VetFamily
WeSalute Awards
Derek Jeter, Son of Two Army Veterans
Derek Jeter’s superstar achievements confirm the New York Yankee traditions that have preceded him. But, unlike many of history’s prior pinstripe legends, the true measure of Jeter’s success is due to his play on and off the field – and it comes thanks in large part to his parents who both served in our nation’s military.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Milo Ventimiglia
Milo Ventimiglia has been in show business most of his life, but is best-known these days for his leading role in NBC’s hit drama series “This is Us.” Chronicling the Vietnam War service of his character, Jack Pearson, Milo credits the experiences of his Vietnam veteran father to help bring the role to life.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Patton Oswalt, Comedian and Son of a Marine
Most of America knows Patton Oswalt, the television and standup comedian, from The King of Queens and Two and a Half Men. But few know that he was named after legendary US General George S. Patton, thanks to his Marine Corps Officer father. Oswalt, with his signature wit, once tweeted his Dad “USMC Col. Larry J. Oswalt (Ret.) -- a jet fighter man and continuing awesome dad. Thank you for fighting for my right to whine.”
Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Chris Pratt
“We have the greatest armed forces the world has ever seen,” movie star Chris Pratt wrote on Instagram.
Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Bill Belichick
With his historic sixth Super Bowl victory behind him, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick stands with a record of success that will make his father’s fellow Annapolis Midshipmen proud.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Tiger Woods
Champion golfer Tiger Woods has had a golf club in his hand since he was a toddler, always under the watchful eye of his Army Ranger dad. He suffered a great loss when his dad died in 2006 and what followed were multiple surgeries and personal setbacks. But never before has his career - or life - been tested as it was on February 23, 2021.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Barbara Corcoran
Barbara Corcoran is a businesswoman best-known for her role on one of America's top-rated TV shows, Shark Tank, by acclaimed TV producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice) that airs on the ABC Network. She is a self-made real-estate millionaire, possesses a commanding presence in the boardroom, and is a role model for business entrepreneurs across America. She is also the spouse of former FBI agent and retired Navy captain, Bill Higgins, who also pursued a career in real estate after his military service.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: George Clooney, A Man on a Mission
George Clooney has two Oscars, has starred in dozens of acclaimed films, and has been called the sexiest man alive and America’s most eligible bachelor. No longer a bachelor, Clooney just welcomed twins with his wife, Amal. He has also had a great lifelong relationship with his father, Nick Clooney, a U.S. Army veteran, who is now inspiring him to be a great dad himself.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: George Clooney, A Man on a Mission
George Clooney has two Oscars, has starred in dozens of acclaimed films, and has been called the sexiest man alive and America’s most eligible bachelor. No longer a bachelor, Clooney just welcomed twins with his wife, Amal. He has also had a great lifelong relationship with his father, Nick Clooney, a U.S. Army veteran, who is now inspiring him to be a great dad himself.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Reese Witherspoon, Inspiring Young Girls
With a supportive Dad who was an Army surgeon in Cold War Europe and a lineage that traces back to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon brings a unique "down home" flavor and a sense of "giving back," unique qualities in Hollywood.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Ryan Seacrest, The Hardest Working Man in Hollywood
Ryan Seacrest, the son of an Army Veteran, is often referred to as the “hardest-working man in Hollywood”, and he’s living up to his nickname - Seacrest recently moved to New York City to become Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host on the popular morning show Live with Kelly and Ryan.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Peter Sarsgaard, Actor
Actor Peter Sarsgaard was born on a U.S. Air Force base, grew up living the military brat lifestyle, and is successfully channeling his wide range of experiences into A-list movies such as Jarhead, The Magnificent Seven and 2017 Oscar hopeful Jackie in his lead supporting role of Bobby Kennedy.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Kenneth Fisher, Chairman of Fisher House Foundation
Editor's Note: Veterans Advantage honored Kenneth Fisher, the head of the Fisher House Foundation, with its VetFamily Award in 2010. The U.K.’s Prince Harry asked Kenneth to chair the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida earlier this year. In an exclusive interview, Fisher speaks out about the power of the games for wounded soldier athletes, inspirations from his own veteran family, and continued passion for serving our military families.
Military & Veterans Life
An Interview with Kenneth Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher House Foundation
We had the pleasure of interviewing Kenneth Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher House Foundation, to learn more about his background and what inspired him to give back to the military and veteran community.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Ina Garten, One of America's Favorite Chefs
With the holiday season upon us, a hearty meal is the centerpiece of millions of homes across the country, and that means many households are looking for expert recipe advice. One of America’s great foodies is a VetFamily and she’s there to help!
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Ciara, Entertainer, Model, and Military Brat
Ciara Princess Wilson, better known as Ciara, is a singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, and fashion model. She's also the product of a military family. Both parents served in the U.S. military.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Dierks Bentley, Country Music Star
To the country music world, Dierks Bentley is as real as Nashville gets. Fresh off his co-hosting of the 2016 ACM awards this month, he is a Top Ten singer and entertainer who embodies country music's steadfast support of our nation's military. He is also the son of a World War II Army Veteran.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Ron Rivera, NFL Head Coach
After a near-perfect season (18-1) and a recent win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship, the Carolina Panthers punched their ticket to Super Bowl 50, where they will face the Denver
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Michael Strahan, Former NFL Star Now Plays Big On TV
When Michael Strahan, former defensive end of the New York Giants, took the stage at his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, he had a long list of people to thank for getting him there. First on that long list was his father, Gene Strahan, a former commander in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Joe Girardi, Player and World Series-Winning Manager, Son of an Air Force Veteran
There's more to New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi than his signature military-style crewcut. Girardi holds military service dear to his heart, honoring his late father's service in the U.S. Air Force.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Donna de Varona: Touch of Gold
To Recognize Women's History Month, Veterans Advantage honors Board Member Donna de Varona. A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and pioneer for equality for women in sports and broadcasting, Donna is the daughter of a combat medic who served with the Red Cross in WWII, and spouse of Army Veteran John Pinto.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Donna de Varona, Two-time Olympic Gold Winner
At 13 years old, Donna was the youngest participant in the 1960 Olympic Games. Four years later, she broke an unprecedented 18 world swimming records and won two Gold Medals at the 1964 Games in Tokyo. In the mid-60's, Donna went on to break the gender barrier in sports broadcasting and change the landscape of women's sports forever through her tireless efforts to pass Title IX of the Equal Education Ame
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Carolyn Blashek, Military Mom & Founder of Operation Gratitude
For Operation Gratitude founder Carolyn Blashek, life changed soon after 9/11/2001 from the unlikeliest of places -- an airport lounge at Los Angeles International Airport. While tending to the care of a distraught Active Duty service member about to deploy, her deeply personal desire to say "Thank You" has spread like wildfire across California, the country and now halfway around the world.
WeSalute Awards
VetFamily: Nia Sanchez, Miss USA Shows Patriotism Thanks to Military Family
Miss USA might be coined the most beautiful woman in the nation, but Nia Sanchez is also extremely patriotic, thanks to her military family.