Hilliard resident Brittnay McCall honored with Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award

McCall’s Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award video: https://youtu.be/9YCdssT4l-s

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (October 18, 2024) – Hilliard, Ohio, resident Brittnay McCall was recently named a recipient of the Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award at the at the Got Heart Give Hope Awards Ceremony.

McCall was one of three Vigiano Family Hope and Courage Award winners, presented by U.S. Army veteran and former NFL player Alejandro Villanueva and Emily Compagno of FOX News. She was recognized for her journey as a Gold Star spouse and her full-time work as a survivor outreach service coordinator who supports families of the fallen. In addition to advocating for military families through her volunteer roles with Hope For The Warriors, The Fallen 15, Gold Star chair for Warrior Weekend to Remember, and co-chair of the Columbus Ohio Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee.

“Brittnay’s desire to give back and live a life that makes a difference has inspired all at Hope For The Warriors,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors founder and CEO. “It takes a special person to share their experiences with others to show them there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We recently spent some time with Brittnay at a Gold Star Family Monument Dedication in Ohio and were truly impacted by her work and grace in supporting her fellow Gold Star military families.”

Named in honor of the Vigiano family, who lost both of their sons in the September 11th attacks, the Hope and Courage Awards are presented to service members and military family members who have demonstrated both hope and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

“In a world where there can be so much darkness, I have strived to be a light, even if to one person,” shared McCall. “To show them that things can get better no matter what life brings your way. The military community is a small, unique one, especially the military survivor community, so being a light can hold a lot of value. I was not expecting to be a recipient of such an award, and I very much appreciate the significance in ‘Got Heart Give Hope’ as I feel it shows those who strive to be a light in their communities.”

After losing her husband, U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel McCall, in 2007 while he was serving in Iraq, McCall channeled her grief into helping others and now works to provide support and resources to families in similar situations.

“I think it’s important for everyone to acknowledge and realize, the person who lost that loved one, (they have) grieved for every day since that loss,” McCall says. “There is not a single day that goes by that they are not on our minds, that we are not thinking of them.”

Her relationship with Hope For The Warriors began in the spring of 2023 when she was awarded HOPE’s Restoring Family Scholarship, granted to spouses of the fallen.

McCall enjoys volleyball, spending time with her fiancé Michael, their children Eliana and Ayden, and their dog. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University and plans to pursue a master’s in social work.

ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS:

Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength and community for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served over 171,000 service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through 10 programs/services focused on providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community. This includes The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors providing confidential, high-quality mental health care services. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Erin McCloskey – Hope For The Warriors
Hope For The Warriors
erin@etmccloskey.com
(336) 207-5222