SOLDIERSTRONG ANNOUNCES 2025 RECIPENTS OF ANNUAL INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AWARD

Commitment to Service Award 2025SoldierStrong, the national nonprofit committed to delivering revolutionary medical technologies to America’s veterans, is proud to announce the individual co-recipients of the organization’s annual Commitment to Service Award today. 

The organization presents the Commitment to Service Award to individuals and corporations that have demonstrated exemplary and inspirational leadership and provided material support to SoldierStrong’s mission. Recipients leverage their talents and resources to elevate the standard of excellence in health care available to our nation’s veterans.

Mark Gottwald and Shari Yates have been announced as the co-recipients of last year’s award. 

The organization considers a number of factors and attributes in the selection of honorees, including their commitment to championing medical advancements that better the lives of those who have been injured while serving in defense of our freedom. It also considers how their contributions encourage leaders from across the country to keep our veterans and service members top of mind.

Through both Mr. Gottwald’s and Ms. Yates’ selfless support, and that of like-minded individuals, SoldierStrong is able to fulfill its mission to provide revolutionary medical technologies to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. Their contributions to our efforts inspire others to also support organizations that benefit veterans and veterans issues. 

“We remain in awe of patriots like Mark Gottwald and Shari Yates who demonstrate reverence to our nation’s heroes through continued and conscious acts of kindness,” said Dr. Chris Meek, Co-Founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “On behalf of the men and women we serve, our board of directors, staff and volunteers, SoldierStrong extends our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Gottwald and Ms. Yates for their continued commitment to uplift our efforts.”

Both recipients have supported SoldierStrong’s efforts to donate wearable robotic exoskeletons, known as SoldierSuits, which are used to aid paralyzed veterans in walking again, as well as BraveMind virtual reality software and hardware systems used to treat post-traumatic stress in post-9/11 veterans. SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in revolutionary medical technologies since 2013, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems to date.

Glenn Story, CEO of Patriot Mobile, accepted the 2025 Corporate Commitment to Service Award on behalf of the company at an event to benefit SoldierStrong at the American Journey Experience in Irving, Texas, in November. 

Past corporate and individual recipients include WWE Inc., United Rentals Inc., S&P Global, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, Flags of Valor, Martha MacCallum of FOX News, IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, former Congressman Jon Runyan, and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Patricia D. Horoho, the 43rd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army.

SOLDIERSTRONG ANNOUNCES ANNUAL SOLDIERSCHOLAR RECIPIENTS FOR 2025

Delivering on its commitment to assist military veterans in taking a significant academic step forward in life after service, the national nonprofit SoldierStrong today announced the recipients of its annual scholarship initiative, SoldierScholar.

“At SoldierStrong, we believe in empowering veterans to reach their full potential both in service and beyond,” said Dr. Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong. “The SoldierScholar program is our way of supporting their academic ambitions and easing the financial barriers that can stand in the way of a degree. Each scholarship represents not just an investment in education, but an investment in the future leaders, innovators, and public servants who will continue to make a difference in our communities and our country.”

Since 2012, SoldierStrong has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. While the post-9/11 GI Bill has helped thousands of veterans pursue post-secondary education, there are still funding gaps that can become insurmountable obstacles to completing a degree. The cost of textbooks, classroom fees, transportation, technology, tutoring, and other essentials are among expenses the GI Bill has historically not covered. These additional costs make obtaining a degree especially challenging for many veterans, who often juggle work and family responsibilities not typical of the average college student. SoldierScholar was created to alleviate these additional financial burdens.

SoldierScholar scholarships are available to veterans at Syracuse University, Georgetown University, and Old Dominion University who served in the recent Global War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

Past SoldierScholar recipients have gone on to work at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in civilian positions at the Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Division of the U.S. Air Force, for members of Congress, and as policy advisors at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, among other esteemed professions.

Sean KellasSean Kellas, Syracuse University – Master’s Degree in Public Administration 

Sean Kellas is a graduate student at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). He is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an all-source intelligence analyst for three and a half years, leaving as a Sergeant (E-5) from Ft. Bliss, Texas. In addition to his intelligence work, Sean taught Soldiers how to drive military vehicles, managed his battalion’s barracks, assisted with the security of the Brigade SCIF, and worked in the Dona Ana Afghan Refugee Camp during Operation Allies Welcome.

While pursuing his graduate degree, Sean works part-time as a Facility Security Officer for a local defense contractor and serves on the Board of Directors for Keeping Our Promise, a Rochester nonprofit that helps Afghan refugees who fought alongside U.S. forces relocate to the Rochester area. Sean plans to pursue a career in state or local government, where he can directly create positive impacts for his community.

On being selected as a SoldierScholar recipient, Sean Kellas said: “Receiving the SoldierScholar award is truly an honor and a reminder of the incredible support that surrounds veterans like me. This scholarship not only eases the financial challenges of pursuing my graduate degree, but also motivates me to continue giving back: to my community, to fellow veterans, and to the people I hope to serve in the future. Programs like SoldierScholar make a real difference in helping veterans achieve their goals and make an impact long after their military service.”

Katherine Harnett

Katherine Harnett, Georgetown University – Master’s Degree in Foreign Service

Katherine Harnett began her career as a Field Artillery Captain in the United States Army, where she developed a strong foundation in leadership, operational planning, and crisis management. She is now pursuing a Master’s in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, concentrating in Global Politics and Security, with a focus on counter-narcotics, anti–money laundering policy, and financial systems that enable transnational criminal networks. Through her program, she aims to build the research and policy skills necessary to contribute to national security and evidence-based financial crime prevention. In the past, she volunteered as Vice Co-Chair of the Reading Rangers, a New York Junior League committee supporting literacy in Harlem public schools, and she enjoys reading, hiking, and practicing Spanish in her free time.

Shelby MurphyShelby Murphy, Old Dominion University –  Electrical Engineering Technology

Shelby Murphy is a sophomore at Old Dominion University who is majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology with a minor in Cybersecurity. She aims to continue her education by means of a Masters in Business Administration. She is a United States Navy Veteran, having served honorably as a Fire Controlman Petty Officer Second Class. She is devoted to academic excellence and hopes to apply her education and military experience to a progressive civilian career in engineering and administration. This mindset is reflected in a quote from Franklin D. Roosevlet she values: “To reach a port we must sail—sail, not tie at anchor; sail, not drift.”

KATHLEEN HIGGINS

Kathleen Higgins, Old Dominion University – Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Kathleen Higgins joined the military right after high school. As a first-generation student, she was encouraged to take the military pathway by her mother and father, both Army veterans. In the Navy, Higgins worked as an aviation structural safety equipment mechanic on different F-18 models. Higgins left the Navy in 2020 after eight years of service. She took a position at Boeing before returning to school. It was an easy transition to the program at Old Dominion. Higgins graduated in the Fall of 2025 with a mechanical engineering degree with a focus on aerospace engineering.

Bobby Rahal Automotive Group Donates $35,000 to SoldierStrong to Support Military Veterans in Taking Their Next Steps Forward

2025 Rahal SoldierStrong Check PresentationThe Bobby Rahal Automotive Group today announced a $35,000 donation to SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities to help military veterans take their next steps forward in life after service.

This marks the eighth consecutive year that the 10-dealership group across central and western Pennsylvania has contributed a portion of revenue from every new and used vehicle sold at its central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh region dealerships during the month of November in recognition of Veterans Day. With this year’s contribution, the Bobby Rahal Automotive Group has now donated more than $295,000 to support SoldierStrong’s mission.

Founded in 1989, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group represents the Acura, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota brands. The group maintains a strong commitment to community involvement and charitable initiatives, having contributed more than $1 million in charitable funds while sponsoring and supporting upwards of 75 charitable events throughout the regions it serves.

“Speaking for the executive team, the managers, and the 900+ dedicated team members working at Bobby Rahal Auto Group, it brings us great pride to support our veterans each November and specifically the SoldierStrong organization for the past eight consecutive years,” said Brian Buehler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bobby Rahal Auto Group. “We are willing and able to support such a worthy cause not for any recognition or attention, but because it’s the right thing to do — giving back to the brave men and women who’ve done so much for us. This is the same approach we take in our business; we sell and service the industry’s top brands and we do so with the highest level of integrity, ethics, and morals, because it’s the right thing to do for our clients. Again, we are honored to support SoldierStrong and the revolutionary assistance they provide to our country’s bravest.”

The annual donation to SoldierStrong is traditionally announced during the Bobby Rahal Automotive Group’s company-wide holiday party, where team members gather to celebrate the season and the organization’s shared commitment to giving back.

Dr. Chris Meek, chairman and co-founder of the Stamford, Conn.-based organization, emphasized that the Rahal family’s commitment to America’s veterans extends well beyond this annual donation. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing continues to support SoldierStrong through its Turns For Troops program in the NTT IndyCar Series, in which sponsor United Rentals donates to SoldierStrong for every lap completed by Graham Rahal during the season.

In addition, Graham Rahal serves on the SoldierStrong Advisory Board, helping to raise awareness and generate meaningful support for the organization’s mission, including through the philanthropic efforts of the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation.

“The Bobby Rahal Automotive Group’s continued dedication to our veterans is both impactful and deeply meaningful,” said Meek. “Their annual support helps ensure that injured veterans have access to advanced medical technologies that can restore mobility, independence, and hope. This long-standing partnership reflects a genuine commitment to those who have served. We are honored to work alongside an organization that consistently turns gratitude into action.”

About SoldierStrong
Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

About Bobby Rahal Automotive Group
Founded in 1989, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group proudly represents the Acura, BMW, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota brands throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania. The organization is passionately committed to customer excellence and fostering a culture of caring that redefines the automotive experience. For more information, visit www.bobbyrahal.com.

Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation Donates $225,000 to SoldierStrong Through Vino for Vets Event

Graham and CourtneyThe Graham & Courtney Rahal Foundation (GCRF) hosted its fourth-annual Vino For Vets powered by DropLight fundraiser in October, donating $225,000 to benefit charitable partner, Turns For Troops/SoldierStrong.

“The success of Vino For Vets is a testament to the generosity of our supporters and the power of coming together for a purpose,” said Graham Rahal. “SoldierStrong’s commitment to helping veterans rebuild their lives through access to life-changing medical technology aligns perfectly with our mission at GCRF. Courtney and I are humbled to contribute to their efforts and to stand alongside an organization making such a profound impact on our veteran community.”

As primary sponsor for Graham Rahal’s IndyCar, United Rentals donates $50 to Turns For Troops for each lap that Rahal completes during the racing season. Those funds power the efforts of SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit based in Stamford, Conn., to help veterans take their next steps forward in life after service through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country.

The technologies SoldierStrong donates include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to assist paralyzed and injured veterans in standing and walking again, as well as the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems have been donated by the organization, equating to more than $7.3 million in donated technologies since 2013.

Vino For Vets powered by DropLight combines the Rahals’ love for fine wine with their passion for military veterans. Hosted during the harvest season, the event is a couples-exclusive, weekend-long wine experience in Napa Valley. The GCRF team strategically researches and selects some of the most sought-after, rare, and delicious wines to bring forward to attendees.

“We are incredibly grateful to Graham and Courtney Rahal, the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, DropLight, and to every patriot who attended Vino For Vets,” said Dr. Chris Meek, Co-Founder and Chairman of SoldierStrong. “The generosity on display at this event directly strengthens our mission to provide life-changing technology and resources to America’s injured veterans. Thanks to supporters like GCRF and the broader Vino For Vets community, we’re able to help more service members regain mobility, independence, and the quality of life they deserve.”

About SoldierStrong
Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

About Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation
The Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation (GCRF) is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization led by IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and former NHRA star Courtney (Force) Rahal. The foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of our Veteran Community and advancing cancer research, supporting programs that deliver vital resources, create transformative opportunities, and drive meaningful, long-term impact. Through signature fundraising initiatives, including high-impact charity events, auctions, and community partnerships, GCRF has contributed millions of dollars toward organizations that are creating lasting change. For more information about the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, please visit gcrfoundation.org or follow @GCRFoundation on social media.

“The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11” Documentary Selected for 2026 Central Florida Film Festival

Gier Productions

Gier Productions is proud to announce that the documentary “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” narrated by actor Gary Sinise and produced in partnership with SoldierStrong, is not only an Official Selection for the 2026 Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO), but it is also a finalist for Best Feature Documentary. CENFLO was recently recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”

Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Michael Gier, the documentary presents a sweeping and deeply personal look at the many facets of 9/11 through the voices of those who lived it. Among the film’s featured interviews is Andy Card, Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, who recounts his firsthand experience standing beside the President during one of the most pivotal moments in American history.

The film honors the collective courage of that day, featuring all three national memorials, the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as powerful stories about the heroic actions of the Flight 93 passengers who fought back against the hijackers, the massive 9/11 Boatlift that evacuated over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan in a matter of hours, and the courageous rescues that took place inside the Pentagon as military and civilian personnel risked their lives to save others from the burning structure.

“Being selected by CENFLO is an incredible honor,” Gier says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to highlight the heroism, sacrifice, and strength that emerged on one of America’s darkest days, and I’m thankful this festival is helping share these powerful stories with audiences.”

Founded with the goal of elevating independent filmmaking in Florida and beyond, CENFLO has grown into a well-regarded annual event that screens a diverse range of narrative features, documentaries, and shorts, including international entries, over a three-day celebration in Mount Dora, Florida.

The 2026 CENFLO will showcase “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11” to audiences of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, continuing its mission of celebrating impactful and socially relevant storytelling.

Additional information about “The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11,” including a trailer, real stories, and details about its production and cast, is available at heroismandresiliency.com.

Gier has produced and directed hundreds of film and video projects across a wide spectrum of media. He began his career as an entertainer starring in Broadway musicals across the country and has appeared as an actor in numerous films and television shows, working alongside some of the industry’s biggest names.

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About Gier Productions
Gier Productions, LLC is an award-winning film and media production company founded by filmmaker Michael Gier. The company produces feature films, documentaries, commercials, and corporate media that inspire, educate, and drive social impact. Known for powerful storytelling and high production value, Gier Productions’ work often highlights themes of resilience, service, and the human spirit. Its mission is to create content that not only entertains but also makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

About SoldierStrong

Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 32 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

Patriot Mobile Named SoldierStrong’s 2025 Corporate Recipient of the Annual Commitment to Service Award

Commitment to Service Award 2025 - Patriot MobileSoldierStrong, the national nonprofit committed to delivering revolutionary medical technologies to America’s veterans, is proud to announce Patriot Mobile as the 2025 Corporate Recipient of its Annual Commitment to Service Award.

The Commitment to Service Award recognizes companies and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and inspirational leadership, and provided material support to SoldierStrong’s mission. Recipients leverage their talents and resources to help elevate the standard of excellence in health care available to our nation’s veterans.

Since 2013, Patriot Mobile has offered Americans a reliable alternative for cell phone service, delivering nationwide 4G and 5G coverage along with exceptional U.S.-based customer support. Patriot Mobile has long been a strong advocate for military, veterans, first responders, and their families by giving a portion of every dollar to support organizations that fight for our freedom.

“At Patriot Mobile, we believe that business should be a force for good, and Soldier Strong is an example how much good can be done when we unite purpose with passion,” said Glenn Story, Patriot Mobile’s Founder and CEO. “We are so passionate about taking care of our military, veterans and first responders, we made it one of our main pillars of giving. I accept this award as a call to continue serving our heroes with the same dedication they’ve shown serving America.”

SoldierStrong has been honored to join forces with Patriot Mobile over the past year in a shared dedication to supporting veterans and their families. Contributions from Patriot Mobile have helped support SoldierStrong’s efforts to donate wearable robotic exoskeletons, known as SoldierSuits, which are used to aid paralyzed veterans in walking again, as well as BraveMind virtual reality software and hardware systems used to treat post-traumatic stress in post-9/11 veterans. SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in revolutionary medical technologies since 2013, including 30 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems to date.

“SoldierStrong is proud to recognize Patriot Mobile for their steadfast commitment to our veterans and our mission, which has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but has also set a shining example for all Americans to follow,” said Dr. Chris Meek, co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong. “Through Patriot Mobile’s leadership, the company has uplifted veterans and ignited a flame of hope and resilience that inspires us all to strive for greater heights in our mission to support those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”

Past corporate and individual recipients include WWE Inc., United Rentals Inc., S&P Global, Bobby Rahal Automotive Group, Flags of Valor, Martha MacCallum of FOX News, IndyCar driver Graham Rahal, former Congressman Jon Runyan, and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Patricia D. Horoho, the 43rd Surgeon General of the U.S. Army.

Patriot Mobile CEO Glenn Story accepted the award last night at an event hosted by the company to benefit SoldierStrong at the American Journey Experience in Irving, Texas.

About SoldierStrong

Since 2009, SoldierStrong has assisted America’s military veterans in taking their next steps forward in life after service. Our mission is fully realized through the donation of revolutionary medical technology to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country. These revolutionary medical technologies include the SoldierSuit, a wearable robotic exoskeleton used to help paralyzed and injured veterans walk again, and the BraveMind virtual reality system used to treat post-9/11 veterans living with the devastating impacts of post-traumatic stress (PTS). To date, SoldierStrong has donated more than $7.3 million in advanced medical technology, including 30 SoldierSuits and 31 BraveMind systems. For more information, visit soldierstrong.org.

About Patriot Mobile

Since 2013, Patriot Mobile has given Americans an alternative for their cell service by providing dependable nationwide coverage on 4G and 5G networks and exceptional U.S.-based customer support. Patriot Mobile gives a portion of every dollar to support organizations that fight for our freedom. Patriot Mobile’s mission is to passionately defend our God-given rights and freedoms, and to glorify God always. For more information, visit www.patriotmobile.com.