Our History
First Coast Heroes Outreach was started in 2013 ago by a group of Marine Corps veterans with a mission to give back to the veteran community. Over the years they have contributed more than $100,000 to support veterans in need. They realized over time that first responders were also struggling with some of the same issues. In 2021, Major Teddy Colegate (USMC, Ret.) expanded the mission to target active duty military and first responders.
Our founders understand the stigma surrounding living with PTSD and the need for assistance through confidential and continued care. They have put all their resources, partnerships, and experience together to create a platform that will ensure the well being of those actively serving our community and this country.
MEET THE TEAM
Founder and Chairman Major (ret.) Teddy Colegate
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
Teddy Colegate enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1990 and retired after 22 years of service in 2012. His distinguished career included six overseas deployments and a stint at Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), coordinating Marine One flights at The White House Liaison Office.
Initially assigned to the 2nd ANGLICO, he deployed to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert storm in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
After returning he served his next duty station at HMX-1. Following a three-year tour in Okinawa, Japan, he was selected for Officer Candidate School, earning his commission in August 1999. He deployed from Camp Lejeune to Germany, Kuwait, and the Republic of Georgia. Following those tours he had the distinct honor of Commanding Marines as Major in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan in support of OIF/OEF.
Maj. Colegate is currently completing his master’s degree in Psychology and Social Work.
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
Major Shawn Chabot was born in Rochester, New York and after a few moves his family settled in Gilroy, California. Out of high school, Shawn enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with a Military Occupation Specialty of Embarkation. During his time in the Marines Shawn married his wife Melissa sharing two children and a golden retriever named Allie. After 26 years in the Marines, multiple tours of duty and reaching the rank of Major, Chabot retired. Since retiring he still supports the Marine Corps as a government contractor. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, an avid disc golf player and runner. Through these activities he is able to capitalize on opportunities that give back to veterans in need.
First Responder Director Tanya McKay
Vice Chairman Major (ret.) Shawn Chabot
First Responder Director Tanya McKay
Tanya McKay is a longtime resident of Clay County Florida where she currently lives with her three daughters. Tanya is the widow of Clay County Paramedic/Firefighter Engineer Jeremy McKay. She and her late husband met in the early 90’s while Jeremy was serving in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly after a long distance relationship she and Jeremy married, settled in Clay county and started their family. In 2019 Jeremy was terminally diagnosed with a service related cancer. Since his passing Tanya has been a strong advocate for the proper care and prevention of illness for first responders. Tanya is able to bring a unique perspective as a military spouse, first responder spouse and a widow. She acknowledges the challenges that first responders and their families face and is passionate about serving them so they can continue to serve their communities.