NEOPAT was honored to welcome 420 guests, sponsors, veterans, and military families to Homefront 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening support for those who serve our nation. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the event raised $173,957, helping NEOPAT continue Keeping the Promise to veterans and military families across Northeast Ohio.
This year’s event held special meaning as NEOPAT celebrated 15 years of service. Since our founding, NEOPAT has operated on a simple promise—that the men and women who serve our country, and the families who stand beside them, should never stand alone here at home.
The introduction of the name Homefront reflects the heart of that mission. While military service may take place across oceans and battlefields, many of the challenges faced by veterans and their families happen right here at home. The homefront is where a veteran may struggle after a medical setback, where a military spouse holds a family together during transition, and where children and families carry the weight of service and sacrifice. It is also where community support can make the greatest difference.
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded that strengthening the homefront means strengthening families, communities, and hope for the future.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was recognizing this year’s Charles Kirby Wilcox Honoree, Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew W. Nowacki. His life and service serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by so many and why NEOPAT’s mission remains so important.
The stories shared and connections made throughout the evening reflected the compassion and commitment of a community that believes our veterans and military families deserve unwavering support.
For fifteen years, NEOPAT has worked to ensure that when military families face challenges, they have a community standing beside them. Events like Homefront make that possible.
Together, we are reinforcing the homefront—and that is how we continue Keeping the Promise.
