1st Annual

Inaugural MVP Awards and Benefit Gala

May 6th, 2023
Sports Academy at The Star in Frisco, Texas

A wonderful recap by Galligan Media of our Inaugural MVP Awards and Benefit Gala! We were thrilled that guests from around the country joined us to celebrate and honor our Nation’s Heroes and athletes from various sports.

Thank you to Warfighter Studios and Glenda Cottle for the incredible images below! Download, share, and be sure to tag us!

FLICKR Photo Album

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

THANK YOU TO OUR BEVERAGE SPONSORS!

A huge thanks to our emcee, ESPN’S Joe Buck our Special Guest and Speaker, Medal of Honor Recipient, Florent Groberg

Man in a suit speaking at a podium with a clear divider, with a black curtain, flags, and boots displayed in front.

JOE BUCK | Emcee

Joe Buck is a celebrated sports broadcaster and play-by-play announcer for ESPN, and was previously with FOX Sports. Joe has participated in six NFL Super Bowls, 23 MLB World Series, and 25 MLB League Championship Series. From 2002 to 2020, he served as the lead voice for FOX NFL, earning seven Emmy Awards for his talent and expertise. Buck is also a supporter and friend of Merging Vets and Players, an organization he was introduced to by his FOX co-host Jay Glazer, who founded MVP.
In addition to his professional achievements, Buck is active in many national and local charities, which has made him an admired figure in and outside of the sports industry. In 2020, he was honored with the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Florent Groberg, US Army Captain and Medal of Honor recipient, giving a speech at a podium during an event.

FLORENT "FLO" GROBERG | Keynote Speaker

Retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent "Flo"Groberg is a decorated veteran recognized for his exceptional bravery and service to the United States.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor, from President Barack Obama in 2015 for his heroic actions. Along with the Medal of Honor, Groberg also received numerous other awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Today, he continues to serve his country as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense. Groberg is a supporter and friend of MVP, having attended several events with the organization. His unwavering commitment to his country and inspiring example of courage and selflessness make him a true American hero.

Congratulations to our Award Winners:

The MVP Award - Jay Glazer

When the MVP Leadership first had the idea of an Inaugural MVP Awards Gala, the main award was named after the organization as the premier award. The MVP award is presented to the individual who has done the most to forward the progress and mission of Merging Vets and Players, which is to improve and save lives.

The awardee has demonstrated the largest commitment, works with others to achieve a high level of impact and goals for the staff, members, and communities where they live, serve, and play. Respect, Integrity, Trust and Teamwork are values maximized by the effort and contribution to the mission.

Man in a blue suit receiving an award or plaque from another man in a blue suit at a formal event with other men observing, in front of a large screen and an American flag.

Jay Glazer is a respected American sportswriter, TV personality, and MMA expert. He's known for his work as an NFL insider for Fox Sports and as a trainer for MMA fighters.

When the cameras are off, Glazer can be found at his gym in West Hollywood, Unbreakable Performance Center. In 2014, he opened the gym with formerChicago Bears’ all-pro linebacker, Brian Urlacher, and U.S. Women’s Volleyball Captain, Lindsey Berg. The gym has become the home to many elite athletes, actors, musicians and members of the business world.

He authored the widely successful book, "Unbreakable: How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety Into Motivation and You Can Too"; and is host of a podcast of the same name, "Unbreakable." Jay Glazer is a staunch advocate for mental health and wellness.

Glazer co-founded Merging Vets and Players (MVP) in 2015, with Nate Boyer, a former NFL player and Green Beret. Glazer and Boyer have worked tirelessly to build the organization and promote its mission. Glazer's dedication to supporting veterans and athletes through MVP is a testament to his commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

True Grit Award

Chris Buscher, Shonn Richardson, Dan Quinn

The MVP Staff voted for members who epitomized the essence of "TRUE GRIT". These members overcame challenges in their lives, acute and sustained, and showed PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE to drive on! Despite being confronted by significant obstacles and distractions, these members kept fighting, day by day, through the darkness to make a difference in their own life and in the lives of others! MVP is honored to be a part of their journey to a more enhanced and joyful life!

Two men in suits speaking at a podium during an awards gala with a large patriotic artwork of an eagle and flags on an easel beside them, awards or gifts on the stage, and a large screen displaying event details in the background.

CHRISTOPHER BUSCHER

Christopher Buscher was born and raised just west of Chicago in Oak Park, IL. Growing up, Chris had a passion for soccer, which he played competitively in high school and college. After college, he tried several career paths before deciding to enlist in the Army at 33 years old. He served in the Army from 2008-2012 as an 11B (Infantry) with the 1st of the 25th Striker Brigade Combat Team. During his time in service, he deployed twice, to Iraq in 2008/2009 and to Afghanistan in 2011.Chris was discharged in 2012.
When Chris came into his first MVP session, he weighed nearly 300 pounds. Since then, he has lost 91 pounds, biked over 2,000 miles in 1 year, and competed in an Olympic Triathlon and a Hyrox challenge. He is an active leader/volunteer for the Chicago MVP chapter. He has led many initiatives, including our biking chapter and running clubs.

Three people on stage during an award ceremony, a woman in a black dress receiving an award from a man in a suit, with a woman in a red dress smiling beside them. The stage has a clear podium, colorful boots arranged in front, and a projector screen behind.

SHONN RICHARDSON

Shonn resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina with her two Great Danes, Chloe and Layla. Shonn has one son, Andre, who has made her a proud grandmother of Andre Jr., who resides in Tucson, Arizona. Shonn comes from a military family and is one of seven siblings. Shonn's father is a retired Sergeant Major and Vietnam veteran, and he inspired her to join the military. Shonn, a retired combat Army Veteran who spent twenty-eight years in various locations stateside and overseas, spent many years working in a fast paced logistical environment.
Shonn is currently a board member of Coming Home Well, which is an all volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, support and advocate for veterans and their caregivers. Shonn also volunteers with Wounded Warrior Project and Las Amigas, Inc., which are organizations that give back to veterans and civilian communities.

DAN QUINN

Dan "DQ" Quinn was instrumental in the opening of MVP Atlanta in 2018 while he was head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. DQ truly walked the walk with MVP and regularly attended sessions himself, and would refer players to the program. Upon being released by the Falcons, he leaned on MVP through his transition. When hired by the Cowboys, he continued being active as a member, donor, and ambassador, contributing to the growth of Merging Vets and Players locally and Nationally.
The Dallas Cowboys named Dan Quinn defensive coordinator on Jan. 12, 2021 after Quinn spent the previous five-plus seasons as the Atlanta Falcons head coach. Quinn has 19 years of NFL coaching experience, and in total, Quinn has coached professionally and collegiately for 28 years, spending six as a defensive coordinator.