The annual Mighty 25 – presented this year by CareSource Military & Veterans™ – recognizes veterans, military spouses, creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers making a difference across the military community.

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- We Are The Mighty announced the 2026 Mighty 25 today, its annual list recognizing veterans, military spouses, creators, entrepreneurs and changemakers who are improving the lives of our nation's service members and military families through their work and influence.

The 2026 class is united not by a single title or industry, but by action. Across the class, that action takes different forms: expanding access to care and opportunity, strengthening military families, preserving the legacy of service, creating pathways to meaningful work and building stronger communities for veterans and those who serve alongside them.

"The Mighty 25 demonstrates that the military-veteran community doesn't expect positive change to come solely from policymakers; it comes through our own action," said Blake Stilwell, Editor-In-Chief of We Are The Mighty. "In this diverse community, the military ethos of caring for our people and for future generations continues. We can only rely on advocacy, education, and unity as we advance and defend the support systems we create—the ones we build even for generations we may never meet. The Mighty 25 recognizes those who embody that work."

MEET THE MIGHTY 25 CLASS OF 2026

1. Jennifer Ballou: Gold Star family leader and memorial preservation advocate.
2. Richard Brookshire: Black veteran policy and equity leader.
3. Sharene Brown: Military family quality-of-life advocate and Five & Thrive founder.
4. Amber Capone: Veteran mental health treatment reformer.
5. Verenice Castillo: Military spouse mentorship and leadership network builder.
6. Jason David: Veteran storyteller, broadcaster, and resilience advocate.
7. Holly Dailey: Army family readiness leader.
8. Sam Eckholm: Military aviation storyteller and creator.
9. Kenneth Fisher: Military family philanthropy leader.
10. David Higgins: Veteran homelessness solutions leader.
11. Ryan Patrick Hunt: Veteran employment and recruiting innovator.
12. Kerry Irvin: Special operations family support leader.
13. Meaghan Keeler: Global special operations community builder.
14. Michelle Lang: Rural veteran resource connector.
15. Lydiah Owiti-Otienoh: Foreign-born military spouse inclusion leader.
16. Jen Pilcher: Military spouse entrepreneur and communications builder.
17. Mike Rowe: Skilled trades and workforce champion.
18. Suzy Malloy: Military family community connector.
19. Mike Sherbakov: Veteran entrepreneur and investor.
20. Lori Simmons: Military spouse recognition program leader.
21. Rodney Smith Jr.: Youth mentorship and community service founder.
22. Lyla Kohistany: Veteran and Afghan ally policy leader.
23. Rosie and Leroy Torres: Toxic exposure reform and veteran health champions.
24. Melissa Washington: Women veterans' community and entrepreneurship leader.
25. Robert Zachery III: Veteran recognition and military legacy builder.

This year's Mighty 25 celebration takes on added significance as the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) marks its 10th anniversary and comes to Tampa for the first time. Nearly 4,000 veterans, military spouses, creators, entrepreneurs, advocates, military and government leaders, media and brands are expected to gather Sept. 23-26 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated at the Mighty 25 Awards Gala on September 25 during MIC, with TikTok hosting the evening's official red carpet experience and cocktail hour.

"The people we're honoring this year are proof that impact doesn't always look the same," said Katherine Torres-Pummill, general manager of Recurrent Military. "Some are changing systems, some are building organizations, some are opening doors, and others are strengthening their communities. What connects them is that their work is making a meaningful difference for the people who serve and the families who serve alongside them."

Full profiles of the 2026 Mighty 25 are available at wearethemighty.com. 

ABOUT WE ARE THE MIGHTY

We Are The Mighty is the premier media brand for the 133 million "mega-niche" community of America's military, veterans, and their families. WATM's veteran creators capture this community's voice with original, multi-platform media, branded campaigns, and high-profile events. WATM is committed to making a positive impact in the community we serve. Our unique insights, guidance, and experience provide distinct value to brands, businesses, and anyone looking to authentically connect with our nation's military-veteran community.

About Military Influencer Conference (MIC)

Military Influencer Conference (MIC) connects entrepreneurs, influencers, leaders and brands passionate about supporting the military community. MIC attracts more than 4,000 attendees and 100 global partners annually and reaches millions of service members, veterans and military families through Recurrent Military & Defense brands including Task & Purpose, We Are The Mighty, MilSpouseFest and The War Zone. MIC Unplugged is the conference's national forum series, smaller and more focused conversations designed to move the military community dialogue forward between major events.

For media inquiries, contact:

Lakesha Cole

lakesha.cole@teamrecurrent.io

(813) 331-5282

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SOURCE We Are The Mighty

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