Volunteering with our nation’s military community is one of the best ways to show appreciation for all they have sacrificed for our country. Stirling Collins embodies this mentality as he has donated his time, talents, and treasure to serve our nation’s heroes through Hope For The Warriors for over 10 years. To honor Stirling for all he has done, HOPE was proud to present him with this year’s Gary Sinise Community Service Award!
The Gary Sinise Community Service Award is given to an individual who puts patriotism into action to serve and raise awareness for the needs of military families. Stirling was presented with this award on August 28 at the 2022 Hope For The Warriors Summer Soirée, hosted by River Landing in Wallace, NC, and presented by Siemens Government Technologies. The annual event unites HOPE staff, supporters, and many of our nation’s heroes, as they come together to honor those who have stepped up to meet the changing needs of the military community.
Working heavily with HOPE’s Sports and Recreation programs, Stirling has been instrumental in bringing veterans, service members, and participants together at events like the Annual New York Clay Shoot held at Orvis Sandanona in Millbrook, NY, and a striped bass fishing tournament on the Hudson River. Through these events, Stirling has not only raised over $500,000 for HOPE, but he has helped countless members of the military community on their road to rehabilitation and recovery. 
“I think everyone on our staff would describe Sterling as humble and generous,” said Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors co-founder and CEO. “Whether it be his time, connections, or monetary support, he has a passion for advocating for military families, and we’re honored to award him the Gary Sinise Community Service Award.”
In addition to the Sports and Recreation programs, Stirling is also an active volunteer with HOPE’s Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship program. Since 2006, the program has provided over 192 scholarships. The lives these scholarships have changed and the dreams they have helped fulfill would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of individuals like Stirling.
Currently, Stirling is a partner at Champion Elevator Corp, one of the most dynamic vertical transportation companies in the greater New York metro area. We feel honored to call him a member of our HOPE family, where he applies the same drive and success of his career to make a difference in our warrior community’s lives.
Thank you, Stirling, for always going above and beyond in your support for our mission of restoring self, family, and hope to military families!