FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday December 3, 2024

RICHMOND, VA - Chelsea Mandello, founder and CEO of Sandston-based Troopster Military Care Packages, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural U.S. Forces in Business Awards, highlighting the growing impact of veteran-led businesses in the Richmond metropolitan area.

The prestigious award, presented at a black-tie ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 21, recognizes outstanding achievements by military veterans in their post-service careers. Mandello, a U.S. Navy veteran, founded Troopster in 2016 after experiencing firsthand the challenges of receiving care packages while deployed.

Since launching in 2016, Troopster has grown from a small startup to a nationally recognized nonprofit that has delivered more than 60,000 care packages to deployed service members worldwide. Selected among finalists from major corporations including American Airlines, GE Aerospace, and Vanguard, Mandello's win highlights the growing impact of veteran entrepreneurs. The organization recently made headlines for its partnership with QTS Data Centers to support 10,000 deployed troops across 20 locations nationwide.

"This award recognizes the incredible work of our entire Troopster team – the veterans, military spouses, volunteers, and corporate partners who pour their hearts into supporting our deployed service members," said Mandello. "What started as a mission to solve a problem I experienced during my own Navy service has grown into something much bigger thanks to our dedicated team. Every care package we send represents countless hours of work from our staff and volunteers, and generous support from our sponsors. This recognition belongs to everyone who has helped make Troopster's impact possible."

The organization, headquartered in Sandston, currently maintains a list of over 38,000 troops awaiting care packages and has established partnerships with major companies including QTS Data Centers, BAE Systems, Ferguson, TPG Financial, Dude Wipes, Duke Cannon and Black Rifle Coffee Company.

The U.S. Forces in Business Awards program is part of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, established in 2017 by Disruptive Media Group. As the world's largest celebration of ex-military in second careers, the program highlights the value veterans bring to businesses and recognizes employers supporting military transitions. Following successful editions in London and Glasgow, the program expanded to launch its inaugural U.S. ceremony in 2024.

The U.S. ceremony, held November 21 at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel, brought together business and military leaders to celebrate veteran achievements across 14 award categories. The awards showcase military-gained skills and qualities that enable business excellence, while increasing visibility of role models who have carved out successful second careers. The event supports SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, with 10% of ticket proceeds donated to support their mission.

For more information about supporting deployed troops or to learn more about corporate partnership opportunities, visit Troopster’s website.

About Troopster

Based in Sandston, VA, Troopster is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a U.S. Navy Veteran. Dedicated to supporting deployed military personnel through personalized care packages, Troopster has delivered more than 60,000 care packages since 2016 and continues to work with corporate partners to provide comfort and support to service members worldwide.

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