General David Petraeus and the Men and Women of Central Command to Receive 2009 American Patriot Award

Presented by the National Defense University Foundation with Special Remarks by General Ann Dunwoody, USA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Defense University Foundation (NDUF) announced today the recipient of this year's American Patriot Award: General David Petraeus, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Men and Women of CENTCOM. The recipients will receive this prestigious award at a black-tie event, American Patriot Award Gala, on Friday, November 13, 2009 held in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

In honor of the recipients, General Ann Dunwoody, USA, and General John Rogers Galvin, USA (Ret), will make remarks, and Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Ski Johnson will perform live. Additionally, His Excellency Samir Sumaida'ie, Ambassador of The Republic of Iraq and His Excellency Said Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan will attend. Both Ambassadors have CENTCOM locations in their respective countries.

NDUF's American Patriot Award Gala is one of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious events, attended by nearly 600 guests, including senior Administration officials, Members of Congress, senior military officials, Ambassadors, and corporate and community leaders. Beyond honoring the recipients, the Gala supports National Defense University (NDU) and its crucial mission of educating national security leaders. Students of NDU are the next generation of ambassadors, national and international military commanders and civilian defense industry leaders -- patriots who have committed their lives to furthering the security of our nation and the world.

"National Defense University Foundation's American Patriot Award recognizes exceptional Americans who have demonstrated a profound and abiding love of country and whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication symbolizes our nation's ideals, values and democratic principles," said Walter Stadtler, Ambassador (Ret), President and CEO, National Defense University Foundation. "General Petraeus and the Men and Women of Central Command, have played a vital role in safeguarding national security -- especially during these times of heightened security, and for their efforts, they are well deserving of this award."

Previous recipients of the American Patriot Award include The Honorable Henry A. Kissinger, General Colin Powell, The Honorable Caspar Weinberger, former President George H.W. Bush, The Men and Women of our Nation's Defense Team, The Honorable Bob Dole, The Honorable Daniel K Inouye and The Honorable Ted Stevens, The Honorable John Glenn, The Honorable John Warner, and The Honorable Ike Skelton.

The National Defense University Foundation, Inc. was established in 1982 to support and enhance the mission and goals of the National Defense University through promoting excellence and innovation in education by nurturing high standards of scholarship, leadership and professionalism.

The National Defense University is the country's preeminent institution for military, diplomatic and civilian national security education, research 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.

For more information on the American Patriot Award and the Gala, please visit our website at www.americanpatriotaward.org or contact Nancy Miller at 202/685-2527, email: millern@nduf.org.

SOURCE National Defense University Foundation