4th Annual
MVP Awards and Benefit Gala
May 16th, 2026
InterContinental Hotel - The Wharf
Thank you to all who attended the 4th annual gala! Be on the lookout for next year’s event!
Thank you to Trish Alegre-Smith and DMV Flowerwalls for capturing the night with your photography!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Much appreciation to our Emcee Nate Boyer and Keynote Speaker Dan Quinn
NATE BOYER | Emcee
US Army Green Beret | NFL Alumni | MVP Cofounder
-
Nate Boyer is a United States Army Green Beret, football player and actor. After serving six years and multiple tours for the Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Boyer played college football as a walk-on at the University of Texas despite never having played a down of organized football in his life. In 2015, he joined the Seattle Seahawks as a long snapper, becoming the oldest rookie in NFL history at the age of 34.
In 2020, he co-wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the film MVP, a dramatization of the formation of Merging Vets & Players. With help from Balboa Productions, the NFL, and FilmRise the movie premiered theatrically and was digitally released on Veterans Day 2022.
DAN QUINN | Keynote Speaker
Washington Commanders, Head Coach
-
Dan “DQ” Quinn has been a dedicated supporter of Merging Vets & Players since helping launch MVP Atlanta in 2018 while serving as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. From the very beginning, he led by example showing up consistently, participating in sessions, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging his players and staff to get involved in the community.
Known for his energy, authenticity, and people-first leadership style, Quinn quickly became more than a supporter, he became an integral part of the MVP organization. Following his departure from Atlanta, he leaned on MVP during his own period of transition, an experience that further deepened his belief in the organization’s mission and the power of shared support.
In 2021, Quinn was named defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to stay closely connected to MVP as an active member, donor, and ambassador. During this time, he played a key role in expanding awareness and engagement, helping grow MVP’s presence both locally and across the country.
In 2024, Quinn returned to the NFL sidelines as head coach of the Washington Commanders, marking a new chapter in a coaching career that spans nearly three decades at both the professional and collegiate levels. Throughout his journey, he has earned a reputation as a respected leader who prioritizes culture, connection, and accountability.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the MVP community, Quinn was honored with the True Grit Award at the Inaugural MVP Awards & Benefit Gala in 2023.
Quinn’s dedication to service, resilience through transition, and passion for lifting others up embody the very spirit of Merging Vets & Players. His continued involvement stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the MVP community on and off the field.
Guest Speakers
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
US Army Green Beret | President CEO GWOT Memorial Foundation
-
Michael “Rod” Rodríguez is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. A retired U.S. Army Green Beret, Rod served more than 20 years with 10 combat deployments before medically retiring in 2013 due to injuries sustained in service.
Rod joined the Foundation as a board member in 2016 and became President and CEO in 2018, leading efforts to build a national memorial honoring all who served in GWOT. In 2021, he supported efforts to evacuate U.S. allied personnel and their families from Afghanistan, and also served on the George W. Bush Institute Military Service Initiative Advisory Council, advancing programs for veterans and their families.
A passionate advocate for veterans and healing, Rod is also an accomplished metal artist whose work has been exhibited at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He continues to speak nationally on bridging the gap between military and civilian communities.
MARK CLOUSE
US Army Veteran | President, Washington Commanders
-
Mark Clouse is the President of the Washington Commanders, where he oversees all facets of the team's business, community, and stadium operations.
Clouse joins the Commanders after nearly three decades of experience in the food industry, including senior management positions at Fortune 200 companies leading many iconic brands. He most recently was the President & CEO of The Campbell's Company, over his 6 years in the role, he oversaw brands including Goldfish, Rao's, Pepperidge Farm, and more.
Prior to his time at The Campbell's Company, Mark served as the CEO of Pinnacle Foods and as Chief Commercial Officer & Chief Growth Officer at Mondelēz International. In addition, Mark has had leadership roles in Brazil, China, and Singapore while working at Kraft Foods.
Mark also served in the United States Army as a pilot and completed his service as a Captain. Mark is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He also currently serves on the board of directors at the Brown‑Forman Corporation.
MVP Awards
TRAILBLAZING AWARD
DR. LYLA KOHISTANY
CEO, Honor the Promise
-
Lyla is an inclusion strategist, cultural intelligence advisor, and former U.S. Naval officer with over two decades of experience in the security sector, working with international military, government, and civilian organizations on issues such as countering violence extremism and counter terrorism.
Her lived experience as an Afghan refugee of the Soviet War and as a U.S. veteran underpin her refugee advocacy efforts and commitment to improving the lives of conflict-affected communities across the globe. She is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, has been featured in media outlets such as CNN, NPR, PBS, and The Washington Post, and contributed to numerous podcasts.
Lyla is an avid Star Wars aficionado, enjoys international travel, and spends every free moment with her niece and nephews.
VISIONARY AWARD
SONIA MASCHMEIER
Founder, SRM Communications
-
Sonia Robaina-Maschmeier is the founder of SRM Communications, LLC, a boutique firm specializing in athlete and media relations, communications strategy, sponsorship development, and event publicity. With nearly two decades of experience across sports, philanthropy, and public affairs, she has built a career around connecting purpose with platform… amplifying causes, brokering partnerships, and telling stories that matter.
Her work spans Hall of Fame athletes, national charity initiatives, veteran-focused organizations, and high-profile media campaigns. Known for strategic instinct and authentic relationship-building, Sonia delivers meaningful visibility to missions that matter.
CATALYST AWARD
SHANE ARRANT
Sales & Development, Tubbesing
-
Shane was born on an Air Force base in Japan while his father was serving in the military. After returning to the United States, he lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, where his family is from, and Fort Worth, Texas, where he attended R.L. Paschal High School. He currently resides in Pilot Point, Texas.
After getting married and welcoming his first son, Justin, Shane moved back to Louisiana, where he began drafting school and launched his engineering career in 1989. His second son, Tyler, was born there in 1991. In 1994, he returned to Texas to continue building his engineering career. In 1998, he remarried to his wife, Gara, and together they have two daughters, Olivia and Alyssa.
In 2005, Shane co-founded AOS Engineering, where he led business development. After more than two decades of growth and leadership, he sold his shares in January 2026 and transitioned into sales for mission-critical equipment.
Shane is deeply involved in leadership and service. He currently serves as president of a North Texas chapter of Tres Dias, a Christian leadership organization for men and women. For the past 13 years, he has also led a group of men through Legacy Outfitters, mentoring them to grow as leaders, husbands, and men of faith.
He previously served as head of the Delta Waterfowl - North Texas Chapter for eight years, helping raise funds through banquets and clay shoots. He later shifted his focus to Merging Vets and Players (MVP), inspired by his family’s strong military legacy. His grandfather served in World War II, his father in the Air Force, and his son, Justin, is a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service. Leveraging his experience and industry relationships, Shane helped form a committee that has successfully hosted a fundraising clay shoot for the past three years.
In his free time, Shane enjoys shooting, hunting, volleyball, and playing golf.
True Grit Award
Dr. Toya Crain, Nick Sterling
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!
DR. TOYA CRAIN
Chicago Chapter
-
Dr. Toya Crain is a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served nine years as a firefighter, Dr. Crain embodies resilience, discipline, and service. After her honorable discharge, she earned a B.S. in Psychology, an MSW, and a Doctorate in Health Administration—becoming the first doctor in her family and exemplifying identity beyond the uniform.
Within the Chicago MVP Chapter, she consistently shows up with humility, strength, and positivity, encouraging accountability and connection. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in mental health and psychiatry, she dedicates her career to serving veterans, advancing holistic wellness aligned with MVP’s mission.
Her service extends deeply into the community. She volunteers with the Austin Community Police Department, co-chairs the 15th District Faith-Based Youth Subcommittee, and mentors youth through Austin Camp Exploration and the Travis Manion Foundation. Recognized as the 2024 Midwest Regional Spartan of the Year, she leads with faith, gratitude, and purpose.
Dr. Crain lives True Grit daily—demonstrating perseverance, character, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening veterans, youth, and her community. I proudly nominate her for this honor.
NICK STERLING
Dallas Chapter
-
Nick Sterling is the owner of Red, White & Built LLC, a general contracting company specializing in demolition and remodeling. His path into construction wasn’t traditional—it was forged through discipline, resilience, and hands-on experience across multiple trades.
Born in Utah and raised in Texas, Nick graduated from Richland High School in 2006, where he was first introduced to JROTC. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as an 88M Airborne Paratrooper. During his service, he completed two deployments to Iraq as a gun truck security specialist, operating heavy weapons systems and serving his country with honor for over five years.
After transitioning from the military, Nick built a career in construction, working in general labor and pipelines, and eventually specializing in elevator systems from 2015 to 2021. His diverse experience gave him a deep, ground-up understanding of how complex projects come together.
In 2021, Nick faced a life-changing turning point that challenged his career, stability, and family. Determined to rebuild, he committed to sobriety on March 25, 2023—a decision that became the foundation for a new chapter.
On December 12, 2025, he founded Red, White & Built LLC with a clear mission: to lead with discipline, accountability, and a commitment to doing the job right the first time.
Today, Nick brings the same grit, integrity, and perseverance from his military service and personal journey into every project—specializing in demolition, remodeling, and tackling the jobs others walk away from.