Forbes 250 Veterans
PHIL KNIGHT BY ETHAN PINES FOR FORBES, YVON CHOUINARD BY LOS ANGELES TIMES/GETTY IMAGES, BRANDON TSENG BY AARON KOTOWSKI FOR FORBES, ICE T BY CHRISTIAN WITKIN/AUGUST, BOB PARSONS BY ETHAN PINES FOR FORBES, GEORGE W BUSH BY NEWSMAKERS/GETTY IMAGES, TAMMY DUCKWORTH BY ANNA MONEYMAKER/GETTY IMAGES
The ranking recognizes 250 veterans whose post-military achievements transformed business, government, philanthropy and culture
NEW YORK (August 13, 2026) – Forbes today unveiled its Forbes Veteran 250 list, honoring 250 of America’s most accomplished military veterans. Created in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, as part of the Forbes 250 initiative, the list honors individuals whose achievements after military service have made a lasting impact on business, entrepreneurship, government, philanthropy and culture.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, we wanted to recognize the American ideal of reinvention with a special focus on the citizen-soldier, honoring the impactful ways veterans have continued to serve their country after they took off their uniforms,” said Alex Knapp, Senior Editor at Forbes. “The Forbes Veteran 250 honors influential leaders whose impact has helped shape American business, politics and culture.”
The ranking spotlights influential cultural icons, high-ranking politicians, entrepreneurs and business leaders including:
- Phil Knight – who served in the Army Reserve, which is where he co-founded what became Nike, helping build one of the world’s most iconic sportswear brands
- Bob Parsons – a decorated Marine who founded web hosting firm GoDaddy in 1997 and grew it into one of the most recognizable names in tech. Parsons later built a business portfolio spanning technology, golf and philanthropy.
- George W. Bush – served as an F-102 fighter pilot during his six-year term rose and rose from military service to become Governor of Texas and the 43rd President of the U.S.
- Mel Brooks – became one of entertainment’s most celebrated figures, earning EGOT status with Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards
- Warren Buffett – a pay specialist in the Army National Guard who turned Berkshire Hathaway into one of the world’s most valuable companies, becoming one of history’s most renowned investors
- Al Gore – a military journalist in Vietnam who later served as the 45th Vice President of the United States and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his climate advocacy
- Ralph Lauren – after serving in the Army, he later created a global luxury fashion brand that redefined American style
- Morgan Freeman – spent four years in the Air Force specializing in radar repair, and built an Oscar-winning acting career, with films grossing billions of dollars worldwide
- JD Vance – enlisted in the Marines out of high school and spent four years as a military journalist before rising to national political leadership, serving as the 50th Vice President of the United States
- Jennifer Pritzker – a retired Army lieutenant colonel who founded the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, amassing a billionaire fortune on Forbes lists
Forbes will also publish its 250 Greatest Historic Veterans list, recognizing deceased military veterans whose lasting contributions helped shape the course of American history.
Methodology
To develop the ranking, Forbes editors consulted with veterans groups and retired military officers who advised against evaluating the quality of a veteran’s military service or distinguishing between active duty, reserves and National Guard service. Instead, the ranking emphasizes accomplishments following active military service, giving particular weight to entrepreneurship, wealth creation, leadership and philanthropy.
The Forbes Veteran 250 list was selected by an accomplished panel of business leaders, military advocates and philanthropists including:
- Leanne G. Caret, Board Member, John Deere and RTX, and Former President & CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Founder, Invictus Games Foundation
- Rich Karlgaard, Former Publisher, Forbes
- Shelley Lyford, CEO, West Health
- Phebe Novakovic, Chairman & CEO, General Dynamics
- Kathy Warden, Chair, CEO & President, Northrop Grumman
- Todd Duso, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, Bob Woodruff Foundation
- Kenneth Fisher, Partner, Fisher Brothers, and Chairman & CEO, Fisher House Foundation.
Forbes received methodology guidance from retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Harrison “HB” Gilliam and retired U.S. Navy Commander Michael C. Perkinson.
This Veterans Day, November 11, Forbes will convene the Forbes Veteran 250 list makers in San Diego during the Forbes Veteran 250 Celebration in partnership with The Gary and Mary West Foundation. Navy Federal Credit Union is the Supporting Sponsor.
To view the full Forbes Veteran 250 ranking and methodology, visit:
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