Military Friendly has announced its 2026 “Veteran of the Year” winners, honoring men and women across the United States who served their country and continue making a difference in civilian life. The recognition program highlights the ongoing contributions veterans make long after their military service has concluded, showcasing how the skills, leadership, and values developed in uniform translate into civilian excellence across multiple sectors.
The awards, released on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, recognize veterans from hundreds of nominations spanning industries, military backgrounds, and post-service paths. The timing of the announcement carries particular significance, as it connects a generation of post-9/11 veterans with the milestone anniversary of the event that defined military service for millions of Americans over the past quarter century. The diverse pool of nominees reflects the wide-ranging career trajectories veterans pursue after transitioning from active duty, demonstrating that military experience provides a foundation for success in virtually every field.
Military Friendly is a national veteran community connecting former service members with career and educational opportunities as they transition to civilian work. The organization has established itself as a trusted resource in the veteran space, providing guidance during what is often a challenging period of adjustment. The organization helps veterans find employers, schools, and franchises “that don’t just recruit you, they value what you bring.” This emphasis on value recognition addresses a common concern among transitioning service members who worry their military experience may not be understood or appreciated in civilian workplaces.
“Whether you’re transitioning or building your next chapter, we help you find more than a job. We help you find your next mission, and your next tribe.”
The 2026 winners demonstrate the depth and diversity of veteran achievement and the lasting influence veterans have in their communities. The recognition spans traditional corporate careers, entrepreneurial ventures, public service, and advocacy work, illustrating that there is no predetermined path for veterans after they complete their military service. Each honoree has carved out a unique role that leverages their military background while addressing civilian needs and opportunities.
Ryan Groves of Mississippi won the overall National Military Friendly Veteran of the Year award. The retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three served more than 22 years, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star as a combat-wounded veteran. His extensive military career provided him with leadership experience and operational expertise that would prove invaluable in his subsequent civilian role.
Since leaving the military, Groves has continued serving in the National Park Service, where he leads complex park operations, supports multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, and builds partnerships across federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations. His transition represents a continuation of public service rather than a departure from it, demonstrating how veterans often seek civilian roles that allow them to maintain their commitment to serving something larger than themselves.
“His work reflects a commitment to protecting public lands, strengthening teams, and improving the visitor experience for future generations,” Military Friendly stated.
Other national category winners include:
- Joshua Copeland, Louisiana — Veteran of the Year in Corporate America
- Dave Underwood, Illinois — Veteran of the Year for Community Impact
- Bryan Bills, Ohio — Veteran of the Year in Higher Education
- Valerie Sudduth, Florida — Veteran of the Year in Advocacy
- Gary Travis, California — Vetrepreneur of the Year Emerging
- Dial Burum, Virginia — Vetrepreneur of the Year Lifestyle Business
- Anthony Suppa, New York — Vetrepreneur of the Year Restaurant
- Robert Kolley, Nebraska — Vetrepreneur of the Year Advocacy
The breadth of categories reflects the multifaceted nature of veteran success in civilian life. From corporate leadership to small business ownership, from educational institutions to grassroots advocacy, these winners represent the various ways military skills transfer to civilian contexts. The entrepreneurship categories are particularly notable, as veterans start businesses at higher rates than their civilian counterparts, often bringing discipline, strategic thinking, and mission-focused determination to their ventures.
Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly, said the honorees represent the diverse ways veterans continue leading after service. Her perspective underscores the organization’s understanding that veteran leadership doesn’t end with discharge papers—it simply takes new forms.
“There is no single definition of what Veteran leadership looks like after military service,” Lopez said. “These honorees are building companies, leading organizations, advocating for others, and strengthening their communities, each carrying their experience forward in a way that creates meaningful impact.” This observation challenges any narrow conception of veteran career paths and celebrates the individualized approaches these former service members have taken to apply their military experience in civilian settings.
The full list of state winners is available on the Military Friendly website.
