About Us
We are a dedicated disaster response team that provides rapid, effective support to communities in crisis through highly trained volunteers and cutting-edge technology.
Who We Are
D.A.R.T. (Direct Action Response Team) is a dedicated disaster response organization composed of highly trained volunteers, veterans, first responders, and civilian experts. We are committed to providing rapid, effective support to communities facing natural and man-made disasters. Our team operates with a strong sense of duty and honor, striving to alleviate the burden on first responders and ensure that no community faces crisis alone.
Our organization leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative techniques to deliver specialized services in disaster mitigation, evacuation, search and rescue operations, and more. We pride ourselves on our ability to mobilize quickly and efficiently, deploying our teams within 5 hours domestically and within 24 hours globally. By maintaining a state of constant readiness and continuous training, we ensure that our volunteers are prepared to respond to any emergency with the utmost professionalism and care.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide unparalleled support to first responders and communities during times of crisis, helping to save lives and mitigate the impact of disasters. We aim to deploy specialized teams of experts who can offer targeted support and leadership, ensuring a coordinated and highly effective response. Through our efforts, we seek to build stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to handle future emergencies.
Our Vision
D.A.R.T. aspires to be the premier national and global organization in disaster response. By year five, we aim to launch our central facility and establish regional teams capable of rapid deployment anywhere in the U.S. Within ten years, we plan to have the capability to deploy globally within 24 hours. We will utilize emerging technologies such as precision unmanned machines, AI-guided decision-making, and advanced rescue techniques to enhance our operations. Success will be measured by regularly setting and achieving productivity goals to ensure continuous improvement and effectiveness.
Our Values
At DART, we uphold the values of:
- Loyalty: Commitment to our mission and the communities we serve.
- Duty: Responsibility to provide swift and effective disaster response.
- Respect: Honoring the dignity and needs of all individuals.
- Selfless Service: Putting the needs of others before our own.
- Honor: Maintaining integrity and ethical standards in all our actions.
- Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency.
- Personal Courage: Facing challenges head-on with bravery and resilience.
- TEAM (Training, Excellence, Accountability, and Mobility): Ensuring our teams are always prepared, effective, and agile.
Our Team Our team is composed of dedicated individuals with a wealth of experience and expertise in Disaster Response, Emergency Management. We prioritize the recruitment of veterans and first responders, whose skills and experiences are invaluable in high-pressure situations. Our team members undergo rigorous and continuous training to maintain their readiness and effectiveness.
Dustyn Elkins
Chief Executive Officer
Dustyn Elkins is a highly skilled leader with a robust background in emergency management, fire technology, business management, and military leadership. With specialized studies in these fields, he effectively coordinates large-scale operations and leads teams in high-pressure environments. His military service as an Infantry Team Leader in the U.S. Army and extensive experience in the private sector have honed his strategic planning and operational efficiency skills. Dustyn is committed to continuous learning and professional development. As the CEO of DART, he is dedicated to building resilient communities through innovative disaster response strategies.
Greg Hector
Chief Operations Officer
Greg is a seasoned professional with a distinguished background in military and corporate operations. As a veteran of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), he has extensive experience in airborne operations, instructing, rappelling, white water operations, skiing, and mountain warfare. His military career involved training and coordinating with foreign forces, managing complex operations. After transitioning from the military, Greg earned degrees in Network Systems Administration and Operations. He has held various operational roles in the corporate sector, managing teams from 12 to 300 members. His leadership focuses on building cohesive, self-sufficient teams that achieve their objectives. Greg’s expertise in logistics, team management, and operational efficiency ensures that DART’s programs and services are executed effectively and efficiently.
Efrain Chacon
Director Of Operations
Efrain, a Marine Veteran with over two decades of experience, brings exceptional leadership and operational expertise to DART. His military service from 2003 to 2011, including a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, highlights his resilience and dedication. After transitioning to a Federal Police Officer role, Efrain rose to the rank of Lieutenant, where he supervised law enforcement for the MCAS Miramar Air Show, coordinating with over 15 agencies to ensure safety and security. Certified as an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Supervisor, Efrain has comprehensive training in NIMS and ICS and served as the MCAS Miramar EOC Supervisor. His collaboration with local PD, U.S. Marshalls, DEA, and other agencies has sharpened his strategic and problem-solving abilities. Efrain’s credentials from the LAPD Detective Academy and SRT School further enhance his tactical and leadership skills, making him an ideal fit for Director of Operations.
Shayn Mitchell
Board President
Shayn Mitchell, an Army Veteran and accomplished engineer, is recognized for his expertise in remote autonomous drone technology, aerial surveying, and thermal tech. As Board President of D.A.R.T. (Direct Action Response Team), Shayn leverages his extensive knowledge and leadership skills gained from military service to advance the organization’s mission of providing rapid and effective crisis response. Beyond his technical and military achievements, Shayn owns a successful marketing agency. His entrepreneurial vision has driven the agency’s growth, demonstrating his strategic leadership capabilities. Shayn’s commitment to integrating advanced technology ensures D.A.R.T. maintains its position at the forefront of emergency response and humanitarian aid.
Buggie Dugger
Board Member
Buggie Dugger serves as the Treasurer of D.A.R.T. (Direct Action Response Team), bringing a wealth of experience from his distinguished military and instructional career. As a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman for eight years, Buggie completed two combat deployments to Fallujah, Iraq, demonstrating exceptional expertise in combat trauma management.
In addition to his combat experience, Buggie spent two years as a combat trauma management instructor and served as a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) instructor. He is also a subject matter expert at Strategic Operations, where he taught tactical and medical movements to FBI, SWAT, and various Department of Defense personnel. Buggie’s deep understanding of both tactical and medical operations significantly enhances D.A.R.T.’s capabilities in crisis response and management.
Jay Johnson
Board Member
Jay Johnson served over 26 years as a Navy Helicopter Search and Rescue Crewman, with extensive experience in roles such as Rescue Swimmer, Mountain Rescue expert, Crewchief, EMT, and High/Low Angle Rescue specialist. As a Rescue Swimmer and Rappel Instructor, Jay trained and mentored personnel in critical rescue techniques. At the Navy Search and Rescue Model Manager’s Office, he developed and evaluated training programs and operational procedures for all Navy Helicopter Squadrons. Jay’s global experience includes leading high-altitude mountain rescues, MEDEVAC missions in Iraq, and disaster relief in the Philippines. His dedication and performance under challenging conditions are hallmarks of his career.
Christopher Gardea
Advisory Board
Christopher Gardea brings a wealth of experience to our team as an Advisory Board Member. With a background in Healthcare Simulation and Training, and education in Business Management and Corporate Finance, he drives positive change. His expertise lies in curriculum development, process enhancement, and implementing high-fidelity training programs for first responders and emergency management. As a retired Navy Corpsman who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with Marine Ground Combat Elements, Christopher understands the critical skillsets needed for success. His commitment to Healthcare Education and Business Development makes him an invaluable asset to our organization.