WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP)’s annual Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner presented by Goldman Sachs, honored America’s wounded warriors and supporters on Sept. 10, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Heisman Trophy winner and former Pro Bowl quarterback Robert Griffin III opened the evening, marking his third time as host. Veterans, corporate partners, elected officials, advocates, and supporters gathered to recognize honorees whose contributions help wounded warriors and their families thrive after service.
“This is what a grateful nation looks like – communities honoring those who’ve sacrificed so much,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt. “Tonight’s honorees remind us why we must continue to keep the promise and do whatever we can to bring every warrior fully home – mind, body, and soul.”
Learn how you can help WWP change and save lives.
WWP presented four awards to recognize individuals and organizations making a lasting impact.
2025 Honorees
- Courage Award – Deron Santiny
The Courage Award honors a warrior who exemplifies bravery, resilience, and strength in overcoming challenges.In 2005, Army veteran Deron Santiny was wounded in Baghdad when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). He received the Purple Heart for his sacrifice and bravery. After an extensive recovery, his life changed when he accepted help from WWP. Since then, Santiny has dedicated himself to serving fellow warriors as a peer leader, mentor, and advocate — from serving as state commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart to helping establish WWP’s largest peer support group in Louisiana.
Read more about Deron’s impact in his community.
- Service Award – Tammy Haggerty
The Service Award highlights community supporters who go above and beyond to raise awareness and resources for wounded warriors and their families.
Tammy Haggerty, a beloved business owner in Canton, Michigan, serves as committee chair of the “Old Glory Flags Golf Outing.” Since the tournament’s founding in 2013, Haggerty and her community have raised $1 million for WWP. Her efforts are fueled by her dedication to honoring veterans and preserving their legacy.Read more about Tammy Haggerty’s unwavering support.
- Empowerment Award – Boeing
The Empowerment Award recognizes exceptional corporate support that empowers WWP to expand programs and advocacy for warriors.Boeing has been a dedicated partner of WWP for several years, with employees contributing through workplace giving since 2011. In 2024, Boeing deepened its commitment through the Women Warriors Initiative, hosting roundtables and discussions to amplify the voices of women veterans. In 2025, Boeing expanded its support by providing more opportunities for women veterans to network and advocate. These efforts help women veterans access the resources and solutions they need to thrive after service.Read more about Boeing’s empowerment of women warriors.
- Legislators of the Year Award – Senator Jerry Moran and Representative Julia Brownley
The Legislator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of wounded, ill, and injured veterans.Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Sen. Moran has championed veterans’ issues in Congress since he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. Elected to the Senate in 2010, he has served as the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs since 2020. He has driven critical legislation such as the 2022 Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, as well as bills around substance use disorder, suicide prevention, and mental health. He is also a staunch supporter of expanding access to residential rehabilitation treatment centers (RRTPs) for veterans challenged by substance use disorders and/or suicide ideation.Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26)
Rep. Brownley, Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, has been a steadfast advocate for service members and veterans since first being elected to Congress in 2012. She authored the Deborah Sampson Act, which improved access to care for women veterans. She also helped pass the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act. This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services and expands veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute.
The Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner is made possible by supporters, with proceeds directly funding WWP programs that help warriors thrive for a lifetime.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
