Military Friendly, a national organization that connects veterans with employers, schools and franchises, has announced its 2026 “Veteran of the Year” award winners, recognizing former service members who have continued to make an impact since leaving the military.
The organization said winners were chosen from hundreds of nominations spanning a wide range of industries, military backgrounds and post-service paths. The announcement was released on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
“Collectively, the 2026 winners demonstrate the depth and diversity of Veteran achievement, and the lasting influence Veterans continue to have in the places where they live, work, and lead,” Military Friendly said in its statement.
This Year’s National Winners
- National Military Friendly Veteran of the Year: Ryan Groves, MS
- Veteran of the Year in Corporate America: Joshua Copeland, LA
- Veteran of the Year for Community Impact: Dave Underwood, IL
- Veteran of the Year in Higher Education: Bryan Bills, OH
- Veteran of the Year in Advocacy: Valerie Sudduth, FL
- Vetrepreneur of the Year, Emerging: Gary Travis, CA
- Vetrepreneur of the Year, Lifestyle Business: Dial Burum, VA
- Vetrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant: Anthony Suppa, NY
- Vetrepreneur of the Year, Advocacy: Robert Kolley, NE
The top overall honor went to Ryan Groves, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three and combat-wounded veteran who served more than 22 years. Since leaving the military, Groves has worked with the National Park Service, according to his biography on the Military Friendly website.
“Ryan has helped lead complex park operations, support multimillion-dollar infrastructure and preservation projects, and build strong partnerships across federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations,” the organization wrote of Groves. “His work reflects a commitment to protecting public lands, strengthening teams, and improving the visitor experience for future generations.”
Groves has also received a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal and the National Park Service’s Ron Walker Leadership Award.
Military Friendly said full lists of state-level Veteran of the Year and Vetrepreneur winners are available through its website.
Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly, said the range of accomplishments among this year’s honorees reflects the many forms veteran leadership can take after service.
“The accomplishments we recognize through Veteran of the Year and Vetrepreneur of the Year look different from one honoree to the next, and that is exactly what makes this program so meaningful,” Lopez said. “There is no single definition of what Veteran leadership looks like after military service. 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.”
