National Defense University Foundation's
American Patriot Award Gala
Recognizing
Robert M. Gates
U.S. Secretary of Defense

The American Patriot Award recognizes exceptional Americans who have demonstrated a profound and abiding love of country and whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication symbolize our nation’s ideals, values and democratic principles. 

EVENT DETAILS: 

When:  Friday, November 5, 2010

6:30 pm reception; 7:30 pm dinner
7:15 pm media availability

Where:

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

14^th Street between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues,

Washington, DC, NW  

 

Who: TBD

Why:
The mid-career students at the National Defense University are the next generation of ambassadors, national and international military commanders and civilian defense industry leaders – patriots who have committed their lives to furthering the security of our nation and the world . Therefore, the National Defense University Foundation's American Patriot Award recognizes exceptional Americans who have demonstrated a profound and abiding love of country and whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication symbolizes our nation's ideas, values and democratic principles.

The American Patriot Award Dinner Gala is one of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious events, attended by senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, senior military officials, and corporate and community leaders. This year, more than 700 guests will gather at the magnificent Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to pay tribute to a leader of the “greatest generation” and a true American patriot.

ATTENDANCE:

$1,000 per Individual Ticket (a portion is tax deductible)

$2500 for Patron Ticket which allows guest to be included in the exclusive reception for program presenters and VIP guests.

REGISTER ONLINE>>

click here for printable registration form

For Corporate Sponsorship and all other information on the American Patriot Award and the Gala, contact Nancy Miller, Chief Development Officer at (202) 685-2527, email:  millern@nduf.org .

 

 

Visit www.NDUFoundation.org to find out about the vital impact the National Defense University has on the security of the nation and the global community.

Past Honorees

2009 - General David Petraeus
and the Men and Women of Central Command

______

2008 - Recognizing the Honorable Henry A. Kissinger

-edited from "TalkRadioNews.com"

On December 2, 2008, Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was presented with the National Defense University Foundation's American Patriot Award in recognition for his distinguished career in public service. Colleagues from the military, diplomatic, political and economic communities attended the award gala, and offered praise, matched with a goodhearted ribbing of Kissinger's infamous ego.

“I want to warn you, especially you Henry, that I'm not going to praise you too much. I've known Henry very well for so many years, and I don't want to overload the modesty that has been such a part of his character over these years,” Alexander Haig, former Secretary of State in the Reagan administration, teased

Colin Powell, Secretary of State during President George W. Bush's first term, recounted a party in which Kissinger escorted Princess Diana. “Have you ever seen Henry escort a beautiful woman around? It's something to behold,” said Powell. “He escorts her through the room, making sure all eyes are on him. It is absolutely marvelous.”

Haig credited Kissinger for maintaining peace throughout the Cold War, “I am grateful for your lifelong friendship, for what you have done for this country. To bring it into this century, and to do so without a shot being fired. And let me tell you, that happened from strategic thinking and creative diplomacy, and thank god it did. And for that debt of peace and success we owe Henry Kissinger, who was the architect of those policies, a world of thanks and gratitude,” said Haig.

2007 - Honoring Senator John Warner and Congressman Ike Skelton

On November 16, the 2007 American Patriot Award was presented to two of the nation's finest patriots -- Senator John Warner and Congressman Ike Skelton. Senator Warner, as a United States Marine Corps Officer, Secretary of the Navy, and United States Senator from Virginia, and Congressman Ike Skelton as a State Legislator, Military Historian, and United States Representative from Missouri have served our nation with uncommon fervor and devotion. Their more than 80 years of unparalleled public service truly represent a special kind of American patriotism deserving of special recognition,” said Charles D. Link, Major General, USAF (Ret), President and CEO, National Defense University Foundation. Biographical videos thanks to our partners at 45 North Communication (View)

2006 - Honoring John Glenn

Washington, DC, November 16, 2006 -- The National Defense University Foundation presented the 2006 American Patriot Award to The Honorable John H. Glenn, Jr., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Among the many guests on hand to celebrate “Patriotism . . . America’s Strength” were Master of Ceremonies Andrea Mitchell, Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, NBC News; General James Conway, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; The Honorable William Cohen, Senator Bill Nelson; Members of Congress, the Administration, and Diplomatic Community; past and present Armed Forces Service Heroes; and the 2005 Military Idol, Sgt. William Glenn, who performed patriotic favorites throughout the evening.

Visit our friends and producers of the Gala's biographical videos,
45 North Communications, to view John Glenn's story of patriotism

2005 - Honoring Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Ted Stevens

The NDU Foundation presented the American Patriot Award to Senator Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Ted Stevens on December 1, 2005 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington D.C. The Senators were honored together in recognition of their strong record of bi-partisan cooperation in important legislation across the broad spectrum of national security affairs, and for their lifelong careers as dedicated public servants. Watch the videos - Overview, Senator Inouye, Senator Stevens

2004 - Honoring Senator Robert J. Dole

On December 3, 2004, the American Patriot Award was presented to The Honorable Bob Dole, a leader of the 'greatest generation' and a true American patriot.

Watch the videos - Senator Dole Part 1 Senator Dole Part 2

1997 - Honoring General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell was awarded the American Patriot Award in October 1997 for his "distinguised service to the defense of the nation." Norman R. Augustine made the presentation at the ceremony at NDU.

Honoring Caspar W. Weinberger

Former Defense Secretary Casper W. Weinberger was awarded the American Patriot Award in November 1999 for his "inspirational leadership, selfless dedication, and unfailing devotion to the security of the United States and world peace." The presentation was made by Charlton Heston at a ceremony at NDU.

Honoring President George H.W. Bush

In 2002, Vice President Dick Cheney presented the American Patriot Award to former President George H.W. Bush for his leadership and dedication to America's national security.

Honoring Our Nation’s Defense Team

Deputy Defense Secretary Paul D. Wolfowitz accepted the American Patriot Award December 5, 2003 "on behalf of our fallen heroes" and "the hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform and all of those that support them", including defense civilians and contractors. Watch the videos - Defense Team Part 1 Defense Team Part 2