Joshua Parish

Joshua Parish is the Co-Founder and President of VETLIFE, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization he launched alongside his wife, Cortnie, to empower veterans and their families as they transition from military to civilian life. A proud veteran of the Michigan Army National Guard, Joshua served as a combat engineer and took part in the initial invasion of Iraq. His personal journey through military service and reintegration has shaped his mission: to make sure no veteran is left behind.

Raised on a Native American reservation, Joshua brings a unique blend of cultural insight, lived experience, and relentless dedication to his advocacy work. Before founding VETLIFE, he worked at both a county VA office and for the State of Michigan, where he saw firsthand the systemic barriers veterans often face when trying to access their benefits.

Together with Cortnie, Joshua has helped VETLIFE grow into a trusted resource for more than 143,000 veterans and dependents. He also led the creation of Battle Buddy, a mobile app built to streamline access to services, support mental health through its AI-powered Talk to Sam feature, and strengthen the overall transition experience for veterans and their families.

Joshua is also the Co-Creator of From Glory Days: Veterans Edition, a radio show that amplifies the voices of those who served and highlights community-based solutions. His work in tech, media, and policy has made him a sought-after speaker on veteran advocacy, digital outreach, and leadership through service.