Danny Farrar has lived the lows and highs common to many veterans following their tours of duty, and he founded Platoon 22 in 2014 to help stem the tragic lows that have overwhelmed too many of our military heroes. The nonprofit organization works to reduce incidents of veteran suicides by empowering them and our nation’s first responders through a variety of programs and services. In 2019, Platoon 22 partnered with Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley on a two million capital campaign for a Veterans Services Center in Frederick, Md.

His work on the facility, which will provide best-in-class transitional support for our warfighters and their families throughout the Mid-Atlantic, is a natural fit for this U.S. Army veteran and former firefighter, who has dedicated his life to helping his brothers and sisters following their tours of duty.

Farrar joined the Army as an infantryman shortly after graduating high school, and he served on the first unit that went into the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks of 9/11. He completed a combat tour in Iraq from 2005-06 as part of an eight-year career in the military, which took its toll upon returning home in the form of a period of homelessness and, worse, an attempted suicide.

Through a connection in the Mixed Martial Arts community, he started Soldierfit in 2007. As its CEO, he has expanded the workout facility franchise from its single home to 15 locations in several states that employ more than 100 people. Soldierfit trainers combine principles of Army boot camp with modern exercise best practices, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named Soldierfit its 2016 Eastern Region Small Business of the Year.

Farrar previously served on the VetFran Committee, which helps to connect franchise owners with military veterans, and captained Maryland’s chapter of the International Franchise Association’s Franchise Action Network. The Maryland Daily Record in 2013 named him to its Top 40 Under 40 VIP list for his professional accomplishments and commitment to inspiring change in his community. Farrar has also received the Military Do-gooder Award, been named one of the top 50 CEOs in Frederick, MD, and was most recently awarded the Baltimore Raven's Community Quarterback Award for his work with Platoon 22.

Military, Army, Veterans, PTSD, Suicide Prevention, Leadership, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Community Improvement, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Workforce Wellness, Mental Health, Veteran Affairs, Veteran Inclusion