On an unforgettable evening, the 4th Annual Soldiers To Sidelines Legacy of Leadership Dinner brought together military heroes, coaching legends, business leaders, and supporters to celebrate the power of leadership and mentorship. This extraordinary event was not just about recognizing outstanding individuals—it was about casting stones in the water, creating ripples of impact that will inspire and transform lives for generations to come.
Every year, over 200,000 veterans transition from military service to civilian life. These men and women are skilled, experienced, and dedicated, but many search for a renewed purpose. Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) provides that purpose—empowering veterans, service members, military spouses, and Gold Star families to become athletics coaches and mentors.
Through education, training, and mentorship, STS has certified over 2,000 Soldier Coaches, impacting more than 100,000 young athletes—and this is only the beginning. The goal is clear: 10,000 Soldier Coaches, reaching 1 million athletes.
The evening kicked off with Master of Ceremonies, Brian Jones of CBS Sports, setting the stage for an inspiring program. The room was filled with military personnel, business executives, coaches, and passionate supporters—all united in their belief in the transformative power of coaching.
As guests took their seats, the presentation of colors by the Marine Barracks Washington, 8th & I Color Guard set the tone for the night. A moment of reverence was shared for the Missing Man Table, a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
The evening honored three remarkable individuals whose leadership has left a profound impact in the military, business, and coaching communities:
Business Leadership Honoree: Lisa Atherton, President & CEO of Bell
Lisa Atherton’s journey from Air Force veteran to CEO is a testament to perseverance and purpose. Raised by educators, she learned early on the importance of mentorship. Her career has been marked by groundbreaking leadership, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry while championing the development of young leaders.
Atherton’s story of how a high school coach changed her father’s trajectory—and, in turn, hers—was a moving reminder of the power of one mentor to create a lasting ripple effect.
Coaching Leadership Honoree: Mack Brown, College Football Hall of Famer
Mack Brown’s legendary coaching career spans over 35 years, with 288 wins and 144 players drafted into the NFL. But his greatest achievement isn’t measured in trophies—it’s in the lives he’s shaped.
Through Soldiers To Sidelines, Coach Brown opened doors for veterans like Jeffrey Polson and Marcus Carlstrom, who transitioned from military service to coaching. His words resonated deeply: “Great teams don’t win by accident. Great leaders don’t leave anything on the field.” Brown’s unwavering commitment to mentorship ensures that STS Soldier Coaches will continue to inspire, guide, and lead the next generation. His inspiring remarks reminded us to lift others up when the chips are down.
Military Leadership Honoree: Major General Alfred K. Flowers, Sr.
The longest-serving airman in U.S. Air Force history, Major General Flowers’ journey from a sharecropper in segregated North Carolina to a decorated general is one of unwavering determination and service. Over 46 years in uniform, he managed a $170 billion budget, led countless airmen, and continued to give back after retiring.
General Flowers emphasized the impact that coaches and mentors had on his own life, and how that guidance changed his trajectory. Today, he continues to serve veterans in crisis through his leadership with Reach Resilience and Face the Fight, working to prevent veteran suicide and support military families.
The Power of a Ripple Effect
Throughout the evening, the theme of creating ripples of impact resonated. STS Founder Harrison Bernstein reminded everyone that investing in Soldier Coaches doesn’t just change their lives—it changes the lives of every young athlete they mentor.
The highlight of the night came with the Paddle Raise, where guests had the opportunity to directly support STS programs. Contributions at various levels—ranging from $500 to $25,000—will fund Soldier Coach certifications, mentorship programs, and coaching summits, ensuring that more veterans find their next mission through coaching.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who helped make this evening a success:
Bell, Balfour, Bill MacDonald, The Steve Botsford Family, Colonial Pipeline, Wells Fargo, Reach Resilience, Textron, The NFL, Southwest Airlines, EY, The DJP Group, Capital Trust Group, The Noto Family Foundation, The NY Giants, The NY Jets, and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Your commitment ensures that Soldiers To Sidelines can continue to empower veterans, service members, and their families with a renewed sense of purpose through coaching.
Looking Ahead
As the night came to a close, the energy in the room was electric. This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a call to action. The Legacy of Leadership Dinner is more than an event; it’s a movement. A movement to equip veterans with the tools to become leaders on the field and in life.
If you missed this year’s event, you can still be part of the mission. Support Soldiers To Sidelines, donate, or get involved. Every contribution helps change lives—one Soldier Coach at a time.
Together, we are building stronger leaders, stronger teams, and a stronger future.
Visit soldierstosidelines.org to learn more, donate, and join the movement.
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