Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes — The 11th Annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala
Washingtonians, both uniformed and civilian, turned out in force at the Ronald Reagan Building on Tuesday night to honor the nation’s military and veterans at the 11th Annual Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting and promoting the physical, mental, and emotional wellness of military service members, veterans, and their families.
The Foundation awarded Arizona philanthropist, businessman, and car collector Ron Pratte its “Humanitarian of the Year” Award, in part for his generous donation of the proceeds from the auction sale of an amazing art-deco 1950 General Motors Futureliner Tour Bus from his own collection. The sale of this classic vehicle netted the Armed Forces Foundation $4.6 million to use towards its mission of helping the estimated 600,000 active-duty military and veterans who suffer from PTSD and physical injuries. Fellow Arizona entrepreneur and car lover Craig Jackson, owner of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale was also on hand — and barked “Sold!” at the end of the auction.
“Patriot of the Year” was awarded to Participant Media; Founder Jeff Skoll accepted via video.
Notable guests included former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, Fox and Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade (who served as MC), and former Malcolm in the Middle star (and strong Armed Forces Foundation supporter) Frankie Muniz. Seven members of Congress and 125 admirals and generals also attended. But the real stars, of course, were the current and former military members present who, in some cases, are still recuperating from physical injuries and PTSD resulting from their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The night was entirely about them.
In the straightforward words of Armed Forces Foundation President Patricia Driscoll, “Everyone can do something for our troops.” The Foundation exemplifies that principle, and that spirit permeated the Ronald Reagan Building on Tuesday night.
