Nation’s Finest launched five decades ago to support Vietnam veterans in need of housing, health and job support.

In honor of 50 years of service, the organization announced on Memorial Day the Nation’s Finest 50, a list of advocates from varied backgrounds but with a united mission in support of servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Winners of the first-ever awards were selected from hundreds of nominations across the country. They included stars like Tom Hanks and Trace Adkins, business leaders like FedEx founder Fred Smith, elected officials like Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and a number of veterans service organization leaders – including MOAA’s own Cmdr. René Campos, USN (Ret), senior director of Government Relations.

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“This is a well-deserved honor for an incredible teammate and a tireless advocate for her fellow veterans," said Marine veteran Jennifer Goodale, MOAA's director of Government Relations for Military Family and Survivor Policy. "René brings unmatched dedication and passion to her work on their behalf, and we at MOAA are so fortunate to have her in our ranks."

Nation’s Finest noted Campos’ efforts to secure passage of the VA MISSION Act of 2018, setting the path for historic reforms for the VA to improve care, expand access and modernize. Judges recognized her ability to unite DoD and VA leadership, veterans, caregivers, and lawmakers to identify gaps in care and bring real change.

"René's brand of advocacy doesn't just get headlines – it gets results," said Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA’s vice president of Government Relations. "The MISSION Act and other pieces of legislation wouldn't be as effective and meaningful as they are today without her guidance and expertise."

Campos said she was “extremely humbled to be among so many distinguished individuals who have devoted their life to service.”

“I am particularly grateful to MOAA for allowing me these many years after military service to do my life's mission,” she said. “Our commitment to Never Stop Serving is embodied in and through everyone associated with our great organization."

[RELATED: MOAA's Legislative Priorities for the 118th Congress]

The full list of winners, as provided by the organization, is below. Read their bios at this link.

• Art Delacruz
• Barbara Van Dahlen
• Bob Woodruff
• Bonnie Carroll
• Chris Boskin
• Clarissa Black
• Colin L. Powell
• Constance Milstein
• Craig Newmark
• Dan Rooney
• David Robinson
• Elizabeth Dole
• Frank Siller
• Frederick W. Smith
• Gary Sinise
• Gavin Newsom
• George W. Casey Jr.
• Gina Harrow
• Ginger Miller
• Harriet Dominque
• J.R. Martinez
• Jack Jacobs
• Jake Wood
• Jodie Grenier
• John Gallina
• John Horowitch
• Jon Stewart
• Joseph Dunford
• Justin Constantine
• Karen Guenther
• Kathryn Monet
• Kathy Roth-Douquet
• Ken Fisher
• Mackenzie Scott
• Mike Haynie
• Montel Williams
• Nate Boyer
• Paul Bucha
• Paul Rieckhoff
• Rene Campos
• Rich Jones
• Richard Casper
• Robin Kelleher
• Shari Duval
• Stacy Lee
• Sue Hoppin
• Tom Hanks
• Trace Adkins
• Wes Moore
• William Sims