Aquil Bey “Bey” is a nationally registered Paramedic and a retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army. He dedicated most of his service as a Special Forces Soldier (Green Beret) and served as a Senior Leader, assigned to various units within United States Army Special Forces Command. Upon retiring, he transitioned to a role as a subcontractor with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Medical Services (EMS). During his assignment as FEMA EMS Task Force Leader in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2020 (Hurricane Lara), he identified challenges in providing timely care across federal, state, and local emergency response levels. These issues impacted those displaced by the storm, prompting Bey to organize a network of local problem solvers. This network provided real-time feedback to agencies, facilitating the removal of barriers and efficient delivery of resources to those in need. Recognizing broader issues faced by displaced individuals, Bey established Freestanding Communities, a volunteer-based community health outreach network aimed at reducing barriers to care for underserved, marginalized, and unhoused populations in New Orleans. Leveraging his expertise and experience, Bey implements and supports sustainable community health outreach programs, ensuring that Freestanding Communities builds capacity for the underserved rather than functioning merely as a charity organization.