SourceAmerica partners with Military Times to honor 2025 Service Members of the Year

Honoring heroes — partnership underscores dedication to supporting military readiness and service

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SourceAmerica^®, a national nonprofit that administers the AbilityOne^® Program to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities through federal contracts, proudly joined Military Times in celebrating the 2025 Service Members of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 3.

The annual event recognizes service members from each branch of the Armed Forces who have gone far beyond the call of duty, as well as a civilian leader whose lasting impact has transformed the military and veteran community.

"For more than two decades, the Service Members of the Year Awards have honored the courage, dedication and sacrifice of military members," said Richard Belden, president and CEO of SourceAmerica. "It is our privilege to continue our sponsorship of this tradition, which honors these extraordinary heroes and reflects our mission to support military readiness through our work connecting individuals with disabilities to federal contract employment opportunities."

SourceAmerica's nationwide network of AbilityOne federal contractors employs tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities, including our nation's veterans. More than 2,800 veterans with disabilities continue to support our nation's military by providing mission-critical products and essential services. These hardworking and talented individuals outfit and feed our troops, maintain military vehicles and bases, deliver mail to service members, support NASA missions, and more.

Learn more about the outstanding accomplishments of this year's winners:

2025 Service Members of the Year

Army Staff Sgt. David Quay
2025 Soldier of the Year for extraordinary bravery and lifesaving heroism
Swam through debris-filled waters after a helicopter crash to rescue an injured crew member, remaining in freezing conditions for 40 minutes until help arrived.

Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Ahmed El Haroun
2025 Sailor of the Year for leadership during a high-stakes piracy response
Helped rescue 22 hostages and disarm five pirates in the Gulf of Aden, ensuring zero casualties while managing complex shipboard operations.

Air Force Capt. Carla Nava
2025 Airman of the Year for valor in combat and advocacy for women aviators
Engaged multiple Iranian drones during a massive missile barrage in April 2024, enabling her all-female crew to achieve Ace status while also leading national reforms on pregnancy flying waivers and gear access.

Marine Maj. Zachary Sessa
2025 Marine of the Year for pioneering leadership in aviation
Led the first-ever F-35C Lightning II combat missions, achieving unprecedented operational success while mentoring future Marine aviation leaders and earning his squadron recognition as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year.

Space Force Sgt. Yuji Moore
2025 Guardian of the Year for trailblazing joint-service integration
First Guardian to graduate from the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, training over 480 Guardians and modernizing Space Force basic training.

Coast Guard Station Washington Search and Rescue Team
2025 Coast Guard Honorees for heroic response to tragedy
Executed a lifesaving recovery after a mid-air collision over the Potomac River, operating under extreme conditions to save lives and restore order.

2025 Chairman's Award Recipient

Senator Elizabeth Dole
2025 Chairman's Award for a lifetime of public service and transformative support for military caregivers
Recognized for decades of leadership and advocacy for military caregivers through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

"This year's honorees represent the highest ideals of courage, innovation and service," said Michael Reinstein, chairman of the Military Times Foundation. "From battlefield heroism to groundbreaking advocacy, they remind us of the extraordinary individuals who serve — and support — our military every day. It is our privilege to recognize their impact."

To explore SourceAmerica resources for veterans, including AbilityOne job opportunities, please visit https://www.sourceamerica.org/get-involved/veterans.

To learn more about the Military Times Foundation and the Service Members of the Year Awards, visit https://www.servicemembersoftheyear.org/.

About SourceAmerica
SourceAmerica is a national nonprofit that administers the AbilityOne Program – a program that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through federal product and service contracts. We are a bridge between our network contractors and federal customers, providing the resources and support they need to successfully navigate the AbilityOne Program. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow @SourceAmerica on Facebook, X.com (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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