Matthew Templeton served in the Army and fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has suffered from PTSD after serving his country. He came home and had to fight for his life. His mental health was taking a toll, so he knew he had to get help. Matthew was able to get involved with a few organizations that gave him tools and resources to help him now save himself. After doing years of inner work he has been able to help others by getting involved with the programs that changed his life. He now is a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is heavily involved with Wounded Warrior Project. He is a peer leader, a peer mentor, and myself and Matthew also are peer mentors where we help other couples gain tools and resources to help strengthen their relationships. Matthew has shown incredible leadership skills to not only his country, his family, and his community but also to himself. Sometimes after being a hero for everyone you have to be your own hero, and Matthew is here making sure other Veterans and their families don't have to do it alone.

My husband started a local nonprofit last year called Operation Mind, Body and Soul Corp in Dubois County, IN. Our mission is Veterans helping Veterans with mental health, PTSD and thoughts of suicide. The nonprofit has a recreation side for Veterans to hang out, share meals, have meetings, etc. and he is currently adding a kickboxing gym side with workout equipment. The goal is to offer a safe, alcohol free space for Veterans to go and blow off steam.

He also created Veteran Suicide Prevention Packs that are available to local Veterans and anyone in need. Chris partnered with several groups including our local VSO and Health Department , to get most of the items donated in order to offer them to our community. He also partnered with The Vet Center to help bring them and their resources to our area instead of requiring our Veterans to have to travel for their services. Chris has been active with several other local Veteran groups helping to spread awareness of these packs and resources for mental health. He has had several other counties reach out about getting Prevention Packs for their communities, and is going to work with them to help make it happen. Chris's goal is to have Prevention Packs and kickboxing gym/rec areas available in all districts of Indiana. He has a big heart and a passion to help.

Eric Donoho is the quiet professional who makes a profound impact on those around him. He's not one to seek the spotlight, but his actions speak volumes about his heart and dedication to others. When Afghan refugees were stranded at Camp Atterbury with nothing, Eric didn't hesitate-he sprang into action, organizing efforts to provide them with essentials. His heart for helping extends globally, such as when he helped create and empower a wheelchair repair center in Nepal, giving children and their families newfound mobility and hope​.

His commitment to veterans is unparalleled. Eric's advocacy has been instrumental in passing five major pieces of legislation, including the 988 Suicide Hotline Act and the PACT Act, which have positively impacted millions of veterans. He understands their struggles intimately and has made it his mission to improve their lives. But Eric's service isn't just to others-it's to his family. He's a survivor of thyroid cancer, and despite his own health challenges, he's always present for us, making sure his children have everything they need and know they are loved​.

Recently, Eric wrote his first book, Canyon of Hope, where he opens up about his personal journey, offering a roadmap for other veterans who are still struggling. His willingness to share his story speaks to his deep empathy and desire to lift others up. Eric doesn't do any of this for recognition-he does it because he believes in giving a hand up to anyone in need. He's the rock of our family, and his quiet strength inspires us every day. He truly deserves to be honored for his service to the veteran community, our local community, and most importantly, to his family.