Jason Kelley headshot

Jason Kelley

Former Corporal Jason Kelley, USMC credits an ultimatum from his grandfather as the motivation to get after his life. He told Jason “Get a job, go to college, or join the military!”. At the time the high school graduate wasn’t too interested in sitting in a classroom, jobs were scarce, so he went to sign up…

Joshua Hamilton headshot

Josh Hamilton

Retired Sgt. Joshua Hamilton, US Army   Josh Hamilton knew from a very young age he wanted to serve his country and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and uncle, he just never guessed there were going to be so many obstacles in the way to reaching that goal. Diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma as a child, the military…

Karen Atkinson

Karen Atkinson

Retired Captain Karen Atkinson, US Army  Karen joined the Army Reserves while still in High School at age 17, anxious to start saving money for college and see the world. What she found was a wonderful career that took her through college and law school, providing rewarding service first as a hospital administrator, then after completing law school as a J.A.G. officer. Her key role was assisting other National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers preparing to…

2020 recipient Scott Dunckel

Scott Dunckel

Former Staff Sgt. Scott Dunckel, US Army Scott grew up in Michigan and was always an outdoors kind of guy. He worked in construction and decided when he graduated from high school that joining the military would give him opportunities to build new things in new places, to have a purpose, and broaden his horizons.…

Sean Conroy

Sean Conroy

Sean grew up in a water-loving family, and many of his family members are active divers.  He has always snorkeled above but longs to be down with everyone else. His family lived in Hawaii for two years, and he watched his dad, uncle, and cousins all dive. Sean was born with a tumor on his…

2020 recipients Jennifer Radil

Jennifer Radil

Jennifer Radil Jennifer of Omaha, Nebraska lives a very fulfilling life years after a tragic car crash paralyzed her from chest level down back in 2000. She is considered a quadriplegic due to the position of her break and the loss of mobility in her extremities, but through hard work in therapy and adaptive crossfit, she…

Melissa Nueva

Melissa Nueva

Former TSgt. Melissa Nueva, USAF Technical Sergeant Melissa Nueva has enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the United States Air Force, from simple beginnings to meeting the love of her life. She had always held a fascination with aircraft and possibly joining the military but decided first to go to college, trying her hand…