CSM(R) Eric L. Fies, FRGS, MN’16

Eric Fies is a retired United States Army Command Sergeant Major with over 22 years of extensive field leadership experience culminating in promotion to the highest Noncommissioned Officer rank possible. He led expeditions and military operations on five continents earning him the Legion of Merit medal for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States. 

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Eric became a member of The Explorers Club Washington Group in 2016. In addition, Eric is a National Outdoor Leadership School Leave No Trace Master Educator, a certified Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder, and a member of the North American Association for Environmental Education. He led a 2017 expedition carrying The Explorers Club Flag No.114 into the Mara Loita Forest of Kenya to work with wildlife rangers conducting anti-poaching patrols, and served as the Deputy Expedition Leader for Dr. Jut Wynne FN’06 and The Explorers Club Flag No.139 in a caving expedition on Rapa Nui in 2016. Fies continues to explore the globe today.

Eric and his wife, Amber, own North Star Adventure Consulting, aimed at assisting and advising expeditions in their planning, organization, and preparation and helping people explore the globe independently, safely, and responsibly. In addition, Eric founded Resolute Conservation, a cause directed at mobilizing Military Veterans to protect wildlife around the globe.

 Amber is an experienced expedition leader and photographer, accomplished equestrian, upper level Dressage rider and trainer, Masterson Method Certified Practitioner, and owner of Elite Power Stables in Purcellville, Virginia.