My name is Christopher, and my journey has been defined by service. At nineteen, I raised my right hand and became a United States Marine. For four years, I wore the uniform proudly, serving my country with honor and discipline. My time in the Corps included a deployment to Iraq, where I witnessed firsthand both the best and the worst of humanity. War leaves its mark, and it changes how you see the world, and it shapes how you see yourself.
After leaving the Marines, I carried that sense of duty into my next chapter: becoming a police officer. For the past eighteen years, I have worn the badge, serving and protecting my community. Being a police officer has been a calling, but also a heavy burden. The challenges of the job, the things you see and can’t forget, the weight can slowly erode your sense of purpose. I have come to realize that my greatest mission now is to serve those who have walked the same difficult paths I have.
Anthony Kirchner is a proud U.S. Navy veteran and longtime public servant. He spent 14 years as a Deputy Sheriff for the City of St. Louis, where he was recognized as Deputy of the Year and later honored as Instructor of the Year for his work in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in Management from Webster University.
Having faced the challenges of anxiety and post-traumatic stress himself, Anthony is dedicated to ensuring that veterans, first responders, and frontline professionals have access to healing and support. At Thin Line Retreat, he lends his voice and experience to help create a place of strength, renewal, and purpose for those who serve.
Benjamen served his country in the United States Navy, carrying with him the discipline, strength, and brotherhood that came with military service. Like so many, his path wasn’t without hardships. Life threw challenges his way — ups and downs, moments of doubt, and setbacks that tested his resilience.
One of the hardest moments came when he was involved in a serious vehicle accident that nearly took his life. That experience changed everything. It forced him to slow down, to confront his pain, and to recognize that surviving meant he was here for a reason. His story is one of determination — not of perfection, but of perseverance
I retired from the New York City Police Department as a Detective in 2018 after almost 18 years of serving my community and standing alongside fellow First Responders through some of life’s most difficult moments. I understand the unique challenges First Responders face: the pressure to stay strong, the impact of repeated exposure to trauma, and the struggle to balance service with personal well-being.
My passion for helping others led me to pursue a master’s degree in counseling so I could continue to serve—this time by helping people move from surviving to thriving. Everyone has a story—but not everyone has felt safe or supported enough to share theirs. Being truly heard can be the beginning of healing. Grounded in the Gospel message of loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31), my work is guided by empathy, integrity, and hope.
At this retreat, my hope is to create a space where participants can pause, reflect, and begin to develop tools that support emotional regulation, resilience, and reconnection—with themselves, their loved ones, and their sense of purpose. I consider it an honor to walk alongside First Responders as they rediscover joy, meaning, and strength—without sacrificing their mental health.
Larry has been married for 44 years, he is a proud parent of three children and eight grandchildren, with family serving as the cornerstone of my life and values. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University, building a strong foundation in business principles and leadership. Professionally, he dedicated 41 years to Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) as a logistics specialist in Material Management, where he developed expertise in operations and long-term organizational success.
Beyond his career, he has spent nearly two decades serving in retreat ministry throughout the St. Louis area, participating in more than 60 retreats that focused on faith, healing, and personal growth. As Director of the ACTS Chapter in STL, he facilitates faith-based retreats, co-lead an annual grief retreat called Seeds of Healing, and actively mentor others through service and faith. A 4th degree Knight and nominee for Catholic of the Year in the STL Archdiocese, he remains committed to fostering resilience, hope, and community in both spiritual and personal development.
Sarah McRath, a communications professional with four years of experience in dispatch and a deep commitment to supporting first responders. I have a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and recently completed my Master of Social Work while working full-time in dispatch.
With firsthand knowledge of the demands and challenges dispatchers face, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between first responders and the mental health resources available to them. My goal is to become a licensed social worker, specializing in advocacy and supporting those on the front lines. I hope to serve as both a resource and a relatable ally — someone dispatchers and other first responders can turn to, knowing I truly understand their experience.
Dr. Horn is a board-certified psychiatrist and Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association with over a decade of experience delivering compassionate, evidence-based, and integrative mental health care. He currently serves as the Chief Physician Executive for Mercy Behavioral Health. Dr. Horn is also a psychiatric consultant for the St. Louis Cardinals and a co-founder of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry.
After earning his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center—where he also completed additional training in health management and policy—Dr. Horn completed his psychiatry residency and served as Chief Resident at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. His clinical practice spans outpatient psychiatry, collaborative care, and integrated behavioral health models, with prior service in both community mental health and inpatient settings.
A recognized leader in the integration of behavioral health within large healthcare systems, Dr. Horn is also a dedicated advocate for physician wellness and public mental health education. Outside of his clinical and leadership roles, he is actively involved in service and mentorship through organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and coaching youth sports for his children.
Darryl Zastrow is a dedicated firefighter and paramedic with the West Overland Fire and EMS District. He began his career with the West Alton Volunteer Department—now Rivers Pointe Fire—before joining Christian EMS as an EMT in 2007. He went on to earn his Paramedic and Critical Care licenses and complete training at the St. Louis County Fire Academy. In 2015, Darryl joined the West Overland Fire Protection District, where his commitment and leadership led to his promotion to lieutenant in 2023, reflecting his deep experience and dedication to public safety.
Outside the firehouse, Darryl is a devoted husband and father of three. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing, ice hockey, and playing the drums. He also has a strong background in home renovation, construction, and concrete work—skills he not only excels at but genuinely enjoys. Whether responding to emergencies or building something from the ground up, Darryl brings hands-on expertise, integrity, and a strong work ethic to everything he does.