PenFed Foundation to Honor Senator Dole and General Sullivan at 11th Annual Night of Heroes Gala

Impressive lineup at black-tie event recognizing those who work to help our nation's defenders

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May 12, 2015, 04:28 ET

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation (PenFed Foundation) announced the lineup of special guests who will attend this year's 11th annual Night of Heroes Gala, "Building the Future. Honoring the Past." The event, which will be held on Thursday, May 14, at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., will honor those who lead the way in serving our nation's defenders, and will also include a special tribute to those who served during the Vietnam era.

"We are proud to honor this diverse group of Americans for their commitment to our troops and their spouses, families, and caregivers," said Jane Whitfield, president and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. "They represent so many others who support our military community and help them along the way, and we are thankful for their leadership."

General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA (Ret), 32nd Chief of Staff of the United States Army and president and CEO of the Association of the United States Army, will receive the Military Hero Award. Elizabeth Dole, former U.S. Senator from North Carolina and founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, will receive the Community Hero Award. Betty Easley, the wife and caregiver of United States Army veteran Greg Easley, will receive the Hero at Home Award.

Other notable guests attending this year's gala include awards presenters General George W. Casey, Jr., who served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and R. James Nicholson, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jake Tapper, anchor and chief Washington correspondent for CNN, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, and Miss DC Teresa Davis will make a special appearance. The evening will also include special messages from First Lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The Night of Heroes Gala, a black tie or military dress occasion, will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Washington, D.C., with a reception and silent auction followed by dinner, live auction, and the program.

"America's military community is spread out among numerous bases and towns around the world," added Whitfield. "It's nice when one night a year we can bring the community together to honor such leaders for their tireless work helping the men and women who work to protect our freedom."

Sponsors of this year's gala include event underwriter PSCU and Lee & Penny Anderson; corporate circle of honor sponsor The Niner Foundation; and legendary hero sponsors Allied Solutions, HMS Home Warranty, Leidos, TitleClose, and TrueCar, Inc.

To learn more about the 11^th Annual Night of Heroes Gala visit: bit.ly/NightofHeroes2015.

About the PenFed Foundation
Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to helping members of our military community secure their financial future. It provides service members, veterans, their families and support networks with the skills and resources they need to improve their lives through programs on financial education, credit-building, home ownership, and short-term assistance. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has the resources to effectively reach military communities across the nation, build strong partnerships, and engage a dedicated corps of volunteers in its mission. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, demonstrating its strong commitment to the programs the Foundation provides.

To learn more, visit: www.penfedfoundation.org.

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SOURCE PenFed Foundation