A wonderful recap by Galligan Media of our 2nd Annual MVP Awards & 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.
Randy Couture, a former U.S. Army Sergeant and accomplished mixed martial artist, served from 1982 to 1988 in the 101st Airborne Division, where he honed his skills in wrestling and boxing. Transitioning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Couture became a six-time UFC Champion, holding three Heavyweight and two Light Heavyweight titles. He is celebrated as one of MMA's greatest fighters and the first to secure two UFC championships in distinct divisions.
Randy is also a board member and friend of Merging Vets and Players, an organization he was introduced to by his friend Jay Glazer, who cofounded MVP. In addition to his professional achievements, Randy is active in many national and local charities, which has made him an admired figure in and outside of UFC. In 2006 Randy was inducted into the UFC hall of Fame, and in 2012 he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
After joining the Marine Corps to serve others, Sergeant Ennis was injured when her helicopter crashed on her second deployment to Afghanistan and she was forced into medical retirement. After struggling through over 40 surgeries, including an amputation, she was in search of a way to be of service again.
In the early stages of her recovery, Kirstie relied heavily on outdoor therapy to get her life back. Thanks to her experiences Kirstie does more now on one leg, than she ever dreamed of doing on two.
Kirstie's story has been well-documented. She allowed cameras into the hospital to film her amputation ordeal for an inspired short film produced by Cosmopolitan magazine. She was featured on the cover ESPN magazine for the “Body” issue. Photos of Prince Harry embracing Ennis after she completed the 1,000-mile walk across England, Wales and Scotland for the British non-profit Walking for the Wounded appeared in People magazine and she was later honored by the magazine as their “Annual Body Image Hero” in 2016.
Kirstie Ennis stands as a shining example of dedication and driving positive change in everything she does. This prestigious award celebrates Kirstie’s exceptional collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact on others. Through her trailblazing efforts, Kirstie has set an inspiring example for us all to emulate, motivating people, teams, and progress across every facet of her endeavors.
MARINE CORPS VETERAN, PARALYMPIAN
Kirstie Ennis is a former United States Marine Corps sergeant, helicopter door gunner, and veteran of the Afghanistan War. Raised in a military family, Ennis enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17. During her military service, she served as an aerial gunner on a CH-53D helicopter and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.
Ennis sustained multiple injuries in a helicopter crash during her deployment, leading to the amputation of her left leg above the knee. Despite her injuries, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Embracing a positive outlook, she has become an advocate for veterans, amputees, and individuals facing adversity.
Beyond her advocacy work, Ennis is an accomplished athlete. She has participated in various sports, including snowboarding, climbing, and competitive cycling. Notably, she has conquered several challenging expeditions, summiting some of the highest mountains in the world such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and completing a 1,000-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Ennis has received recognition for her courage and contributions, including being honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2019 ESPY Awards. She continues to inspire others through her motivational speaking engagements, advocacy efforts, and athletic pursuits.
Kirstie Ennis is also the founder of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, opportunities, and support for individuals overcoming adversity. Established in 2017, the foundation focuses on empowering veterans and individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
We honor and recognize NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's steadfast dedication to innovation within the sports domain. Commissioner Roger Goodell has overseen numerous initiatives and changes during his tenure with the NFL, aimed at both improving the league's operations and addressing various issues within the sport. Whether through groundbreaking technology, distinctive training methodologies, or inventive strategies, he has spearheaded transformative change, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the sports world.
NFL COMMISSIONER
Roger Goodell is the Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), serving in this role since 2006. Raised in New York, Goodell grew up in a family deeply rooted in football; his father, Charles Goodell, was a United States Senator and his uncle, Judge Tim T. Hoyt, was a pioneer in the NFL. Goodell graduated from Washington & Jefferson College in 1981 with a degree in economics.
Prior to becoming Commissioner, Goodell held various positions within the NFL, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw various league functions such as marketing, operations, and sales. As Commissioner, he has focused on promoting player safety, integrity of the game, and international growth of the NFL brand.
During his tenure, Goodell has navigated various controversies and challenges, including player issues, labor disputes, and concerns about the long-term health effects of playing football. He has also overseen
the expansion of the NFL into new markets, including international games in various countries.
Overall, Roger Goodell remains a central figure in the world of professional football, wielding significant influence over the direction and policies of the NFL.
The Catalyst Award recognizes Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy for his outstanding commitment to fostering unity and strengthening community bonds. He has passionately championed the creation of inclusive environments, uplifting others to forge a more connected and harmonious community. Through selfless assistance, mentorship, influence, and guidance, Coach McCarthy inspires individuals to embrace their life journey, making their lives more fulfilling and better for themselves and those around them.
DALLAS COWBOYS HEAD COACH
Mike McCarthy is known for his coaching career in the National Football League (NFL). Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McCarthy attended Baker University, where he played tight end and served as team captain for the football team. He later began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.
McCarthy's NFL coaching journey started in 1993 when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive assistant. Over the years, he held various coaching positions with different NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers.
He served as the Packers' Head Coach from 2006 to 2018, during which he led the team to significant success, including winning Super Bowl XLV in 2011.
Known for his offensive expertise and quarterback development skills, McCarthy's coaching style emphasizes precision, discipline, and adaptability. He is respected for his strategic approach to the game and his ability to maximize the talents of his players.
In January 2020, McCarthy was hired as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. With the Cowboys, he revitalized the team bringing them back to championship contention.
Throughout his career, Mike McCarthy has left a lasting impact on the NFL landscape, earning recognition as one of the league's top coaches and a key figure in modern football coaching.
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!
Amanda Tallman spent most of her childhood in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up she had a passion for riding horses. Amanda’s passion for riding came from a desire to escape the challenges she faced in childhood. After failing out of college and facing a recession in Michigan, Amanda wanted to make a better life for herself. She enlisted in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps in 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan as an MK19 Gunner.
Amanda was injured while deployed and returned home with a cancer diagnosis. Once in remission, she applied for a Green to Gold Scholarship and was commissioned into Military Intelligence. Shortly after, her injuries led to an ostomy bag and eventually medical retirement. Amanda then lost her team leader from her deployment to suicide.
This was a pivotal moment in her life and she decided to start a non-profit called First Page in honor of Elliott Becker. She named it First Page because the last page doesn’t define us. What defines us is the legacy we leave behind. For Amanda, that legacy is family: her husband (Philip) and 3 kids (Annalise, Caleb, and Eleanora).
When Amanda first came to MVP after dealing with Military Sexual Trauma while in the U.S. Army, she was scared. It was the first time she was alone with a group of men since the Military. MVP helped Amanda gain a type of healing that could only be possible from experiencing safety and support from her male counterparts. MVP has given her the confidence to face her past, hope for the future, and most of all live in the moment.
Elliott Gaskins, a native of Overbrook, West Philadelphia, was raised by his father Earl Gaskins, a former Yankees draft pick who chose a career in law. Growing up, Elliott displayed athletic prowess, becoming an all-PA athlete at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA. He excelled in various track events and other sports including the JROTC Raider Challenge, where he set and still holds records.
Along with his athletic achievements, Elliott harbored a passion for art, which he pursued as an Industrial Design Major at Purdue University. During his time at Purdue, he was involved in ROTC and competed on the Purdue Rowing Team, contributing to their victory in the 2000 Big Ten Rowing Championship.
Following the events of 9/11, Elliott enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Petroleum Supply Specialist, deploying twice to Iraq while completing his studies at Purdue. After graduation, he applied for Officer Candidate School, serving seven years as a U.S. Army Officer and retiring with the rank of Captain after a total of 15 years of service, including five combat deployments.
Since joining MVP, Elliott has held leadership roles such as Volunteer Program Manager and Volunteer Program Coordinator for MVP’s Seattle Chapter. Additionally, he has pursued ambitious athletic goals, completing two full Ironman races and eight Olympic Triathlons while actively promoting MVP's mission.
Elliott remains committed to supporting MVP through social media advocacy, networking for corporate sponsorships, and participating in Ironman races, embodying the organization's ethos of "We got your back" since its inception.
Bruce Kittle is a former American football player and coach, known for his contributions to the sport. Kittle played college football as an offensive lineman for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes from 1985 to 1989, earning All-Big Ten honors during his tenure.
Following his collegiate career, Kittle ventured into coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of Iowa. He then moved on to coach offensive lines at various institutions, including Ball State University, University of Missouri, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Kittle's coaching expertise and dedication led him to become a respected figure in the football community. His coaching philosophy emphasized technical proficiency, physicality, and teamwork, traits that contributed to the success of the teams he coached.
Beyond his coaching career, Kittle remains involved in the football world, often participating in mentorship programs and football clinics to share his knowledge and passion for the game. His legacy as both a player and a coach continues to inspire aspiring athletes and coaches alike.
Bruce continues advocating for health and storytelling with his family Podcast Hidden Pearls, providing mindfulness classes, and fundraising for causes.
