Comments from our distinguished Patriots:
"This is something I will remember for the remainder of my life. It was such an honor to attend. THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR!!"
"This event gave me an opportunity to talk to several high ranking officers about the work we are doing with recovering soldiers. Thank you for that opportunity as well."
"I am recovering from injuries and am planning my retirement. I am just thrilled that this will be how I'll celebrate! Thank you." - U.S. Army Service Member
"Thank you so much for the honor and privilege to be recognized and attend the Gala honoring a true American Icon and a hero The Honorable Dr. Henry Kissinger. Being able to meet him has made a deep impression and will have a positive impact on my life. For this, I'm eternally grateful." - USN Deputy Officer In Charge, Wounded Warrior Regiment
To those who supported the Sponsor a Patriot Program, NDUF is eternally grateful.
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The NDU Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to make an online contribution to the 2010 Sponsor a Patriot Program , please click here
Contributions can also be sent to:
NDU Foundation, Attn: Sponsor a Patriot Program,
PO Box 71386 , Washington DC 20024 .
Very Respectfully – Pam Shilling, NDUF Outreach Program Manager, 202-685-3797
Sponsor a Patriot Program
Patriots meet Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen
NDUF Contact: Pam Shilling
NDUF Outreach Program Manager
shillingp@nduf.org
Contribute now to the 09 Patriot Program
2007 was a great year for the Sponsor a Patriot Program. We had an outstanding group of young dedicated service members. Six guests attended from Walter Reed Medical Center. The Air Force office took our request for patriots and sent it across the globe. The participating unit commanders nominated one person from their units for recognition by this program. We had some service members sent in from Germany , many recently receiving multiple commendations. The NDU Foundation was very pleased to welcome them to the American Patriot Award Gala.
With your help we were able to host 50 Patriots, some from every service . Thank you again for honoring the service men and women who so valiantly defend our nation and our freedom. They truly are our “Nation's Finest.”
Two of our Patriots from
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Sergeant Kondziela enlisted on 5 November, 2001 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island , South Carolina . After completing Assault Amphibian Crewman Schools at Camp Del Mar, California Private First Class Kondziela was assigned to 2 nd Assault Amphibian Battalion at Camp Lejeune , North Carolina in June, 2002. He was promoted to Lance Corporal in August, 2002.
In February, 2003, Lance Corporal Kondziela deployed with 2 nd Assault Amphibian Battalion for 6 months to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In September 2004 Lance Corporal Kondziela deployed with 2 nd Assault Amphibian Battalion for 7 months to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II-II and Operation Phantom Fury. He was promoted to Corporal in October, 2004.
In December, 2005, Corporal Kondziela was ordered to The Basic School, Quantico , Virginia where he served with Combat Service Support Company, Instructor Battalion. He was promoted to Sergeant in March, 2006. In April, 2007, Sergeant Kondziela attended Sergeants Course at Quantico , Virginia .
Sergeant Kondziela's personal awards include the Good Conduct medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
Young Marines with National Defense University President, Lieutenant General Frances C. Wilson, USMC
LCDR Shank was born in Washington , DC and raised in Maryland . A 1991 graduate of the US Naval Academy (BS Chemistry), she earned her helicopter pilot's wings in July 1993. Her first tour was with HS-7 in Jacksonville , FL , deploying twice to the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf . In 1997 she reported to the Atlantic Fleet staff (now Fleet Forces Command) in Norfolk , VA , also earning ME (Aerospace Engineering) from ODU.
From 2000-2005 she served in San Diego , CA : USS BOXER Air department, HS-10 instructor pilot, and HS-6 Safety and Operations Officers. Here she deployed to the Arabian Gulf Western Pacific, and South America . Following this, she reported to Newport , RI earning an MA (National Security and Strategic Studies) and Joint Professional Military Education, Phase I at the Naval War College . Shortly after reporting to OPNAV N130 in Washington DC , she trained for and deployed to Afghanistan as an embedded trainer with the Afghan National Army and returned 4 October 2007. In 1996 she married Milo Shank, then Capt, now LtCol, USMC, currently serving at HQMC.
Messages to our Patriots from the "Sponsor a Patriot Program" Contributors:
Thank You for serving our country - J.F. "Joe" Fisher
Thank You for your service and sacrifice - David Thomas
Thank You for all you do to keep America free! -
Mark Harrington
Thank you for defending our great country's vital interest and giving so much. You honor us with your sacrifice, courage and dedication to the United States. God Bless You. - Gary Kyle
We wish to thank each and every one of you making a sacrifice to protect our freedom. Thank You! - Majorie Sorge, Metaldyne
Thank you for your service. We are all so grateful for the sacrifice you make on behalf of all of us. - Steven Schiff
Thank you for your contribution and support of American ideals of freedom and choice for all - Robert and Barbara Hechtman
Thank you many times over for your service to our country and in defense of freedom everywhere - Peter Eltringham
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU!