SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 11, 2025

GOVX Partners with Manly Bands to Raise Nearly $40,000 for Paralyzed Veterans of America

“We’re grateful to GOVX and its community for their support in helping PVA expand critical programs that empower our members to live full, independent lives”

-Carl Blake, CEO of Paralyzed Veterans of America

GOVX, the online shopping platform exclusively for current and former military, first responders, emergency medical professionals, and other government personnel, is honored to announce its most recent monthly donation through the GOVX Gives Back program. This latest donation – $39,893.00 – was provided to the non-profit veterans service organization, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Generated by the support of the GOVX community, this donation was the product of multi-pronged effort combining proceeds of $29,893.00 from orders placed through GOVX.com, and a generous supplementary donation match of $10,000 from Manly Bands, the industry-leading accessories brand.

Founded in 1946, PVA is the only non-profit solely dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, live full, independent lives. PVA does this by working to ensure paralyzed veterans, their families, and caregivers receive the benefits they earned, the specialized healthcare they require, the accessible homes and vehicles they deserve, the meaningful careers they want, and much more.

“We’re grateful to GOVX and its community for their support in helping PVA expand critical programs that empower our members to live full, independent lives,” said Carl Blake, CEO of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “This contribution is more than a donation – it's a continued investment in the lives of America’s paralyzed and disabled veterans to ensure they receive the care, support, and opportunities they’ve earned.”

GOVX’s monthly donation is part of the ongoing GOVX Gives Back charitable initiative, raising funds for non-profits serving the military and first responder community. Through the program, a portion of the proceeds from every single order made through GOVX.com are donated to that month’s non-profit organization.

GOVX is committed to supporting the mission to help paralyzed and disabled veterans move forward in life and regain the independence they deserve.

“Supporting our nation’s veterans is more than a mission -- it’s a shared responsibility.” said Alan Cole, CEO of GOVX. “We thank Manly Bands for joining the GOVX community to raise meaningful donations for Paralyzed Veterans of America and honor the courage and resilience of those who have sacrificed in service to their country.”

About GovX

GOVX is dedicated to serving those who serve our country and communities – military service members, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical professionals, and other government service personnel. With a customizable suite of solutions, GOVX provides leading brands who share in this mission with a unique opportunity to support this deserving audience. Through the flagship marketplace, GOVX.com, brands can authentically reach a growing community of 11M+ members with their own storefront. More than 2K trusted brands currently have a storefront on GOVX.com, offering unbeatable deals to those who serve. With the proprietary verification app, GOVX ID, brands can easily enable service member discounts within the checkout flow of their own sites. More than 5K brands currently utilize GOVX ID technology to honor service members. By leveraging GOVX marketing services solutions, brands can effectively amplify their products or services within an engaged and exclusive community and reinforce their support for Americans who make a difference. In addition to providing unmatched value to those who serve, GOVX also donates a portion of every order to non-profits who serve the military and first responder community. To date, over $2.5M has been donated through the GOVX Gives Back initiative. For more information, visit https://www.govx.com.

ABOUT PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA

Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.

ABOUT MANLY BANDS

Manly Bands, founded in 2016, is a leading online retailer of men’s wedding rings, known for bold, unique designs using materials like meteorite, whiskey barrel wood, and dinosaur bone. They offer officially licensed collections from brands like Jack Daniel’s and Lord of the Rings, emphasizing craftsmanship and authenticity. To learn more or shop their products, visit https://manlybands.com/.

CHRIS BOHNERT - CPO

Chris joined GOVX in 2015, bringing more than 15 years of product, marketing and general management experience in the consumer internet space. As head of Product at GOVX, Chris leads product management, design and business intelligence for the entire product portfolio.

Chris began his career at Active Network in 2002 and helped grow the company from start-up to a successful IPO in 2011. During his time at Active Network, Chris managed several teams and product-lines, including the flagship media property, Active.com and the eCommerce division.

In 2012, Chris joined Takelessons, an online education marketplace matching students with qualified teachers. As VP of Product and Technology, he led a cross-functional team, including engineering, product management and design.

Chris earned a BA from the University of Arizona and an MBA from San Diego State University.

ADAM HOMZE - VP ENGINEERING

Adam joined GOVX in 2014 as the Vice President of Software Development and is responsible for leading the software development group, how our applications are built, and scaling the GOVX tech stack.

Since 2005, Adam has actively participated in the growth phase of several startups; holding multiple technical and leadership positions. Over that time, he has developed a wide range of skills to tackle the challenges inherent in building technology companies.

Adam earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego.

AARON PELANDER - CHIEF BRAND OFFICER

As the leader of the Brand Marketing team at GOVX, Aaron is responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive brand strategy that supports GOVX’s business goals and mission. Working closely with the wider marketing and creative teams, Aaron brings the GOVX identity to life through creative storytelling, consistent brand messaging, strategic marketing channel investments, impactful partnerships and sponsorships, and alignment with key non-profit organizations, all aimed at increasing GOVX brand awareness and recall.

Before joining GOVX in 2014, Aaron held senior marketing and management roles at the Active Network and Provide Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona and his MBA from San Diego State University.

CAROL SCHNUGG - CFO

Carol serves as Chief Financial Officer for GOVX and oversees all financial, accounting and administrative matters for the Company as well as negotiating and administrating Brand-Partners’ wholesale pricing. Prior to joining GOVX, she served as Controller for Billabong’s Sector 9 company, where she oversaw its acquisition by Billabong and was recruited to oversee all financial and accounting matters along with managing its e-commerce site.

Carol previously owned and operated her own accounting and tax practice and was an accountant with Deloitte & Touche.

Carol received a B.S. in finance from San Diego State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

ALAN COLE - CEO/PRESIDENT

Alan began his career as co-founder and President of DELTYME Corporation, a San Diego-based web services firm working with national clients including Target, Cisco Systems, Costco and Garden Fresh.

After stepping away from an operating role at DELTYME, Alan attended business school at the University of Texas with a focus on entrepreneurial management. During his time in Austin he took on due diligence responsibilities at Gefinor Ventures (an early stage venture firm) and worked in marketing and business development roles in several Austin-area startups including Convio and Metreos.

Alan ultimately moved back to San Diego to join Active Network, where he held executive responsibility for the company's $50M Media + Marketing division. After six years with Active Network, Alan moved on to serve as COO of TakeLessons, an online education marketplace connecting students with qualified teachers. In late 2016, Alan joined GOVX as CEO.

Alan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.