Changemakers and advocates play a vital role in uplifting the military community by addressing challenges and driving meaningful change. These dedicated individuals leverage their voices, experiences and expertise to raise awareness about the unique needs of service members, veterans and their families. By championing policy reforms, providing resources and fostering connections, they create an environment where our community can thrive. Their commitment not only inspires others to take action but also cultivates a sense of solidarity and support within the community; empowering those who have served to navigate transitions and overcome obstacles. Through their relentless advocacy, the MIGHTY 25 of 2024 are transforming the narrative and ensuring that the sacrifices of our community are recognized and valued.
1. JoAnne Bass
From military kid to enlisted leader of the Air Force, she has spent over 30 years serving this country and those in uniform. Though she was the first female and Asian American to rise to the ranks of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Bass knows she won’t be the last. Crediting mentors and advocates who came before her; she is on a path to continue serving this nation by championing ending veteran homelessness.
2. Angela Blank
The granddaughter of a World War I veteran, she went from military spouse to advocate. Through her efforts with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, she spearheaded programming to support mental health, wellness and eradicating veteran homelessness. Her efforts continue to inspire, encourage and ensure that America recognizes the importance of those in uniform.
3. Jaspen Booth
Army veteran and tireless advocate for female veterans, Boothe turned her hardship into advocacy for a whole new generation of women. Her passion to ensure female veterans are heard, seen and receive equal support after service has radically transformed care. Boothe is a tireless champion of speaking your truth and leaning in to challenges.
4. Kristen Christy
As the daughter of an Air Force officer, her passion for our nation’s warriors only grew when she became a military spouse. After her service member tragically took his own life, her passion for ensuring America’s military and veterans had a crisis line led to the formation of 988 a decade later. Her work in suicide prevention has saved hundreds of lives and she’s just getting started.
5. Kayla Corbitt
After being thrust into military life as a spouse, she discovered the harsh realities of finding quality childcare. Rather than making do or accepting the issue, Corbitt chose to use her knowledge and expertise with data to pursue meaningful change within the DoD. Barrier after barrier she persisted, making what John Lewis called “good trouble.” After forming Operation Childcare Project to create resources for military families, she continues to pursue making childcare a mission readiness issue.
6. Elizabeth Dole
As a child she watched her oldest brother go off to fight in World War II and her passion for America’s warriors was cemented. She broke through barriers at Harvard Law School, in the White House and then used her role as a senator to champion the military community. Over a decade ago she founded the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to honor and serve the caregivers of our nation’s veterans. Dole is a living legacy of hope, encouragement and relentless advocacy.
7. Gina Elise
When she saw veterans returning home from the Iraq War struggling and recovering from wounds sustained in combat, she brought back morale in a big way. Elise created Pin-Ups for Vets and began a nationwide tour of military medical hospitals to visit and support healing service members. Almost 20 calendars later she has visited all 50 states and created an undeniable impact on our nation’s ill, injured and wounded.
8. Samantha Gomolka
As the granddaughter of veterans, the aftermath of 9/11 would create a relentless patriotism and her marriage to a quiet professional would solidify her efforts to serve those who serve. After founding nonprofits dedicated to the military community, Gomolka would face her own battle with a cancer diagnosis. She used her extensive platform to advocate for health and wellness while undergoing treatment leading to an internationally seen TED Talk on the importance of kindness.
9. Kyle Hausmann-Stokes
A heart for filmmaking and a desire to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps would take this Wisconsin native to the Army. After a stop loss into combat changed the trajectory of his life, he chose to devote it to telling the stories of our Armed Forces. As he worked through the ranks building content and film for the VA and other clients, he wrote and directed his first feature film. Starring Morgan Freeman, Hausmann-Stokes will use the big screen to tell the story of redemption and healing after the war through his film, My Best Friend, Zoe.
10. Brian Kemp
Governor Kemp of Georgia is ensuring the military community in his state receives vital resources, support, and recognition for their service. As a deeply patriotic American, he made it his mission to secure legislation targeting pain points for military spouses, child care and becoming a force multiplier for military retention. His devotion makes him more than MIGHTY.
11. Tonya Murphy
As a mental health professional and fierce advocate for military families, Murphy has used her voice to lead efforts to improve quality of life for the community. Everywhere the Navy has sent her husband, she has made it her mission to encourage connection, advocacy and community. With her new role at the Travis Manion Foundation, Murphy has focused her efforts of honoring the families of the fallen while continuing to create space for military families to share their stories.
12. Pasha Palanker
His family sought refuge in America from the communism and human rights abuse experienced in the Soviet Union. Wishing to pay back the life America afforded his family, Palanker enlisted in the Army to serve and protect. He took his skills and language abilities into the ranks of the special forces for the last decade of his career. When he struggled with suicide, Palanker looked for every resource. When exercise became a haven and healing emerged, he chose to use his voice to save and encourage other veterans.
13. Steve Peck
Knowing he’d be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, this son of a famous actor chose to become a Marine ahead of his number being called. His year in combat shaped and changed everything. Though he pursued documentary filmmaking, a project on homelessness enlightened him to the plight of veterans. From hitting the streets for the VA as a case manager to leading U.S. Vets in eradicating veteran homelessness, he is all that is MIGHTY. And more.
14. Elizabeth Pletcher
As she watched her friends returning home to Chicago from the Iraq War, Pletcher made the decision to devote her life and career to serving the military community. From her work at Military OneSource to General Dynamics Information Technology as a social worker, she has championed providing resources to veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
15. Randy Reese
When an injury ended Reese’s Army career before he was ready, he decided to champion the issues faced by disabled veterans. As a leader for Disabled Veterans of America, his work to serve this population and develop resources for their needs has been extraordinary. He continues to use his voice to advocate and support the wounded, will and injured of our nation’s forces.
16. Cedric Rockamore
The Arkansas native followed the sage wisdom of his mother into not only serving in the Navy but pursuing equality for all. This leader of American Airlines DEI initiatives worked his way from the bottom to leadership positions within AA and is committed to bringing other veterans up with him. From hosting ERGs to encouraging service, his patriotism and infectious desire to serve others shines through.
17. Michael Rodriguez
Familia is everything to this retired Green Beret. Though he dedicated over 20 years to defending and protecting this nation, his efforts to erect and dedicate space to the Global War on Terror Memorial has been nothing short of inspiring. Rodriguez tirelessly worked to secure the memorial on the National Mall, a feat he was told would never be accomplished. But for this New Mexico native, impossible was a word his family wouldn’t allow him to embrace.
18. Jai Salters
From foster homes to leading in America’s Navy, Lieutenant Commander Salters used his experience and knowledge to build resources for his sailors for years. Knowing the need, he founded Act Now Education to ensure all service members could transition from the military with the education, skills and job opportunities they deserve. His work has radically transformed the accessibility of resources for those who serve.
19. Indra Sandal
The daughter of an Indian Air Force Veteran, Sandal gave up her citizenship in India to be able to work for the VA and serve our nation’s heroes. Her transformative work in veteran services has led to cost savings and extraordinary impact to veterans. From developing a project to give access to Uber so veterans can access their appointments to ensuring the experience continues to improve, Sandal has been an integral part of improving the lives of our warriors.
20. Kevin Schmiegel and Paul Cucinotta
These retired Marine Corps veterans have 47 years of combined service to this nation. Following their transition, both devoted their civilian careers to endeavors supporting the military community. Seeing a gap in the connection of corporations, stakeholders and seeing the need for a thriving community, they founded ZeroMils to stand in the gap.
21. Greg Smallwood
Smallwood credits his faith for everything but it’s his heart for serving our veterans through his work with the VA which we recognize as extraordinary. As a Marine veteran, he honorably served multiple combat tours and returned to work with the nation’s ill and injured. His work through PFS has been revolutionary for our nation’s veterans and as he says — they’re just getting started.
22. Jon Stewart
The award winning late-night host of the Daily Show, award winning author and extraordinarily funny stand-up comedian could have used his voice for anything but chose America’s first responders and front-line defenders. From championing the 9/11 responders on Capitol Hill for benefits to shaming Congress into taking care of veterans, his work has been profound. Stewart’s tireless support has led to unimaginable impact for those who serve and sacrifice.
23. Jarrad Turner
An an injury during combat led to this veteran Army medic to dedicate the rest of his life to those in uniform. After healing, Turner made it his mission to grow, learn and create more opportunity for the military community. His efforts at Warrior Alliance led to not only improving the lives of veterans but saving many in the process. As he turns his efforts to building capital ethically and bringing veterans into tech, we remain grateful for his inspiring and encouraging service to this nation.
24. Jason Van Camp
Van Camp has shown tireless devotion to serving others, from two-year mission trips through his West Point experience to his time as a Green Beret. After illness ended his time as a special operator, Van Camp devoted his life to uplifting the voices of America’s warriors through storytelling. When he saw the need for resources for veterans in the entrepreneurship space, he built Warrior Rising to stand in the gap. Almost 10 years and $5 million later, he’s just getting started.
25. Corie Weathers
From idolizing Wonder Woman to becoming everything she embodied for military families, Weathers has devoted her professional career and life to serving those who serve. As a clinician, she spent 20 years studying the impacts of service and providing vital resources to those in need. As she watched the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan, she was called to write her second book, Military Culture Shift — an unbiased and direct look at the generational divides and pitfalls of the military. Her work has led to extraordinary impact for the military community.
Congratulations to our 2024 MIGHTY 25!