As 2025 draws to a close, Bob’s and Joe Gibbs Racing are proud to look back on the inspiring individuals featured in our Heroes at Home series — people who, through everyday kindness, service, and compassion, remind us that heroes live among us.
Below is a recap of the 11 incredible heroes we’ve honored this season, and how they are making a difference in their communities:
Daniel Norris (St. Mary’s County, MD) — a Marine Corps combat veteran, EMS-trained volunteer, and current EMS dispatch hopeful. Daniel devotes much of his post-service life to supporting fellow veterans, promoting mental-health awareness, and volunteering with children through community and faith-based programs. Read more about Daniel.
Amanda Smith (East Hartford, CT) — licensed professional counselor, mobile crisis clinician, and founder of youth nonprofit Game Changers Basketball Inc.. Amanda works tirelessly to support families facing mental-health challenges, homelessness, or financial hardship — offering hope, stability, and community connection. Read more about Amanda.
Dee Strauss (King George, VA) — High-school teacher, DECA advisor, and longtime community volunteer. Through her work, Dee models social responsibility for students and organizes outreach via local thrift stores and community festivals, providing practical help for families in need. Read more about Dee.
Kelsey Carter (San Angelo, TX) — ER nurse and former volunteer firefighter. Her dedication under pressure, compassion for patients, and commitment to her community are a powerful example of what it means to care for others in their most vulnerable moments. Read more about Kelsey.
Alistair Robertson (Kingsburg, CA) — A pediatric oncology social worker at Valley Children’s Hospital. For 33 years, Alistair has supported children and families facing cancer — offering emotional, social, and practical support through their journey. He also helped implement a survivorship scholarship program for childhood-cancer survivors, providing $1,000 scholarships to help them pursue their educational goals. Read more about Alistair.
Nicole Yarrow (Lowell, IN) — Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation (NICK). After seeing firsthand how her family was helped when her son battled leukemia, Nicole helps other families cope with childhood cancer by providing financial aid, hospital essentials, and emotional support. Read more about Nicole.
Tony Apuzzi (Westchester County, NY) — A special-education teacher and founder of The Positivity Project. Tony uses the power of mentorship and positive role models to help his students achieve academic success and envision a better future. Read more about Tony.
Nicky Engel (Charlotte, NC) — A self-described “army brat”, Nicky Engel considered the entire world her hometown — now, she dedicates her time to her current hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina through her work as a volunteer coordinator with the Charlotte International Airport USO and as a voting poll worker. Read more about Nicky.
Katie Craft (Elkhart, IN) — Founder and executive director of Resonant Vibe, a nonprofit offering mentoring and music-based programs to youth. In response to the need for quality mentorship and access to creative outlets, Katie launched this organization to help young people build confidence, skills, and community. Read more about Katie.
Marina Elliot (Bunnlevel, NC) — After 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Marina Elliott continues to dedicate her life to helping others through volunteer work with the USO, local food pantries, and community organizations. She finds joy in giving back and lifting others’ spirits through simple acts of kindness. Marina believes in the power of community and that together, things will get better. Read more about Marina.
Each of their stories shows that heroism isn’t always about grand gestures — sometimes it’s about quietly showing up, offering compassion, uplifting others, and giving a little extra when it’s needed most.
Paying It Forward — Honoring Their Service with Giving
To celebrate these heroes and their commitment to community, Bob’s recently donated $11,000 ($1,000 for each hero) to USO, an organization who has supported our nation’s heroes for over 80 years.
We’re grateful to have such inspiring examples of service and kindness in the communities around our stores. Thank you to everyone who read, shared, or took part in the Heroes at Home series. We hope these stories remind you: every day, in big ways and small, we can all be heroes to someone.
