09/02/2026
This , we’re honoring Chris Ford, a 20-year U.S. Air Force combat-tested veteran, accomplished leader, and Principal of We Face The Fight, USAA.
❤️ Before dedicating his career to veteran advocacy and innovation, Chris served two decades in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces Officer, Legislative Liaison, Contingency-War Planning Officer, and Executive Officer. Chris served in more than 20 countries around the world and earned numerous military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
🤍 Following his military career, Chris continued his commitment to serving those who served. He founded the National Association of Veteran-Serving Organizations, the nation’s first trade association created specifically to support veteran- and military-serving organizations. He later served as CEO of Stop Soldier Su***de, where he helped grow the organization.
💙 Chris also led groundbreaking innovation in su***de prevention, helping create ROGER, a first-of-its-kind su***de telemental health program, and co-inventing the Black Box Project, a machine learning and AI initiative that won the $3.25 million grand prize in the VA’s Mission Daybreak challenge.
🌟 Today, Chris continues to use his leadership, experience, and passion to strengthen partnerships and create meaningful impact for veterans and their families.
👉 Chris also joined us at Warrior Symposium 2026 for our panel on “What’s Next: The Future of Veteran Partnerships.”
