Under Mitch and Dana Permuy’s leadership, Power Design has created thousands of career opportunities across the country, with a focus on workforce development and long-term growth in the skilled trades. The company’s culture reflects the family’s belief in investing in people and building with excellence.

Beyond business success, the Permuy family is deeply committed to service. Through philanthropic initiatives and community partnerships, they support education, first responders, workforce training, and organizations serving veterans and military families. Power Design proudly employs veterans and champions efforts that provide meaningful opportunities for those who have served our nation.

Today, Power Design stands as one of the largest privately owned companies in the Tampa Bay area and is a reflection of the Permuy family’s enduring commitment to service and patriotism in action.

2025 (Philadelphia): Chris Diaz

Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Chris served as the Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Chief of Staff and White House Liaison where he was responsible for managing senior departmental personnel actions, supporting governance oversight and policy development and implementation.

Chris is a Veteran of the United States Navy having served from 2007 to 2012 as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate and, then, as a Fleet Marine Corps Hospital Corpsman. He saw duty aboard the USS Harry S. Truman and, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, deployed with the 6th Marines to Marjah in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

After leaving the Navy, Chris graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University in 2015 with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Psychology. His research and clinical focus were in military and performance psychology. At Drexel, Chris joined other Veterans to revitalize the school’s Veterans’ group, gaining national recognition from Student Veterans of America (SVA). Additionally, Chris was the recipient of the prestigious Pat Tillman Scholarship, awarded to Veterans and Veteran family members with a proven track record of dedication and perseverance and a commitment to strengthening communities at home and around the world.

Chris once said, “I want to change the world through individual relationships.” To that end, he is a published author, dynamic speaker, and Veteran advocate. He was the 2016 founder and former executive director of the Veteran-led Action Tank-a Philadelphia-based nonprofit leveraging Veterans’ experience, leadership, and relationships with service-minded citizens to tackle challenges like the opioid crisis, gun violence, and food insecurity. For these and other initiatives, Mr. Diaz gained national recognition. He received the 2018 South by Southwest (SXSW) Community Service Award, and, in 2019, the Aspen Ideas Fellowship for his work, accomplishments, and impact in the community. Mr. Diaz has served on numerous boards in Philadelphia, helping shape the region’s future.

Chris Diaz lives his life to remember and honor the sacrifice of fellow Veterans and strives to be the best version of himself. He holds a third-degree black belt in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is continually seeking experiences that force him to grow.

2025 (Naples): Dale Spain

Now a fully disabled Veteran, Spain understands how difficult it can be transitioning out of the military and has devoted his civilian life continuing to serve the needs Veterans through his work as the CEO of Hearts and Homes for Veterans, Inc. In this role, he supports homeless Veterans and their Families who find themselves without the necessities of everyday life. Through case management services, they provide eviction prevention, immediate homeless resources as well as housing and related services including utilities, household goods, furniture, food and other essentials to more than 600 Veterans a year.

Spain also selflessly supports the Southwest Florida community through his service on the Board of Directors of the Lee County Veteran Advisory Board and Lee County Community Action Agency.

2025 (Indianapolis): Jill Fewell

Jill has served in many leadership and board positions including the Indianapolis WWII Roundtable Board (9 yrs), the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Veterans Board (10 yrs), Indiana Aviation Board (5 yrs), the Commemorative Air Force Warbird Airshow Team, the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation Honorary Board, Helping Heroes of America Board (7 yrs), and the Dr. Otis Bowen Veterans House Board (10 yrs). Jill is the Regent of the Caroline Scott Harrison DAR Chapter and DAR State Chair for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration. She has been involved with the Medal of Honor Society for many years and organized naming the Lafayette and Indianapolis Medal of Honor Bridges. She hosted the 101st Airborne Veterans at the 101st Running of the Indy 500.

Jill founded Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans, Inc. non-profit 10 years ago. Their outreach program to find, thank and repay Indiana Vietnam Era Veterans in all 92 Indiana counties created 300 dedicated events. They have honored and presented 20,000 A Time to Honor Vietnam War history books directly to Veterans and spouses of the deceased including directly to VA Hospitals and all Indiana high school and public libraries. Jill organized the State of Indiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to be built in the Indiana War Memorials Historic District at 760 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, dedicated on May 1, 2021.

Jill made the “trip of a lifetime” escorting WWII Army Air Corps B-24 Nose gunner hero, Robert Pedigo, to Normandy, France, for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremony. Bob received the French Legion of Honor from President Macron in front of the whole world that day.

2025 (GREATER TAMPA AREA): Mercy Ameyaw Aston (USAR)

The Patriot Fund proudly recognizes one special individual who has and/or continues to make a meaningful impact on the Veteran Community. This year, we are proud to recognize Retired Staff Sergeant (SSG) Mercy Ameyaw Aston.

During her military career, Mercy served in combat operations in Afghanistan and NATO missions in Germany and Bosnia. In her last duty position, she was the Acting First Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant in an elite, selectively manned Joint Airborne Unit, deploying worldwide within 18 hours for contingencies ranging from major theater wars to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, supporting Special Operations and Regional Combatant Commanders. Mercy’s exceptional service earned her numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals and a Meritorious Service Medal.

After her military service, Mercy transitioned to civilian life, starting as a Business Analyst in JP Morgan’s Global Financial Crimes department. She later joined the Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) Department at Raymond James, eventually becoming a Director in the firm’s Internal Audit department. Mercy currently serves as the Institutional Trading & Dealer Sales Director in the firm’s Fixed Income Capital Markets department. As Co-Chair of the National Veterans Inclusion Network (Valor) at Raymond James, she has played a key role in raising over $1.2 million for nonprofit organizations supporting veterans and first responders.

The Patriot Fund believes few represent our ideals and our mission better than Mercy Ameyaw Aston!

2024 (NORTH): John & Lorie Ruga

Inspired by the Patriot Fund Invitationals over the last few years, John and Lorie were motivated to host their own intimate event in Vineland, New Jersey in 2023. On very short notice and weather conditions which forced the cancellation of a planned golf experience, over 100 guests came in support of this couple’s passion. Clearly well-respected in the area, local business people and even politicians came to support the cause.

In contrast to our Veterans who bravely risk their lives for our freedoms and way of life, there are individuals who, purely out of volunteerism and altruism, are willing to put their own reputation at stake to honor our heroes. This describes who John and Lorie truly are.

2023 (NORTH): Pete Ciarrocchi

Pete’s father and uncles all served in World War II or the Korean War. Uncle George was a hardworking man and Pete’s mentor, but also became a true American hero. While at the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, George left the safety of a bunker to go out and rescue his fellow soldiers in the battlefield despite being ordered to remain in place. For his valor, George was awarded the Silver Star Medal which was not revealed to the family until after his death. George was a true American hero; humble and willing to sacrifice his own life for the freedoms we all hold so dearly. he now resides in Arlington National Cemetery with the rest of our American heroes where they belong.

Although Pete was unaware of George’s accomplishments until after his death, he knew that Uncle George was of the highest character and his role model. It is through hard work, the freedoms that George and his brothers fought for, and the guidance of his character that Pete’s family has been able to live out the American dream. To honor their memory there are pictures of the Ciarrocchi military Veterans, Uncle George, and a copy of Uncle George’s Silver Star Citation in all Chickie’s & Pete’s locations.

Pete serves on the Jefferson Health Northeast Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as their Board of Directors. He participates in many philanthropic ventures and is an active member of The Polish-American String Band. Pete is a native of Philadelphia and still resides locally with his wife Lisa and three boys; Peter, Blaise, and Anthony.

2023 (SOUTH): Dr. Mitch Cordova

At FGCU, Dr. Cordova has the honor of overseeing the Military & Veteran Success department where the goal is to improve direct student services for our Veterans and Military families. Through these efforts, Dr. Cordova works tirelessly to ensure the best environment exists for Veterans who enroll at Florida Gulf Coast University to thrive. This is realized by improving their physical and behavioral health, and ensuring the appropriate student support resources exist to help them succeed in reaching their education and career goals.

His passion for supporting Veterans began back in 2014 when teamed up with Home Base to help create the Warrior Health and Fitness program in Southwest Florida (SWFL). Over the past 9 years, this program has grown tremendously serving more than 600 Veterans and Military families. This growth helped establish a significant component of what is now Home Base Florida. Through these efforts, Home Base recognized Dr. Cordova with their Veteran and Community Builder Award in 2016.

2022 Patriot of the Year: William LaVan

As Bill tells his life story from humble beginnings to a successful career, he has chosen to give back to our Veterans by giving to The Patriot Fund. The Board members of The Patriot Fund fully agree that Bill LaVan sets the standard for making the world better because of our commitment to our Veterans.

The Patriot Fund is proud to honor and present this award to Bill as another way to thank him for his various achievements made throughout his life and his involvement and passion for aiding our fellow Veteran heroes.

2021 Patriot of the Year: Ryan Peters

Upon successfully finishing training and certification as a Navy SEAL, CDR Peters completed three combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leaving active duty in 2009, CDR Peters attended Rutgers School of Law, and was graduated in 2012. In 2013, he was recalled to active duty service and spent ten months forward-deployed with a SEAL element assigned to Special Operations Command South.

Outside of his Navy SEAL background, CDR Peters serves as the Commanding Officer of Special Boat Unit 18, a Reserve Unit composed of 7 Officers and over 150 Enlisted SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant Crewman, and Support Personnel, responsible for ensuring the Navy Reserve, Special Boat Unit 18 is operationally ready to mobilize in support of Naval Special Warfare Global Force Management Requirements.

Ryan E. Peters embodies everything that The American Patriot Award stands for and we are honored to present him with the presentation of this award. Congratulations, CDR Peters. Thank you for your service to our country and to our community!

2020

None – COVID

2019 Patriot of the Year: Don Tretola

After joining the military and attending college, Mr. Tretola began his career with PSE&G in 1971 and has over 37 years of service with a diverse background in Management and Public Affairs. He currently serves as Chief Public Affairs Officer with Allies, Inc., an organization that serves adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Don holds board positions throughout New Jersey including the State of New Jersey Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, Office of Department of Defense, Middlesex County Chiefs of Police and many others. Congratulations, Don. Thank you for your service to our community!

2018 Patriot of the Year: James Brennan, Jr.

SEA BOX has supplied innovative shipping containers and expeditionary shelters to all branches of the armed services to aid in their service of our country. Jim has done so much for military installations as one more voice of American exceptionalism to support our troops and worldwide effort for the safety of other societies.

The Board members of The Patriot Fund fully agree Jim Brennan sets the standard for all awardees in the future, making the world better because of our commitment, like Jim Brennan’s, for a better world!