Blake Fuhriman is a decorated U.S. Army Ranger with three combat deployments to Afghanistan, where he earned accolades including the Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Ranger Tab. After sustaining injuries that ended his military career in 2013, Blake confronted the challenges of transition firsthand—struggling with mental health, addiction, and navigating the VA system.
Rather than allowing these barriers to define his post-service life, Blake transformed them into a mission to serve others. In 2019, he founded the Veterans Navigation Network (VNN), a nonprofit connecting over 1,400 Montana veterans and families to essential services including healthcare, benefits, housing, peer mentorship, and suicide prevention. VNN now leads the Montana Veteran Service Provider Network, the Behavioral Health Advisory Council Veterans Subcommittee, and partners with major institutions like RiverStone Health to advance veteran health equity and resource access.
In 2022, Blake was awarded the Montana Governor’s Veterans Commendation for outstanding service to Montana’s 89,000 veterans. In 2024, he was named to Billings' 40 Under 40, recognizing community leaders under 40 making significant impact. Formerly the Senior Director of Clinical Operations at RiverStone Health, Blake stepped away in 2024 to become VNN’s first full-time Executive Director to grow the nonprofit’s statewide reach. In August 2024, his accomplishments on behalf of veterans were recognized by Congressman Matt Rosendale by entry into the Congressional Record.
Blake exemplifies resilience, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership. From combat missions to community missions, he embodies what it means to be a veteran entrepreneur and changemaker. His journey from warrior to advocate continues to inspire and uplift the veteran community across Montana and beyond.
Blake's experience as an Army Ranger, and his three deployments to Afghanistan have served as part of his foundation leading his work helping veterans and their families. Seeing the impact, both good and bad, that the military had on his life, the life of his fellow Rangers, and their families gave him the drive to start Veterans Navigation Network, helping thousands of veterans in Montana and beyond.
Blake Fuhriman, born in Lander, Wyoming, is a former Army Ranger with three deployments to Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he found new purpose as a S.E.R.E. instructor, teaching survival tactics to organizations across the country. He later served as Senior Director of Clinical Operations Support at a Health Center, where he strengthened his leadership and service skills. In 2019, Blake founded the Veterans Navigation Network (VNN), a nonprofit dedicated to guiding veterans through the complex transition to civilian life. His efforts through VNN have helped thousands of veterans and earned him recognition with a Congressional Record, as well as a commendation from the Governor of Montana. Blake’s leadership continues to drive change in veteran care and community support. He is a proud husband to his wife Alissa and father of three children, committed to both his family and his mission to uplift those who served.
