Eric (Hammer) is the Founder and Chairman of TEAM5.

Based on his extensive military and international experience, Eric had a vision in 2010 to build a foundation free of political or religious affiliation. A foundation that would do the right thing without any strings attached. To that end, he created Team 5. It is now considered the most extreme medical foundation in existence. Today, Team 5 takes great pride in providing critically needed medical relief to remote locations and indigenous populations around the world. The foundation’s motto, “To be involved, you must first show up,” embodies the Team’s commitment to brave extraordinary situations to provide medical care to vulnerable populations worldwide. In a testament to the value of Team 5’s outstanding work, the World Health Organization has officially recognized the Team 5 Foundation in support of international healthcare efforts led by the organization, including the response to the earthquake at San Marcos and the Volcano De Fuego eruption.

Before establishing Team-5, Eric had a career in Law Enforcement, UN Peacekeeping, and two militaries (the United States and Israel), that spanned more than three decades. His career personifies his desire to serve others. Eric specializes in Airborne Combat Search and Rescue, Escape and Evasion, and covert operations. Eric held a Command Staff position while directing the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). He has been decorated several times for bravery, combat participation, and search & rescue. He has received the US Secretary of Defense’s Above and Beyond and Patriot Award. He is an alumnus of the University of Exeter Medical School, UK, with merit, in Extreme Medicine and Humanitarian Relief. Eric recently received his appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Public Health and the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Nevada, as the Director of the Expedition and Wilderness Medicine Course & the Beyond Borders elective. His master’s dissertation has also been published in a peer-reviewed journal on new methods for Combating Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Developing Country, and his poster board received second place in England in 2022.

Eric currently serves on the board of directors of the International Society of Remote Medical Practitioners, is a lecturer at the University of Zagreb Medical School, and is Vice President of Global Preparedness & Critical Response at Las Vegas Sands Corporation.