Ohio 'Veteran of the Year' wins for helping military students succeed
Bryan Bills, an Ohio Army National Guard veteran with 12 years of service, was named the 2026 Ohio Veteran of the Year for his work assisting military-affiliated students through advising, tutoring, and mentoring. His recognition qualifies him for the national Military Friendly Veteran of the Year competition, with public voting open until July 4.
An Ohio Army National Guard veteran has been honored for his efforts to support military students in higher education. Bryan Bills, a 12-year veteran who served in Afghanistan and COVID-19 relief missions, received the 2026 Ohio Veteran of the Year award from Military Friendly, a division of veteran-owned firm Viqtory. Bills has dedicated himself to helping veterans transition to academic and professional life through peer advising, tutoring, mentoring, and campus programs. The award comes after Military Friendly evaluated Bills’ work across Ohio, recognizing his contributions to veteran success. His state-level recognition now qualifies him for the national Military Friendly Veteran of the Year competition in the Higher Education category. Public voting for the national award opened on June 6 and will close on July 4, with nominee profiles available online. Bills, a two-time graduate of Bowling Green State University with an MBA, is currently pursuing a doctoral degree while continuing his advocacy. His initiatives focus on easing the transition for veterans entering college and the workforce. Military Friendly assesses institutions nationwide to identify those offering the best opportunities for veterans and service members. The competition highlights individuals like Bills who exemplify leadership in supporting military-affiliated students. Supporters can vote for him through a portal hosted by Viqtory, ensuring his efforts receive broader recognition.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.