Secretary Gates to Receive the 2010 American Patriot Award

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National Defense University Foundation

May 27, 2010, 10:54 ET

National Defense University Foundation to Present this Prestigious Honor at Its 9^th Annual Gala

WASHINGTON, May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense, was named today as recipient of the 2010 American Patriot Award given by The National Defense University Foundation. Washington's most powerful and influential leaders will gather to celebrate his lifetime of patriotism and to witness his receiving this prestigious award at the American Patriot Award Gala on Friday, November 5, 2010, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. Secretary Gates will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the intelligence, national security and defense communities throughout his impressive career in government.

Past recipients of the American Patriot Award include former President George H.W. Bush; General Colin Powell; Dr. Henry Kissinger; General David H. Petraeus, USA, and the Extraordinary Men and Women of CENTCOM; Senator Bob Dole; Senator John W. Warner and Representative Ike Skelton; Senators Daniel Inouye and Ted Stevens; Astronaut and Senator John Glenn; former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger; and The Men and Women of our Nation's Defense Team.

The American Patriot Award Gala is one of Washington, D.C.'s most illustrious events, attended by nearly 600 guests, including senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, senior military officials, Ambassadors, dignitaries, and corporate and community leaders.

Past attendees include former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan; White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel; ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent Martha Raddatz; NBC News' Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen; former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft; Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps General James Conway; and, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command General Ann Dunwoody, USA.

Beyond honoring the recipients, the Gala showcases and supports the National Defense University 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. It 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.

"As a true patriot, Secretary Gates is most deserving of the National Defense University Foundation's American Patriot Award because of his inspirational leadership and selfless dedication in serving our nation's ideals, values and democratic principles," said Brigadier General William J. Leszczynski, Jr., USA (Ret), President and CEO, National Defense University Foundation.

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 or contact Nancy Miller at 202/685-2527, email: [email protected].