Valerie Lavin Wins 2018 Ybor Heroes Award

Tampa, FL – March 2018 – Valerie Ellis Lavin, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and Founder/CEO of Luminary Global, has been honored with the Ybor Heroes Award by the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.

The Ybor Heroes Award program recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate heroism and positive impact within the community through service, leadership, and contributions that inspire others. This recognition highlights Ms. Lavin's ongoing commitment to veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship support in the Tampa Bay area.

Fresh from co-founding Action Zone in May 2018 (a nonprofit empowering military-connected entrepreneurs) and growing Luminary Global—her veteran-owned emergency preparedness company launched in 2016—the award celebrates her transition from 21 years of military service to civilian leadership. Her Army career included key roles at US CENTCOM, deployments to Korea and Iraq, and decorations like the Bronze Star Medal.

"The Ybor Heroes Award is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the everyday ways we can serve our communities—whether through military duty or building opportunities for veterans and others," said Valerie Ellis Lavin. "It's motivating to see community recognition fuel continued impact in preparedness and entrepreneurship."

This honor reinforces Luminary Global's values of duty, discipline, and dependability as an independent, veteran-led enterprise focused on life-saving solutions.

For more on Valerie Lavin's work and Luminary Global, visit luminaryglobal.com.

Luminary Global is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company founded in June 2016 by retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Valerie Ellis Lavin. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company provides high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Committed to duty, discipline, and dependability, Luminary Global operates independently with no affiliations to other entities. Expect the Unexpected – Be Prepared. Learn more at luminaryglobal.com. Follow our AI Transparency statement for brand integrity details.