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Mine Detection Dog Team of the Year
Survivor of the Year
MDD Mace and Vusal Allahverdiyev
For the past three and a half years, Mine Detection Dog Mace and his handler, Vusal, have worked side by side with the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA). Together, they have searched more than one million square meters of land, helping hundreds of Azerbaijanis return safely to their communities. Their success comes not only from skill and discipline, but from the deep bond of trust and connection they share — a partnership that has made them one of ANAMA’s most effective teams.
Mirzet Duran
As a child growing up in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, Mirzet lost his foot at the age of six when heavy shelling struck near his home. Determined not to let this tragedy define him, he discovered sitting volleyball at 17 and found both purpose and community with the Fantomi team. Over the years, Mirzet rose to become Fantomi’s captain and one of its most celebrated players, helping lead the team to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He has also been deeply involved in MLI’s CHAMPS program, where he received a prosthetic and continues to inspire students with his resilience and achievements.
Joan Wismer Teacher of the Year
American Survivor of the Year
Marian Lien
Marian Lien has devoted her life to helping young people see the world through a wider, more inclusive lens. A Fulbright scholar and passionate educator, she now serves as Director of Education for Inclusion and Global Awareness at St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh. Under her guidance, students have welcomed MLI’s K9 Ambassador and taken part in CHAMPS, Peace Makers & Problem Solvers (PMPS), and Peace Through Sport (PTS), gaining hands-on experiences that connect them to global issues and inspire them to be changemakers in their own communities.
Michael "Monty" Montoya
Michael “Monty” Montoya’s story is one of courage, resilience, and service. A former U.S. Marine Corps EOD Technician, he served across Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and beyond, later training hundreds to detect and safely dispose of explosive threats. In 2022, he co-founded Invictus Global Response (IGR), bringing clearance, training, and humanitarian aid to communities from Ukraine to Uganda. In 2023, Monty survived a Russian anti-personnel mine blast in Ukraine, yet returned to lead IGR’s work, continuing to save lives and empower communities. He is honored as the 2025 American Survivor of the Year for his unwavering dedication to others.
"This Land of Mines"
Enjoy This Land of Mines, an original song written by MLI's Board Chairman, MG (Ret.) Robert M. Dyess, Jr., which premiered at the 2025 Clearing the Path Gala on October 28. This heartfelt ballad reflects the spirit of MLI’s mission—removing landmines, restoring peace, and inspiring hope for a safe and mine-free future.
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