Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver and event emcee Ed McCaffrey (left) and Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walt Piatt (right) present Dawn Halfaker with the Courage Award.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 18, 2026) – This week, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) hosted its annual Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner®, celebrating the courage and resilience of America's veterans. The special evening, presented by Goldman Sachs, also honored the supporters who help make WWP's mission possible.
Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Ed McCaffrey hosted the event, bringing together veterans, corporate partners, elected officials, advocates, and supporters to recognize this year’s honorees.
“This is what a grateful nation looks like: Americans honoring those who have served and supporting our vision to bring every warrior home — mind, body, and soul,” said WWP® CEO Walt Piatt. “This year's honorees remind us of the courage and resilience of veterans, and that keeping our promise to them requires all of us, from individual supporters and advocates to companies and communities."
Learn how you can support WWP to change the lives of veterans.
WWP presented four awards to recognize individuals, organizations, and communities who have made a lasting impact.
2026 Honorees
Courage Award – Dawn Halfaker
The Courage Award honors a warrior who exemplifies bravery, resilience, and strength in overcoming challenges.
As one of the few American women in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces to command a platoon through ground combat, Dawn Halfaker’s story exemplifies bravery, strength and resilience. In 2004, she was deployed to Iraq with the 293rd Military Police Company, 3rd Infantry Division, where she commanded a military police platoon in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During her tour, Halfaker was wounded, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for her service and medically retiring a year later as captain.
After her service and the sale of her global technology firm, Halfaker and Associates, Halfaker established the Continuing to Serve Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports veteran entrepreneurs.
Service Award – Joe and Daniel Murray and Gloria Shepherd
The Service Award highlights community supporters who go above and beyond to raise awareness and resources for warriors and their families.
Driven by a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans, Joe and Daniel Murray and Gloria Shepherd, owners of Stoney Creek Resort and Campground in Virginia, have transformed their annual Stoney Creek Freedom Fest into a powerful force for good. Since 2016, the event has raised more than $1 million for WWP, helping connect veterans and their families with lifesaving programs and services.
Their impact extends far beyond fundraising. Through the unwavering support of volunteers, local businesses, vendors, entertainers, and campers, the campground has built a community dedicated to giving back to those who served. Their leadership and commitment embody the spirit of a grateful nation and the power of communities coming together to support warriors long after their military service ends.
Empowerment Award – NCS Vehicle Donations
The Empowerment Award recognizes exceptional corporate support that empowers WWP to expand programs and advocacy for warriors.
Since 2022, NCS Vehicle Donations has been a steadfast supporter of WWP, contributing millions of dollars in support through its vehicle donation program. Beyond its financial contributions, NCS actively supports WWP through hands-on volunteerism and community engagement. NCS employees have volunteered at local WWP events, marched alongside warriors and supporters in the New York City Veterans Day Parade, and participated in Thanksgiving food basket drives. In recognition of its extraordinary commitment and early impact, NCS also received WWP's 2023 Impact Award for "Rookie of the Year."
Legislators of the Year Award
The Legislator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of veterans.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Sen. Blumenthal has built one of the strongest veterans’ advocacy records in Congress. He has served on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2011 and currently serves as Ranking Member. He helped lead the Senate’s passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 and has been a champion of the Major Richard Star Act. His work has also expanded educational opportunities for transitioning service members, strengthened benefits for disabled veterans, and improved care and support for survivors of military sexual trauma.
Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12)
A United States Marine, Rep. Bost has served as chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2023 and has been a leading advocate for veterans, caregivers, and military families. He played a key role in advancing the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, one of the most significant veterans’ legislative packages in recent years. He has also championed legislation to expand benefits and support for veterans, including the Medal of Honor Act, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, and the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act.
The Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner is made possible by supporters, with proceeds directly funding WWP programs that help warriors thrive for a lifetime.