2026 HireQuest American Hero Awards Honor U.S. Military Heroes and Support Organizations Aboard USS Yorktown

The Higher Quest Foundation, the philanthropic arm of HireQuest, hosted the 2026 HireQuest American Hero Awards aboard the historic USS Yorktown on May 5, honoring exceptional individuals and organizations for their service, sacrifice, and commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces.

Now in its 21st year, the annual ceremony brings together military leaders, veterans families and supporters to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in service to our nation.

The 2026 honorees include:

● Ultimate Hero Award: Sgt. Jayton Daniel Patterson, USMC, of Sedley, Virginia. Awarded posthumously for making the ultimate sacrifice in meritorious combat.

● American Hero Award: MSgt Sean Kaspar, USMC (Ret.), Purple Heart recipient, of Bluffton, South Carolina. Honored for exemplifying the highest values of the U.S. Armed Forces through continued leadership and service.

● Benefactor Award: USS Yorktown Foundation. Recognized for its exceptional support of service members, veterans, first responders and their families, accompanied by a charitable donation.

“Each year, this event is a powerful reminder of the courage and selflessness demonstrated by members of our military and the communities that support them,” said Richard Hermanns, CEO of HireQuest. “It is our privilege to recognize these heroes and ensure their stories are shared and remembered.”

Hosted aboard the USS Yorktown, a symbol of American resilience and service, the event provided a meaningful backdrop for honoring both individual sacrifice and collective impact. The ceremony featured keynote remarks from Medal of Honor recipient James Livingston, who has participated in the event for more than two decades, underscoring the enduring importance of honoring those who serve.

HireQuest’s commitment to honoring service members is deeply rooted in its history. As a leader in the staffing industry, the company’s legacy includes brands like Snelling, founded in the 1940s to help post-war veterans find meaningful employment. Today, that mission continues through the Higher Quest Foundation, which since 2006 has recognized heroes of the global War on Terror while advancing a broader commitment to community engagement and helping veterans transition into the workforce.