On an unforgettable evening, the 5th Annual Soldiers To Sidelines Legacy of Leadership Dinner brought together veterans, service members, coaching leaders, business executives, and supporters from across the country to celebrate the power of leadership and mentorship. Held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., the evening was more than a celebration. It was about creating ripples of impact that will inspire and transform lives for generations to come.
Brian Jones – Emcee
Every year, more than 200,000 veterans transition from military service to civilian life. These men and women are equipped with exceptional leadership, discipline, and resilience, yet many search for a renewed sense of purpose. Soldiers To Sidelines (STS) provides that next mission—empowering veterans, service members, military spouses, and Gold Star families to become coaches and mentors for the next generation. Through education, certification, and mentorship, STS has certified more than 3,000 Soldier Coaches, impacting more than 180,000 young athletes, and this is only the beginning. The vision remains clear: 10,000 Soldier Coaches, reaching one million athletes.
From L to R: Brian Jones – Emcee, Rod Marinelli – Coaching Honoree, Harrison Bernstein – CEO/Founder, Allison Barber – Business Honoree, Gen. Ret. Martin Dempsey – Military Honoree
The evening brought together a powerful community united by purpose. Service members, veterans, business leaders, donors, and supporters filled the room, each committed to advancing the mission and investing in the future of leadership through coaching. As guests gathered, the evening set a powerful tone grounded in service, leadership, and the enduring impact of mentorship.
Honoring Leaders Who Embody the Mission
A highlight of the evening was recognizing three extraordinary individuals whose careers embody the values of leadership, service, and mentorship:
Business Leadership Honoree: Rod Marinelli
A retired NFL coach with decades of experience, Rod Marinelli built a career developing champions on and off the field. He served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and held key coaching roles with the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders, mentoring countless players who reached the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. Marinelli’s story reflects the discipline, integrity, and servant leadership that define great coaching. His influence extends far beyond the game, inspiring athletes and leaders alike to reach their full potential.
Coaching Leadership Honoree: Dr. Allison Barber
Dr. Allison Barber, a nationally recognized leader in sports and higher education and former President of the Indiana Fever, has long championed veterans and student-athletes. Her work demonstrates how mentorship and coaching can create transformative opportunities that extend far beyond competition, shaping lives and strengthening communities.
Military Leadership Honoree: General Martin Dempsey (Ret.)
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey dedicated his career to serving the nation at the highest level, overseeing U.S. military operations worldwide. He also served as Chief of Staff of the Army and commanded multiple operational units. His commitment to mentorship, strategic leadership, and service continues to inspire and reflects the core values that drive Soldiers To Sidelines forward.
The Power of a Ripple Effect
Throughout the evening, the theme of creating a ripple effect resonated deeply. Each story shared reinforced a simple but powerful truth: when you invest in one leader, you impact countless others.
Soldiers To Sidelines Founder Harrison Bernstein reminded guests that every Soldier Coach represents a new opportunity to lead, mentor, and shape the next generation. The impact extends far beyond the individual—it reaches teams, schools, and entire communities.
Guests had the opportunity to directly support the mission through the evening’s fundraising efforts, helping expand access to Soldier Coach certifications, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities. Each contribution fuels the continued growth of a movement dedicated to service beyond the uniform.
A Community United by Purpose
Throughout the evening, connections were formed and strengthened among those who believe in the transformative power of coaching. Veterans, service members, business leaders, and supporters came together not only to celebrate but to invest in a shared vision for the future. Critical funds were raised from this inspirational and memorable evening to keep expanding our impact.
The Legacy of Leadership Dinner serves as both a tribute and a catalyst—honoring those who lead with purpose while reinforcing the importance of empowering the next generation through character-based coaching.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Events like the Legacy of Leadership Dinner are made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters who believe deeply in the mission. Because of this incredible community, Soldiers To Sidelines will continue to certify coaches, expand mentorship opportunities, and empower service members to lead in their next chapter.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals and organizations who helped make this evening a success: Jimmy Reyes, Bill MacDonald, Tom Quinlan, NFL, Ticketmaster, Vehicles For Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, Reach Resilience, Wounded Warriors Family Support, Wm Craig and Teneen L. Dobbs Charitable Foundation, BP Oil, EY, DJP Group, Scott Adams, Neighborly, CVS Health, Wells Fargo, H Linc, Colonial Pipeline, Rusty Wright, PenFed Foundation, Cushman & Wakefield, WGU, Balfour, Discount Tire, and the New York Giants.
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 undeniable. This was more than an event; it was a call to action.
The Legacy of Leadership Dinner is a movement to equip veterans with the tools to become leaders on the field and in life. Every Soldier Coach certified represents another ripple of impact—reaching athletes, teams, and communities across the country.
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. Discover ways to get involved at soldierstosidelines.org.
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