Foley Veterans Affinity Group Engages With Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Military-Connected Youth

Foley & Lardner continues to build a national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to support its national youth leadership development strategy. All the firm’s U.S. offices engage with local community Boys & Girls Clubs on programs and initiatives tailored to community needs, focusing on activities that blend leadership, skill-building, advocacy, and community engagement.

As part of our partnership, Foley’s Veterans & Allies Affinity Group was honored to once again participate in BGCA’s prestigious National Military Youth of the Year (MYOY) program. It recognizes military-connected youth, ages 14 to 18, for their dedication to community service, academic achievement, strong character, leadership, and commitment to future goals. At this year’s gala, held on August 7, Jacob won 2025-26 National Military Youth of the Year.

For the third year in a row, the evening before the gala featured a vibrant networking event in Foley’s Washington, D.C. office that brought together the five regional MYOY 2025-26 finalists and 60 attendees, including four-star General Darren McDew.

This gathering included a unique career exploration opportunity for the finalists and past winners to have speed mentoring sessions with Foley Veterans & Allies Affinity Group members Phillip Hosp, Eugene Krakow, Patrick McMahon (chair), Frank Murray, Taylor Pancake (senior chair), Kel Thomas (vice chair), Michael Watkins, Alex Witz, and Jay Yoon.

Office managing partner David Sanders and senior counsel Patrick McMahon addressed attendees during the event, with McMahon closing it out by expressing Foley’s pride in our partnership with BGCA and noting that “bringing together veterans from across our firm to connect with these outstanding military youth is truly the highlight of the year for our Veterans Affinity Group.”

The evening also featured presentations from the regional MYOY finalists and alumni, alongside several representatives from BGCA.

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