Participants

Veterans Edition

  • April Nesmith
  • April Nesmith
  • April Nesmith

April Nesmith

Sidelined by a mysterious event, she still gives it her all In her twenties, April Nesmith was a pre-med biology, Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) student who initially wanted…

Kathryn E. Benson

“I know that what I am enduring makes me brave” For the past 12 years, Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) Kathryn E. Benson has been serving in the United States…

  • Sean Major
  • Sean Major
  • Sean Major

Sean Major

Advocating for medical cannabis for veterans in need From a young age, the male influences in Sergeant Sean Major’s life were military men. They taught him discipline and respect. While…

  • Pamela Smejkal
  • Pamela Smejkal
  • Pamela Smejkal

Pamela Smejkal

Pamela Smejkal joined the United States Army at the age of 22 in 1996, honoring her desire to travel and join generations of family members who served. After Basic Training…

  • Mel Hempstead
  • Mel Hempstead
  • Mel Hempstead

Mel Hempstead

Embracing complementary medicine for pain relief “I always wanted to be someone who served in defense of this country,” says retired Major (O4) Mel Hempstead. “There’s definitely a warrior spirit…

  • Herb Worthington
  • Herb Worthington
  • Herb Worthington

Herb Worthington

Herb Worthington was a newlywed and recent graduate of the prestigious New York Phoenix School of Design (later known as Pratt Manhattan) when he was drafted into the U.S. Army…

Bryan Anderson

Using his experience to inspire others to hold on in spite of pain A sergeant (E-5) in the Military Police Corp—and a Purple Heart recipient—Bryan Anderson was 20 when he…

  • Brian Anderson
  • Brian Anderson
  • Brian Anderson

Brian Anderson

Dedicated to helping fellow warriors through Veterans Alternative Although he grew up on military bases, Brian Anderson never imagined joining the military. But after 9/11, he felt called to serve…

  • Anthony Ameen
  • Anthony Ameen
  • Anthony Ameen

Anthony Ameen

He doesn’t let pain stop him from fighting for his fellow veterans. The Purple Heart is just one of the medals Anthony Ameen was awarded. Serving from 2002 to 2010…

Heriberto Vidro

Through sports and courage, he perseveres Heriberto Vidro is a father, friend, and United States hero. Enlisting in the Army Reserves in 1980, Vidro—as his friends and family call him—served…