Amber Sax
Executive Director
Amber Sax is the surviving spouse of Capt John Sax, and mother of their two daughters, Eleanor and Emma. She founded the Capt Sax Foundation after John’s passing, driven by a commitment to honor his legacy and support others who share his passion for aviation.
Professionally, Amber is an analytics leader with experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her background includes undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, as well as a Master of Science in Analytics from Texas A&M University - Mays Business School. Currently, Amber is pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
Amber serves in an executive capacity outside the board, overseeing the foundation’s operations, outreach, and strategic direction.
Sasha Khounani
Chief Financial Officer
Sasha serves as a board member and elected Chief Financial Officer of the Capt Sax Foundation, bringing extensive experience in aviation finance and a deep personal connection to the foundation’s mission. He was one of John’s closest friends, having met him during their time at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and had the honor of serving as best man at John and Amber’s wedding.
Sasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle. He currently works at Raytheon and previously held product strategy roles at Boeing. An active general aviation pilot, he remains closely connected to the aviation community.
James Harkin
Board Member
James currently serves as an MV-22B Osprey pilot in North Carolina and previously flew alongside Capt John Sax with VMM-364, the “World Famous Purple Foxes,” and VMM-764, the “Moonlight” squadron.
One of John’s favorite cross-country memories, pictured here, was a trip to Reno with James and David. Today, James plays a key role in the foundation’s scholarship process, offering thoughtful insight and leadership with application review and recipient selection.
David Newman
Board President
David attended the University of Oklahoma and serves as both a board member and the elected president of the Capt Sax Foundation. He served alongside John in the “World Famous Purple Foxes." The two quickly formed a bond through their shared sense of humor, love of flying, and many other shared interests - including flying general aviation and surfing the Southern California coast.
David’s leadership and steady guidance, especially his thoughtful review of scholarship applications, have been critical in advancing the Capt Sax Foundation’s mission.
John Rombach
Vice President
John Rombach and Capt John Sax grew close during their time in North Carolina, working alongside each other each day and bonding over their shared love for flight. Whether flying the MV-22B, hunting, working on their 4Runners, or swapping stories about being “girl dads,” their connection was deeply rooted in both aviation and fatherhood.
John now flies with VMM-264 following a recent FAC tour. His lifelong connection to aviation, passion for flight, and extensive Marine Corps aviation experience make him an invaluable voice in foundation planning and scholarship decisions.
Alphonzo Allen
Secretary
AJ Allen met Capt John Sax during Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. They quickly forming a brotherhood - sticking together through The Basic School, flight training in Pensacola, and multiple duty station relocations. Although they ultimately ended up in different squadrons, they stayed close, always making time to catch up - whether over text, call, or on gaming headsets.
AJ and his wife Lena, University of Alaska graduates, both share strong family ties to aviation and have dedicated themselves as volunteers supporting our mission since day one. In his free time, AJ enjoys flying with a local general aviation club and spending time with his son.
Tyler Withers
Board Member
Tyler met John during the early days of flight training, when they were both flying T-6 Texan IIs at NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field. They continued on similar tracks, training together in the T-45 Goshawk at NAS Kingsville before both accepting transfers back to Whiting Field to fly the TH-57 B and C.
Their paths eventually split - with John going on to fly the MV-22B Osprey, while Tyler became a UH-1N Huey pilot. Despite frequent moves and being stationed apart, they stayed close, with Tyler and his wife Gaby becoming family to John and Amber.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Tyler attended the University of Oregon and is currently stationed in North Carolina.
Oliver Weber
Board Member
Originally from San Diego, Oliver attended San Diego State University before becoming an MV-22B Osprey pilot. He currently serves with the “World Famous Purple Foxes” (VMM-364) and is also an Aviation Safety Officer.
In the days following Capt John J. Sax’s passing, Oliver and Dave were the two Marines that accompanied John on his final flight home from Dover AFB to Sacramento. His friendship with John and support for his family and the foundation played a meaningful role in making the formation of the Capt Sax Foundation possible.
Since the earliest days of the foundation, Oliver has been a trusted advisor, helping to review applications and support scholarship decisions alongside the board.
Alex Gaston
Board Member
Alex began his Marine Corps career as an infantry rifleman before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and commissioning as a Marine Officer. He went on to serve as a Bell AH-1 Cobra pilot.
In June 2022, Alex was assigned as the Casualty Assistance Officer (CACO) for Amber Sax and her daughters. From that day, Alex stood beside their family - navigating paperwork, supporting difficult decisions, and offering guidance through unimaginable circumstances. Amber first shared her hope of starting the Capt Sax Foundation with Alex, and his steady support, especially in those early days, were a critical factor that helped turn that vision into reality.
Today, Alex serves as a trusted advisor to the foundation, offering perspective shaped by his military service, his passion for flight, and a deep personal connection to aviation.