Celebrating Trailblazers and the Leaders Building What Comes Next 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
October 8, 2025
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, D.C. – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s premier advocacy organization for post-9/11 veterans, today announced the distinguished honorees for the 2025 IAVA Heroes Gala, taking place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at The Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City. 

This year’s Gala, themed New Horizons, marks a pivotal moment for IAVA, honoring the trailblazers who defined what service means and spotlighting the leaders charting the future of veteran advocacy, healthcare, and opportunity. The evening will be emceed by two-time Super Bowl Champion and veteran advocate, Justin Tuck. 

“New Horizons is more than a theme—it’s recognition of a new direction,” said Dr. Kyleanne Hunter, CEO of IAVA. “IAVA is not just looking forward; we’re actively building the future our veterans deserve. That means pioneering new models and methods of veteran care, forging partnerships that advance real economic mobility, and empowering the next generation of veteran leaders who will carry this mission forward. Our honorees aren’t just people who deserve to be celebrated—they’re our navigators. They show us what’s possible when vision meets action.” 

IAVA 2025 Civilian Leadership Award: The Honorable Elizabeth Dole 

IAVA is proud to present the 2025 Civilian Leadership Award to Senator Elizabeth Dole for her transformative leadership on behalf of military caregivers and families through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. 

“Senator Dole’s work demonstrates a rare ability to see around the corner, identifying critical needs before the rest of the world has caught up, and bring the country forward into her vision” said Dr. Hunter. “She didn’t just support military caregivers; she gave them a national platform and built an enduring infrastructure of care. As we navigate the new horizons of veteran support, her foundation is the blueprint for what it means to serve the whole military family. The post-9/11 generation of veterans have a record number of dual-military couples, and the foundation she has laid is critical to our work supporting this most recent generation of veteran.” 

IAVA 2025 Veteran Leadership Award: Gerry Byrne 

IAVA is proud to honor Gerry Byrne, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Vice Chairman of Penske Media, with the 2025 Veteran Leadership Award. 

“Gerry Byrne proves that service doesn’t end when you take off the uniform—it evolves,” said Dr. Hunter. “Throughout his legendary career in media, he has never forgotten his roots as a Marine. As we say in the Marine Corps, he lives every day Semper Fidelis – always faithful. He has consistently used his platform to elevate his fellow veterans and has been an unwavering champion for IAVA since our earliest days. Gerry embodies what New Horizons means: carrying the values of service, beyond the uniform, into every new chapter of life.” 

IAVA 2025 Corporate Leadership Award: T-Mobile  
 
IAVA is proud to honor T-Mobile with the 2025 Corporate Leadership Award for its groundbreaking commitment to building a culture that truly values service. The award will be accepted by Joseph Preston, VP of National Care and Executive Sponsor of T-Mobile’s Veterans and Allies Network. 

“T-Mobile has redefined what corporate-veteran partnership looks like,” said Dr. Hunter. “They’ve moved far beyond recruitment metrics to build something more valuable: a culture where veterans and their families don’t just get hired, they advance and build the networks they need. Their work expanding rural connectivity is a quiet revolutionary example of seeking a new horizon. For veterans relying on telehealth to manage the invisible wounds of war, that connectivity isn’t just convenience—it’s a lifeline to care and community, no matter where they find healing.” 

IAVA 2025 Cavalry Member of the Year: Kay Kensington 

Finally, IAVA is proud to announce U.S. Air Force veteran, Kay Kensington as the 2025 Cavalry Member of the Year, as voted by her peers in IAVA’s Leadership Fellowship program. 

“Our Cavalry members are the engine of this organization, and Kay represents the absolute best of that grassroots power,” said Dr. Hunter. “Her passionate advocacy is where our mission comes to life. In both her personal and professional life she is relentless in supporting those who have served, helping veterans navigating complex VA systems and passionately supporting those who may not have a voice. She reminds us that leadership begins in community, community is built by fierce advocates, and that the future of IAVA is already here.” 

The 2025 Heroes Gala will bring together leaders across generations to celebrate the enduring spirit of service. Past honorees have included: Admiral Mike Mullen, Jon Stewart, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, Wayne Peacock, Kenneth Fisher, General David Petraeus, Les Gelb, HBO, Craig Newmark, Retired U.S. Army Capt. Florent “Flo” Groberg, Southwest Airlines and many more. 

IAVA extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose support makes the 2025 Heroes Gala possible: 

Valor Sponsors: T-Mobile 

Champion Sponsors: Delta Air Lines, The New York Giants, Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, PhRMA, Cushman & Wakefield, BNY Mellon, Mednick Associates, and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) 

Ally Sponsors: Veteran Benefits Guide, Cushman & Wakefield – Military & Veterans Programs, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, and Tanium. 

IAVA is also proud to recognize the generous contributions of our partners and supporters, including the Tisch family, Lyft, General Petraeus & Holly Petraeus, KKR, With Honor, Jeremy Butler, and Fiserv. 

Sponsorship packages and tickets are available for the 2025 IAVA Heroes Gala online here or by contacting IAVA at events@iava.org. 

About IAVA: 

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the leading voice of the post-9/11 generation of veterans. As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, IAVA is dedicated to connecting, uniting, and empowering our nation’s newest veterans through best-in-class advocacy, awareness, and membership programs. 

###