Congratulations to the “Nation’s Finest 50” Award Recipients!

Honoring Leaders Who Have Supported Our Nation’s Finest, Our Veterans

“Happy 50th Anniversary, Nation’s Finest. You’re an outstanding organization and I am proud and honored to work with you every day. ”

Stacy Lee
Nation’s Finest 50 Award Winner

Program Update

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Nation’s Finest 50 Awards on May 31st, an incredible celebration held in Washington, DC to commemorate our 50th Anniversary. We were thrilled to be joined by over 200 extraordinary individuals who shared in an unforgettable evening dedicating to honoring our 50 Award Recipients. This momentous occasion not only recognized their remarkable achievements but also ignited a collective passion for our shared mission in serving our Veterans and their families with the support they’ve earned.

From the moment the doors opened for the welcome reception, the infectious energy was felt by guest speakers, award recipients, nominees, and other attendees. A sense of comraderie filled the room as like-minded leaders came together, united by a common purpose. The excitement was tangible as connections were made, networks expanded, and the stage was set for impactful collaborations aimed at discovering even more effective solutions to support our Veterans.

Special thank you to the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans for partnering with us to host the Nation’s Finest 50 Awards alongside your national conference in Washington, DC!


For those who were unable to attend the Nation’s Finest 50 Awards, a recording of the event is available to watch at the top of this page. We continue to extend an open invitation for potential sponsors and donors to become part of this movement recognizing these extraordinary veteran advocates through Veterans Day 2023.

Featured Remarks and Special Guests Included:

Chris Johnson President & CEO, Nation’s Finest

Chris Johnson
President & CEO, Nation’s Finest

Koby Langley SVP, American Red Cross

Koby Langley
SVP, American Red Cross

Brigadier General James A. “Spider” Marks U.S. Army (Retired)

Brigadier General James A. “Spider” Marks
U.S. Army (Retired)

• Patricia L. Ross, Asst. Secretary, Congressional & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Veterans Affairs

Patricia L. Ross
Asst. Secretary, Congressional & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Veterans Affairs

Kathy Roth-Douquet Founder & CEO, Blue Star Families

Kathy Roth-Douquet
Founder & CEO, Blue Star Families

Marcellus Wiley NFL All-Pro Athlete

Marcellus Wiley
NFL All-Pro Athlete

Montel Williams Television Host, Actor, Motivational Speaker

Montel Williams
Television Host, Actor, Motivational Speaker

Kathryn C. Monet CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Kathryn C. Monet
CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

“This recognition isn’t just for me, but for every individual who has donned a uniform and served our nation with unwavering dedication and valor”

Montel Williams
Nation’s Finest 50 Award Winner

“Today, we get to honor and celebrate those great patriots who have given their time, their resources, and their full emotion to support Veterans and their families with the Nation’s Finest 50 Award”

Major General Retired Spider Marks
Nation’s Finest 50 Award Speaker

Your partnership and devotion to connecting Veterans to healthcare and employment infuses energy, momentum, and justifiable hope throughout the country”

Patricia L. Ross
Asst. Secretary, Congressional & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Veterans Affairs

“[Nation’s Finest does] amazing work ending Veteran homelessness in a variety of states and communities and we’re so thankful that they’re in this fight with us.”

Kathryn C. Monet
CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Blue Ribbon Panel

The “Nation’s Finest 50” Blue Ribbon Panel is composed of distinguished leaders with backgrounds in the military and Veteran communities. They each participated in determining the 50 award recipients.

Koby Langley headshot

Koby Langley
Chair of “50 for 50” Committee
Senior Vice President, American Red Cross

Marybel Batjer headshot

Marybel Batjer
Partner, CA Strategies

Gerry Byrne headshot

Gerry Byrne
Vice Chairman, Penske Media Corporation

Richard W Dick Cook headshot

Richard W. “Dick” Cook
Former Chair, Walt Disney Studios

Eric Eversole headshot

Eric Eversole
President, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Matthew Freedman headshot

Matthew Freedman
CEO, Global Impact Inc.

Shannon Gerber headshot

Shannon Gerber
Executive Director, The Home Depot Foundation

MG James A Spider Marks headshot

Major General James A. “Spider” Marks

Kathy Roth-Douquet headshot

Kathy Roth-Douquet
Co-Founder and CEO, Blue Star Families

Marcellus Wiley headshot

Marcellus Wiley
NFL All-Pro Athlete

Get Updates and Spread the Word!

Stay up-to-date on the “Nation’s Finest 50” Awards by following Nation’s Finest on social media and signing up for email alerts below. Please spread the word so we can make sure our #NationsFinest50 Awardees are well-recognized!