Operation Healing Forces is honored to announce General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command, as the recipient of the 2025 Tip of the Spear Award.
A leader whose actions define his legacy, General Kurilla has faced the enemy in close combat, earned the respect of warriors in the field, and built the trust of allies across the globe—his legacy is etched in both valor and vision. A strategic warrior to his core, he is guided by principle, grounded in purpose, and unwavering in his commitment to those on the front lines of freedom.
In his acceptance speech at a recent OHF event, General Kurilla delivered a powerful and deeply personal tribute to the Special Operations Forces community—highlighting their strength, sacrifice, and enduring resilience. He shared the story of a remarkable warrior who, after losing a limb as a result of a combat injury, returned to the battlefield with unwavering courage, inspiring all who served alongside him.
But despite his triumphs on the battlefield, that warrior ultimately lost the war within. This story was a sobering reminder of the invisible wounds many warriors carry, and the urgent, ongoing need for comprehensive support that addresses the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual toll of service.
The Tip of the Spear Award honors individuals whose devotion to the SOF community extends far beyond their professional obligations. With more than 35 years of service – from the front lines with the storied 75th Ranger Regiment, to commanding the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps, to leading at the highest levels of global strategic command – General Kurilla exemplifies that standard. His leadership continues to shape the future of national defense—and safeguard those who bear its weight.
We are deeply grateful for General Kurilla’s service and for the enduring example he sets as a champion of the warriors and families behind the mission. He is a reminder to us all that true leadership is not only measured by battlefield success, but by the compassion shown for those who carry its deepest scars.
