Since the Reagan presidency, it has been a State of the Union tradition for the president and first lady to invite a bevy of guests who represent the people the administration is hoping to serve. This year, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama granted some of those coveted seats to Americans who have already served the nation.

Here’s who will be making an appearance at the big speech Tuesday night.

Maj. Lisa Jaster, Female Ranger Grad

This 37 year-old mother of two was the third woman to ever graduate from Army Ranger School. Though she was recycled during a few phases of training and graduated months after the other two female students, Jaster is notable because she completed a rigorous training program most only attempt in their 20s while on active duty.

Staff Sgt. Spencer Stone, American Train Hero

In August, Stone and his Army Specialist Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler singlehandedly prevented a terrorist attack by disarming a gunman on a European train. Stone was awarded the Airman’s medal, the French Legion of Honour and the Purple Heart for his heroic deeds.

Cynthia Dias, a Formerly Homeless Vietnam Veteran

After serving on a hospital ship as a nurse during the Vietnam War, Dias spent years living on the streets as she struggled with her post-traumatic stress disorder. A year ago she was finally able to find shelter at Veterans Village, a shelter in Las Vegas that helped house every homeless veteran in the Vegas area.

Naveed Shah, Muslim-American Veteran

Shah is a Muslim immigrant who moved to the United States from Saudi Arabia when he was just two years old. He became a naturalized citizen when he was eight. Shah was inspired to enlist in the U.S. Army right out of high school by the September 11 attacks, an event that “marked the ultimate distortion” of his faith. After he left active duty, Shah became involved with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Oscar Vasquez, Mexican-American Veteran

This Army veteran’s claim to fame is his fight to become a U.S. citizen. Vasquez and his family illegally immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a child. When he attempted to enlist in the Army out of high school, he was denied. Vasquez later deported himself so that he could reenter the United States legally and enlist in the Army, which immediately deployed him to Afghanistan. He is now an advocate for other Mexican-American immigrants.

Earl Smith, Vietnam Veteran

During President Obama’s first campaign, he was given a priceless gift–a military patch from Earl Smith, and aging Vietnam veteran. Obama kept the patch on his person throughout his campaign, and he will reunite with its original owner during his last SOTU.