(6-8-26) Ohio Army veteran Bryan Bills has been named the 2026 Ohio Veteran of the Year by Military Friendly and is now advancing to national competition Bryan Bills | 2026 Ohio Veteran of the Year. Military Friendly says Bills is a mentor and higher education advocate who has helped military-affiliated students through advising, tutoring, mentoring, and campus programming. The organization also notes that his leadership continues to strengthen veteran success across Ohio and beyond.

About

Bryan Bills is an Army veteran, (Ohio National Guard), mentor, and higher education advocate whose leadership continues to strengthen veteran success across Ohio and beyond in meaningful, measurable ways. After serving two deployments to Afghanistan, and two stateside in support of COVID, Bryan turned his commitment to service into a mission of helping military-affiliated students navigate college, benefits, and career transition. 

A Bowling Green State University alumnus, MBA graduate, and doctoral student, he has supported veterans through peer advising, mentoring, tutoring, and campus programming while advancing initiatives that build community and opportunity. Bryan’s work reflects a deep belief that service does not end with the uniform…it evolves into advocacy, education, and empowerment. 

Through public service, mentorship, and professional leadership, he has become a respected voice for veterans, students, and families pursuing purpose after military service.

Bills is now asking the public to vote for him at the national level in the Higher Education category. Voting information is available here:Vote for Bryan Bills. Voting is from June 6- July 4th!