Universidad De Puerto Rico
Kinesiology
Ommy is an innovator and aspiring physical therapist who developed a sensory vest and integrated app to encourage movement in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder without requiring physical contact. Inspired by a passion for holistic wellness, he hopes to open his own clinic to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. He is also a Taekwondo athlete and coach and expresses his creative side through photography. Ommy finds meaning in capturing moments that remind him “even in grief, beauty continues.”
Methodist University
Biology
Michael served as a Special Operations Combat Medic and is now pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant in emergency or trauma medicine. He volunteers as a financial literacy counselor, helping fellow Veterans transition smoothly into civilian life. With a 4.0 GPA and five consecutive semesters on the President’s List, he exemplifies academic excellence and service-driven leadership. “Whether it’s navigating the VA system, securing benefits, or simply finding a new sense of purpose, I have made it a personal mission to assist others in finding stability after service.”
University of South Carolina
Psychology
Harmonie founded Kids Inspired by Cancer Kampaign (K.I.C.K.) after starting a lemonade stand to raise awareness for leukemia. Her dedication to service and advocacy has earned her numerous honors, including the Congressional Award (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), the City of Columbia Dream Keeper’s Award, and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She is committed to raising awareness around mental health and inspiring others to lead with compassion. "My father used to say: You have two hands—one to help yourself and one to help others.”
University of Texas-Arlington
Nursing
Bronskin served in the Marines for 15 years, earning several honors including the Combat Action Ribbon during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Motivated by his own time spent in VA waiting rooms, he is pursuing a nursing degree with the goal of providing compassionate, efficient care to fellow Veterans. He chose a university known for its top-ranked nursing program and strong support for military students. With a long-term vision that includes launching a Veteran mentorship program and advocating for streamlined VA policies, Bronskin is committed to improving care for those who have served.
Syracuse University
Music and Education
Katherine discovered early in life that music had the power to carry her through both joyful and challenging moments. She is pursuing a career in music education to help guide adolescents toward creative expression and away from harmful paths like self-harm, isolation, and substance use. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where students can heal and grow through music. “I believe music is a universal language that can reach the soul of everyone.”
Universidad De Puerto Rico-Carolina
Criminal Justice/Forensic Pathology
Valeria was inspired by her father’s global service to learn English and pursue a future shaped by purpose and connection. She plans to join the Air Force through the ROTC program and use her legal education to support families navigating the complexities that can follow military loss. Passionate about community and the environment, she helps rescue and care for stray dogs and participates in beach cleanups to protect Puerto Rico’s natural beauty. Valeria brings compassion, determination, and a strong sense of service to everything she does.
Western Governors University
Business Management
Angel joined the Navy at 18, launching a career marked by growth, leadership, and service. She began as an aircraft mechanic before transitioning to roles as a Religious Program Specialist, lead career counselor, and training manager. Now a licensed sonographer, she has provided aid to rural communities in Thailand and Bahrain. Angel is pursuing a future in healthcare administration with the goal of improving hospital policies and enhancing patient care.
American Military University
Sports and Exercise Health Science
Viktor discovered his passion for the fitness and rehabilitation field after overcoming multiple orthopedic surgeries as a child with Cerebral Palsy. He is pursuing a career as a physical therapy assistant with the goal of serving and supporting the Veteran community. Viktor is actively involved as a Squadron Safety Officer, Communications lead, and Character Development Instructor in the Civil Air Patrol. He also gives back as a peer mentor with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and as a patient escort at his local VA hospital.
North Carolina State University
Animal Science
Ashlynn has always had a deep passion for animals and is pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian, specializing in small animal medicine and exotic species. She is actively involved in her university’s zoology and animal science clubs, where she continues to grow her knowledge and experience. Ashlynn values community, compassion, and connection, qualities that shine through in both her academic and personal pursuits. Her dedication to animal care reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Methodist University
Kinesiology
Patrick was deployed to Afghanistan as part of a combat mission, where he says he discovered the true meaning of brotherhood, sacrifice, and service. That experience inspired his transition from warfighter to healer and sparked his goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. He is passionate about helping Veterans find purpose after service and making a positive, hands-on impact through medicine. “It was then [during deployment] that I first saw myself transitioning from a warfighter to a healer. I knew I wanted to pursue a future where I could continue to serve—but this time, through medicine.”
The Chicago School
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Corinna’s experience in the Marines sparked a deep commitment to understanding trauma and helping others heal. Driven by this passion, she is dedicated to expanding access to culturally competent mental health care for underserved communities, including Veterans and individuals coping with trauma. As the proud granddaughter of grandparents who came to the U.S. from Mexico and the first in her family to pursue a doctoral degree, she founded a nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy for Veterans. Corinna has been recognized with the Division of Military Psychology Award and serves as a Veterans’ Round Table resource speaker, further demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and healing within the Veteran community.
Nova Southeastern University
Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
Nazeraeh is a driven and compassionate leader pursuing a career in occupational therapy, inspired by her own journey of resilience and care. As a student ambassador and class representative, she is a strong voice for her peers and a dedicated advocate for service. She actively supports military families through her involvement with Building Homes for Heroes and the Travis Manion Foundation. Nazeraeh brings strength, empathy, and purpose to everything she does both in and beyond the classroom.
Georgia Institute of Technology
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Ignacio sustained a severe spinal cord injury after being hit by a car while riding his motorcycle home from training. Now a PhD researcher, he is working to restore function and reverse paralysis through non-invasive neuromodulation, sensory-driven movement, and robotic exoskeletons. He also serves as the California Chapter National Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. “I want to walk independently again across Georgia Tech’s campus using the very technology I’m helping develop and refine. I want to walk independently at my PhD commencement and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”
Texas A&M University
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Emphasis in Neuroscience
Brian is a West Point graduate who served for five and a half years as a Combat Arms Officer. Motivated by the experiences of family members and fellow service members struggling with addiction, PTSD, and mental health challenges, he chose to pursue psychology. His research uses MRI imaging to explore how trauma affects specific brain systems and how Veterans' brains adapt to stress. He also wrote a children’s book, Tanker Tots, to help military families talk about emotions and build resilience together.
Colorado Technical University
Doctorate in Homeland Security Management
Brittany served in the Air Force as an Entry Controller, Response Force Leader, and Desk Sergeant, where she was responsible for safeguarding thousands of military personnel and civilians. After sustaining an injury during a high-stakes security operation involving a potential terrorist threat, she became even more determined to protect others through crisis management. Now pursuing her doctorate, Brittany is exploring how different leadership styles influence emergency response effectiveness in her dissertation. "I carry a responsibility not only to protect and serve, but also to inspire—showing others that resilience, purpose, and determination can overcome any obstacle."
Dartmouth University
PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Emphasis in Medical Physics
Kevin served in the Navy as a nuclear machinist and set his sights on using those technical skills to help fight cancer. He is focused on developing new treatment protocols that improve outcomes for patients with genetic cancer predispositions. His passion for research has led him to submit three abstracts to academic conferences. He recently presented his work at the New England American Association of Medical Physics conference.
University of Virginia-McIntire
Master’s in Business Analytics
Ashlyn Finch served in the Navy and originally planned to pursue a Master’s in Engineering while on active duty, but a chronic illness shifted her path. Inspired by the role of timely information in mission success, she turned to data analytics to help mission-driven organizations operate more effectively. “Data became more than numbers to me,” she says. “It became a language for problem-solving and transformation.”
Georgetown University
Juris Doctor
Isabella credits her service in the Army for shaping her into a confident leader and passionate advocate. With a commitment to justice and equity, she aims to bridge the gap for minorities disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system and elevate voices that are too often left out of legal conversations. As a National Debate Champion and dedicated SAT/ACT tutor, Isabella brings both intellect and empathy to every space she enters. Her dedication to excellence and service has also earned her the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal.
University of Texas-Arlington
Master’s in Social Work
Latoya is channeling her passion for mental health into her social work studies, focusing specifically on mental health and substance misuse, an area that holds deep personal significance for her. She aspires to develop therapy programs that support individuals affected by trauma, substance misuse, and systemic barriers. Her time in the Army instilled in her a strong sense of resilience, discipline, and the power of teamwork.
Herzing University
Master’s in Nursing
Haelyn credits her time as a Helicopter Crew Chief with teaching her adaptability in high-pressure environments, a skill she now brings to her future career as a midwife. She is passionate about expanding access to out-of-hospital care options for military families. By combining her military leadership, education, and personal mission, she hopes to help families feel supported and empowered. “I am committed to using my experiences as a Veteran, my leadership skills, and my passion for empowering women to make a meaningful difference in their lives.”