Jon D. Runyan to Join SoldierStrong Advisory Board
Stamford, CT, February 13, 2015 – Non-profit SoldierStrong announced today that former Congressman and NFL All-Pro Jon D. Runyan will join its Advisory Board.
The SoldierStrong Advisory Board provides counsel on ways to better serve and assist members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to former Congressman Runyan, the Advisory Board is comprised of Fox News Anchor Martha MacCallum, former United States Senator Joseph Lieberman, Philanthropist John H. Linnartz, Former CEO Linda McMahon, Colonel Bill Smullen, Special Advisor to former Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State General Colin Powell, Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks and Retired Vice Admiral Bob Murrett.
“I am delighted to join the SoldierStrong Advisory Board and look forward to helping SoldierStrong continue its mission of helping members of the Armed Services take their next steps forward,” said Congressman Runyan. “Our service men and women have put their lives on the line for our country, and SoldierStrong is working hard to ensure they receive the resources they need when they return home.”
“We are thrilled to have Congressman Runyan join our Advisory Board and look forward to his input and guidance,” said SoldierStrong Co-Founder, Chris Meek. “His experience serving on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees will make him an invaluable asset as we search for new ways to support our nation’s heroes.”
Jon D. Runyan served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives from January 2011 until his retirement in January 2015. Representing New Jersey’s Third Congressional District, Congressman Runyan served his constituency on three key committees: the Armed Services Committee, the Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Natural Resources Committee.
Jon was born in Flint, Michigan, where he was an accomplished high school athlete, and earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan to play football, becoming the first person in his family to attend college.
In 1996, Jon was drafted by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), and in 2000 signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he enjoyed a successful career as an offensive tackle for nine seasons. He retired from the NFL in 2010.
Jon is heavily involved in numerous charities and organizations that benefit the Southern New Jersey/Philadelphia area, including the New Jersey Special Olympics, the American Red Cross, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the USO, the Armed Forces Freedom Ride and Habitat for Humanity. He also served on the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of the Delaware Valley.
