WE ARE THE MIGHTY ANNOUNCES THE 2025 MIGHTY 25 CLASS

Presented by Navy Federal Credit Union

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- We Are The Mighty has unveiled its 2025 Mighty 25, the annual list spotlighting the most influential veterans, military spouses, advocates, creators, and changemakers shaping the future of the military community. This year's class proves that the most powerful force in the military community isn't just strength, it's story.

From comedy stages to CNN anchors' desks, from film sets to TikTok feeds to museums, these leaders are harnessing the art of storytelling to honor service, preserve history, and inspire change. Some ensure that the legacy of women veterans and WWII trailblazers is never forgotten. Others give voice to everyday challenges like child care, employment, and reintegration. Some use humor to break stigma around mental health and benefits. And a few bring military stories to the big screen, reaching audiences far beyond the force.

"The Mighty 25 shows the military-veteran community that positive change doesn't have to come solely from policy and policymakers, but it does come through action," said Blake Stilwell, Editor-In-Chief of We Are The Mighty. "In this small but diverse community of ours, we take care of each other and future generations through advocacy, education, and the creation of our own support systems. We even lift ourselves with the brutal, but often humorous, honesty of our shared experiences. The Mighty 25 are those who constantly advance these changes; who constantly advance this community."

The 2025 honorees were celebrated at the Mighty 25 Awards Gala on September 24, 2025, during the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta, GA. The red-carpet gala featured a keynote address by Emmy Award-winning television host and Navy veteran Montel Williams.

MEET THE MIGHTY 25 CLASS OF 2025

• Doug Doan – Founder, Hivers and Strivers VC Fund
• Dan Sylvester – Veterans Legal Network Builder, Holland & Knight
• Thom Tran – Comedian & Iraq Veteran, Mental Health Advocate
• Austin Carrigg – Founder, Exceptional Families of the Military
• Betty Diaz – Veteran & Military Program Builder, Media Executive
• Maj. James Capers Jr. – Marine Corps Legend, Medal of Honor Nominee
• Troy Campbell & Travis Ellis – Co-Founders, Shepherd's Men
• Tyler Vargas-Andrews – Marine Veteran & Abbey Gate Survivor
• Krista Simpson Anderson – Founder, The Unquiet Professional
• Maria Reed – Creator & Host, Moving With the Military
• Benjamin Mack-Jackson – WWII Historian & Nonprofit Founder
• Phyllis Wilson – President, Women's Military Memorial
• Ginger Miller – Founder, Women Veterans Interactive Foundation
• Edna Cummings – Advocate, Six Triple Eight Documentary Producer
• Besa Pinchotti & Raleigh Smith Duttweiler – Co-Leaders, National Military Family Association
• Rosemary Williams – Military Family Advocate & Storyteller
• Lloyd Knight – Co-Founder, VETLANTA & UPS Veteran Strategy Lead
• Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Remo Butler – First Black Army Special Forces General
• Scott Ruskan – Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, July 4 Hero
• J.J. Montanaro – Financial Readiness Advocate, USAA
• Thomas Schenk & Gary Landerfelt – Co-Founders, Delta Honor Guard
• Michael Schindler – Founder, Operation Military Family
• Brianna Keilar – CNN Anchor & Military Family Storyteller
• Johnny Vargas – Army SFC & TikTok Creator
• Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza – Filmmakers, Warfare

"At Navy Federal, we believe in the power of service and storytelling to strengthen our military community," said Pam Perry, Navy Federal's senior vice president of the office of financial opportunity.  "The Mighty 25 honorees exemplify leadership, resilience, and innovation—values we proudly support. Their voices inspire us all to do more, give more, and be more for those who serve."

We Are The Mighty invites the public to celebrate these extraordinary changemakers, whose work continues to inspire, advocate, and lead across the military and veteran community. Full profiles are available at wearethemighty.com/mighty25/mighty-25-2025.

ABOUT MILITARY INFLUENCER CONFERENCE (MIC)
The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) is the premier event for entrepreneurs, influencers, leaders, and brands supporting the military community. Each year, it brings together more than 2,000 attendees and more than 100 global partners for networking, collaboration, and innovation. With its "For Us, By Us" approach, MIC amplifies authentic military voices and builds lasting connections.

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, and branded campaigns. 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. WATM and MIC are part of Recurrent, a digital media company with one of the largest suites of Military brands, including Task & Purpose, MilSpouseFest, We Are The Mighty, and The War Zone.

SOURCE Military Influencer Conference