Secretary Gates Receives the 2010 American Patriot Award

Presented by the National Defense University Foundation; PBS NewsHour Anchor Jim Lehrer Emceed

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, received the prestigious 2010 American Patriot Award presented by The National Defense University Foundation (NDUF).  More than 600 guests gathered to celebrate Gates' lifetime of patriotism at the 9th Annual American Patriot Award Gala, one of Washington, D.C.'s most prominent galas, held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.  

Secretary Gates was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the intelligence, national security and defense communities throughout his impressive career in government.  The Honorable David L. Boren, former Senator of Oklahoma, provided special remarks along with General James E. Cartwright, USMC, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  PBS NewsHour Anchor Jim Lehrer emceed the awards program.

President George H.W. Bush provided a video message highlighting the many achievements Secretary Gates has made throughout his career to help service men and women.  ABC7/WJLA-TV News Anchor Leon Harris gave a special tribute to more than 40 service men and women attending as part of the 2010 "Sponsor a Patriot" Program. These young service members from each branch of the military were selected by their commanders based on character and dedication to country, and were sent, some from across the world, to attend the 2010 American Patriot Award Gala.

Notable attendees included General Peter W. Chiarelli, USA, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army; General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force; the Honorable Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force; the Honorable John Warner, Former U.S. Senator from Virginia; Lieutenant General James R. Clapper, Jr., USAF (Ret), Director of National Intelligence; the Honorable Gordon S. Heddell, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Defense; Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft, USAF (Ret), Former National Security Advisor for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush; His Excellency Sung Y. Kim, U.S. Ambassador to Korea; and, General Paik Sun-Yup, Republic of Korea Army (Ret).

"My thanks to the National Defense University Foundation for this singular honor.  It is humbling to be counted with the leaders and statesmen who've received this American Patriot Award," said Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense.  "I accepted this honor on behalf of all the young men and women who have decided to serve their country in uniform at a time of war."

The Gala showcased and helped support the National Defense University (NDU) and its crucial mission of preparing military and civilian leaders from the U.S. and other countries to examine national and international security challenges through multidisciplinary educational and research programs, professional exchanges, and outreach.  NDU is the only university providing a common educational experience for all the various professional communities engaged in national security. The main campus is located at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.

"Secretary Gates epitomizes the ideals of a true patriot and is most deserving of the National Defense University Foundation's American Patriot Award," said Brigadier General William J. Leszczynski, Jr., USA (Ret), President and CEO, National Defense University Foundation.  "His inspirational leadership, his selfless dedication to our troops and their families, and his courage in taking on the absolute toughest problems in our uncertain world make him most deserving of this award."

The National Defense University Foundation is a non-profit organization that has provided private sector support for the National Defense University in mission-oriented areas for more than 28 years. Additionally, in collaboration with the University, the Foundation develops and manages outreach programs that help educate and engage the public for a better understanding of critical national security issues and the vital role NDU plays in addressing them.  For more information on the American Patriot Award and the Gala, please visit our websites at www.americanpatriotaward.org and www.NDUFoundation.org/Gates.

SOURCE National Defense University Foundation