A Spotlight on Unsung Heroes
Tampa, Florida, just got a little mightier as We Are The Mighty rolls out the red carpet for the 2026 Mighty 25. This annual roll call, backed by CareSource Military & Veterans™, shines a light on veterans, military spouses, creators, entrepreneurs, and change agents defying the status quo. They are redefining impact across the military sphere, and let's be honest, it’s a hefty dose of much-needed inspiration.
Forging Paths Beyond Policy
Blake Stilwell, the Editor-in-Chief, put it plainly: it’s about action, not waiting on policy. Change in the military-veteran village springs from its own members—leaders who address gaps, remember legacies, build careers, and, crucially, foster tighter communities. Their projects range from pioneering mental health reforms to finding housing solutions and nurturing a conducive environment for military families.
"The military-veteran community doesn’t expect positive change to come solely from policymakers; it comes through our own action." – Blake Stilwell
Meet the Mighty Movers
This year’s line-up reads like a map of change:
- Jennifer Ballou fights to preserve the legacy of Gold Star families.
- Richard Brookshire stands at the banner of policy equity among Black vets.
- Amber Capone is pivotal in revolutionizing mental health treatments for veterans.
- Ryan Patrick Hunt is innovating how veterans step back into the workforce.
These names, among others, are burning the midnight oil to ensure fewer fall through the cracks.
Mighty 25 Gala: A Night of Celebration
Get your fancy shoes dusted off for the awards gala on September 25, part of the Military Influencer Conference (MIC). Picture it: more than 4,000 community movers and shakers, all under one roof at JW Marriott in Tampa. It’s an unmissable blend of recognition, networking, and a dash of glamour with TikTok rolling out the red carpet. They say a red carpet goes a long way, but this one’s steering clear of fluff. It’s a bold salute to genuine contribution.
More Than Just Awards
These honorees do more than fill roles—they create change. Whether opening career pathways, or staking a claim in veteran health reforms, each honoree reaffirms the vital fabric of unity and advocacy, regardless of their specific field. And behind these projects is a message, loud and clear: You don’t have to wear a uniform to serve.
Katherine Torres-Pummill, the head honcho at Recurrent Military, made sure we remember the varied tapestry of contributions: "The people we're honoring this year are proof that impact doesn't always look the same." Some lift communities; others morph systems or even spark organizations that ripple through generations. But what binds them is a compelling commonality—their work furthers the welfare of those who sacrifice in silence.
Taking It Forward
This showcase, during MIC's 10th anniversary, goes beyond the glitz to drive forward the dialogue on support mechanisms for our service members and their families. For those keeping a close eye on the shifts within the military support matrix, this Mighty 25 ceremony represents not just an annual acknowledgment but a strategic gathering of formidable minds and eager allies ready to shape the narrative.
In a world that sometimes forgets the faces behind the service, the Mighty 25 stands as a sturdy reminder. We Are The Mighty isn’t just singing praises—it’s narrating a chronicle that echoes past Tampa and whispers into the lives of countless military families. This is more than an award; it’s a nod to those pushing boundaries, and that’s a wave worth noticing.
