turn, and he spent the next four years fighting through the darkness of Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD. These were years marked by confusion, fear, and a battle for hope. But he wasn’t alone. Through the unwavering support of his faith, his family, and the dedicated team at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health at the University of Colorado and the Milwaukee Veterans Administration, Mark slowly found his way back. Today, Mark is reclaiming his purpose. A devoted Catholic, he now finds strength in the quiet moments at home in Rock Island, Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Melissa, his daughter Savannah, and his stepchildren, Landyn, Rhylee and the greatest joy of his life, his grandson Abel James — the people who remind him every day why he fought so hard to heal. Mark’s story is not just one of service. It is a story of survival, faith, and the courage to begin again.

Joshua Tweet

Joshua has been happily married for 17 years to his wife Tami. They are the proud parents of two boys Gabe and Evin. Joshua served in the US Air Force for 6 1⁄2 years before being medically retired in 2012.  He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom serving at Balad Air Base, Iraq.  Joshua has continued serving his country by working as a civilian employee at The Rock Island Arsenal JMTC supporting the US Army. Joshua has served on the local Board of Directors for Combat Veterans Association 24-4 for two years giving back to veterans in the community. Joshua also serves his local community by serving on the Board of Directors of Biker4Backpacks which has grown into two rides to help the Quad Cities community.

Missy McQuate

Missy is the mother of two, Landyn and Rhylee and stepmother of Savannah. After High school graduation, she began her career as a Hairstylist in 2004. She will successfully celebrate her career, 20 years in 2024. Her love and passion for helping those in need has always been one of her top priorities amongst her beautiful family of 5. As she understands some of life’s tragedies, suicide, cancer, brain trauma, PTSD, the list is endless. Along with disabilities, Down Syndrome and special needs and more, she has since turned to help raise awareness amongst those. She met her now husband, Mark, in 2010. They both share a passion to giving back to communities in need, riding motorcycles, being active in their kid’s events and lives, sports, vacationing, and relaxing. She truly enjoys the involvement and being around her family and friends, boating, fishing, relaxing when she can and giving back to her community.

Merissa Miner

Merissa is a dedicated mother, wife, and experienced dental professional with a strong commitment to family and community. A graduate of Byron High School, Merissa went on to complete her dental assisting education and has built a successful career as a dental assistant for the past ten years. Her compassion, attention to detail, and commitment to patient care have made her a valued member of the dental field. In 2018, Merissa met her husband, Austin, and together they have built a joyful life raising their two children, Oliver and Eileanor. As a family, they love spending time outdoors—taking vacations together, riding dirt bikes, and fishing whenever they can. Beyond her professional work, Merissa enjoys playing sand volleyball and cherishes the quality time she spends with her family. She is known for her warm personality, strong work ethic, and deep dedication to the people she loves.

Melissa Nelson

Melissa was born in Keokuk, Iowa, and raised in Davenport, where she graduated from West High School. She is a proud mother to three sons—Joshua, Dalton, and Colton—and a devoted grandmother to eleven beautiful grandchildren, who remain one of her greatest joys. Melissa’s life has been shaped by profound love and deep loss. She experienced the heartbreaking passing of her son Dalton on May 12, 1994, followed just fourteen months later by the loss of her mother, Karen, on July 21, 1995. As a single mother, she dedicated herself to raising her two boys, Joshua and Colton, with strength and resilience. In 2006, Melissa met her beloved husband Bill, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and shared passions. Together, they enjoyed spending time with family, riding motorcycles, shooting pool, and building lasting friendships. Bill tragically passed away on May 11, 2025, a loss that profoundly impacted her life. For 40 years, Melissa worked in the food and beverage industry, where she built meaningful relationships and a strong work ethic. After her husband’s passing, she found a new path and now works for Eaton in Davenport, Iowa. Melissa is known for her compassionate heart and her dedication to helping others. She values time spent with friends and family and finds comfort and joy in the company of her dogs—Johnny, Cap, and Hankie. Her life reflects resilience, community, and unwavering love for the people she holds dear.

Vanessa Comins

Born and raised in the Quad Cities, I come from a large and close-knit family—both of my grandparents had 13 children, and that strong sense of family has shaped who I am. I graduated from Alleman High School, where I was a three-sport athlete, and later attended the University of Iowa for two years before beginning my professional journey. I am a proud mother to my daughter Zoë, who is now 23 years old. Family and friends mean everything to me, and I’m always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needs it. I’ve spent the past 16 years working at Eaton in Davenport, where I’ve built lasting connections and grown both personally and professionally. Sports are a huge part of my life. I’m an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Indiana Fever, and I especially love watching women’s college softball. I also enjoy cooking, entertaining, and spending quality time with my loved ones. Thirteen years ago, I met my husband, Brandon Comins, and we’ve been happily married since. I’m grateful every day for my two amazing brothers, three amazing sister in laws, one beautiful nephew, seven beautiful nieces and my amazing parents who continue to inspire and support me. I consider myself a leader, not a follower, and I strive to bring that mindset into everything I do.