How These Beyond the Gates and The Bold and the Beautiful Actors Bridge Military Service and Entertainment

From Maurice P. Kerry’s journey from Iraq to Nick Lannan’s work amplifying veteran voices, these two Marine combat veterans and actors are proving that the skills forged in the military can lead to powerful new careers in entertainment, where their stories continue to educate, inspire, and unite audiences.

As Military Appreciation Month continues, a special event in Los Angeles is set to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of service members, veterans, and entertainment professionals who are helping reshape how military service is portrayed in the media.

We also want to shine a spotlight on a nightly show that combines service and storytelling in a compelling live talk-show-style series.

The 2026 MV Awards

The National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans was established to honor those who have served and to celebrate the artists and storytellers who preserve their legacies. Through its annual Military and Veterans Entertainment Awards, the organization highlights stories of courage, resilience, and service.

According to the Academy, its mission is to bridge military service and the entertainment industry while promoting narratives that inspire patriotism, unity, and gratitude. The organization is also committed to elevating the voices of veterans and highlighting the powerful stories that are often overlooked in mainstream media.

Founder and Chairman Joe Ramirez explained the heart of that mission during an interview with CBS News Atlanta.

“Really, what this is all about is elevating veterans in the media, and redefining the narrative,” Ramirez said. “I would like for people to realize — not just with the military but with themselves — it’s okay to be of service… to encourage people to be of service to your country, or be of service in the community.”

Beyond the Gates Star Maurice P. Kerry Takes Center Stage

Soap fans will recognize Maurice P. Kerry, who plays Randy Parker on Beyond the Gates. Kerry is more than a daytime star — he is also a Marine combat veteran, and one of this year’s co-hosts for the MVAwards ceremony.

Joining him as co-host is Davina Wong, an actor and retired Air Force veteran.

Kerry reflected on his remarkable journey from military service to daytime television during an interview with CBS News Atlanta.

“Twenty years ago, when I was standing in the middle of the Iraq desert, I would have never guessed that I’d be a soap star and a co-host and all these things,” Kerry shared. He hopes his story shows fellow veterans that life after military service can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

The Bold and the Beautiful Guest Star Nick Lannan Brings a Powerful Story

Soap viewers will soon see Nick Lannan on The Bold and the Beautiful, where he appears as a stylist at Forrester Creations. But off-screen, Lannan has an inspiring story of his own.

A Marine combat veteran, Lannan is the host of The Nightly Debrief, a live talk-show-style series featuring conversations with veterans, filmmakers, journalists, and creators about storytelling, service, and the evolving role of veterans in entertainment.

Produced by the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans, the series offers behind-the-scenes insights and thoughtful discussions about how veterans are making their mark across television, film, podcasts, and digital media.

Episodes are recorded live and later streamed on VetStreamTV, helping bring these conversations to audiences nationwide.

Honoring Service Through Storytelling

The Military and Veterans Entertainment Awards will be held in Los Angeles on May 23. The event celebrates the dedication and creativity of those who have served both in uniform and in the entertainment industry.

For soap fans, it is a meaningful reminder that many familiar faces from daytime television have also served their country — and continue to inspire others through their stories.