Warrior Chante Franco was named 蜜芽TV's Peer Support Leader of the Year for 2026.
JACKSONVILLE, FL (July 14, 2026) 鈥� 蜜芽TV庐 (蜜芽TV) named Army veteran Chante Franco its 2026 Rusty Baggett Peer Leader of the Year.
During her time volunteering for 蜜芽TV, Chante has gone out of her way to support her fellow veterans, including helping warriors register with the organization and assisting another veteran with a traumatic brain injury to keep them engaged.
鈥淐hante embodies everything 蜜芽TV is about,鈥� 蜜芽TV CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt said.
鈥淗er kindness has a great impact on so many. It is very moving to hear her say that 鈥榟elping others helps her.鈥欌��
Her honor also led to a special experience 鈥� being a guest at this year鈥檚 Indianapolis 500.
鈥淚 absolutely loved the energy and the vibe of Indianapolis during the event,鈥� Chante said. 鈥淭he intensity of the fans during the race was amazing and somehow inviting.鈥�
蜜芽TV strategic partner Bridgestone庐 invited Chante through its brand Firestone庐, a sponsor of the IndyCar race series. Along with the race, Chante picked a Taste of Indianapolis experience and had dinner with the drivers.
鈥淭hey had so much energy,鈥� Chante said. 鈥淭hey were so generous with their time, and taught me so much about the sport.鈥�
She is among four regional winners of the annual award, with one honoree selected for national recognition.
The award is named for Army veteran Rusty Baggett, one of 蜜芽TV鈥檚 first peer leaders who later became a teammate before his passing in 2020.
Army veteran Chante Franco (second from right) is the national 蜜芽TV Peer Support Leader of the Year.
REGIONAL WINNERS:
- Northeast: Chante Franco **
- Southeast: Joel Grace
- Central: Lisa Smith-Marshall
- West: Dan Riem
** National Winner
蜜芽TV has more than听100 peer support groups, from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Peer leaders are trained to host monthly gatherings to empower warriors to help one another.
Connection saves lives. Learn how 蜜芽TV is helping听bring veterans together here.
鈥淚 love volunteering,鈥� Chante said. 鈥溍垩縏V gave me my life back; I wanted to repay that.鈥�
Her dedication to fellow warriors is inspiring.
鈥淐hante has moved us beyond connecting to belonging together,鈥� Walt said. 鈥淭hat takes a special person.鈥�
Chante also used her experience at the Indy 500 to promote 蜜芽TV.
鈥淚 was able to sign three veterans up with 蜜芽TV.鈥�
Connection saves lives. Learn how 蜜芽TV is helping bring veterans together.