Bryan Edgar Bills is an ideal candidate for the Veteran of the Year® Award because he combines exemplary service across MOS 12H, 12K, and 94E with sustained post-service leadership that measurably improves outcomes for military-affiliated students. He deployed to Afghanistan twice and later served as an Ohio Army National Guard NCO, including mission leadership on the Southwest Border, where he was entrusted with high-value equipment accountability, interagency coordination, and mentoring Soldiers into leadership roles.
After service, Bryan has translated that experience into campus and community impact as Bowling Green State University’s Military Program Coordinator, advising 700+ military-affiliated students and coordinating retention outreach for those on academic standing. He manages and awards multiple scholarship portfolios (including the Thompson Military Scholarship and the William & Joan Dowing Military Scholarship), has reviewed and recommended awards across additional scholarship programs and grants, and supported students who earned external recognition such as the NVLF Military Community Advocate Scholarship and Leadership Fellows.
Bryan’s accolades reflect both performance and service: Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Sapper Spirit Award, P.A.V.E. Mentor of the Month, Commandant’s List, multiple state and reserve-component recognitions, and repeated Dean’s List honors. Professionally, he accepted an Inter-University Council Joint Award on behalf of BGSU for the “Ruck the Ball” event with the University of Toledo.
He also invests in the next generation through leadership and volunteerism serving as faculty advisor to BGSU’s Student Veterans of America chapter, previously elected SVA President and Military Senator, and leading fundraising that sent student veterans to the SVA National Conference. His community service includes Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army support, plus ongoing mentorship to transitioning service members through Service to School and other platforms.
