Armed Forces Foundation's Annual Tribute Event Draws Support from NASCAR and Fox Sports

WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The 200 wounded service members and their families in attendance last night, March 3, at the Armed Forces Foundation's Sixth Annual Congressional Gala were treated to a group of very recognizable special guests in the form of the cast and crew of Fox NFL Sunday, NASCAR drivers and the heads of both Fox Sports and NASCAR. But throughout the evening, these celebrity attendees made it clear that the troops were the ones being honored.

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"This award means more to me than any of my accomplishments on the football field," said Michael Strahan, who himself grew up a military brat. These sentiments were repeated by the rest of the crew as they recounted their experiences from their November, 2009 trip to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan where they broadcast their NFL pre-game show live in front of US soldiers.

Congressman Duncan D. Hunter presented the Fox NFL Sunday crew and Fox Sports chair David Hill with the Armed Forces Foundation's Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Patriot of the Year Award. The award is given annually to those individuals showing an above and beyond commitment to the morale and welfare of American service members.

Receiving the Leadership award was Kenneth Preston, Sergeant Major of the Army, who after being introduced by Congressman Chet Edwards thanked the Armed Forces Foundation for their work with wounded soldiers.

Wrapping up the awards presentations was the handing out of the Bill and Beverly Young Humanitarian of the Year Award. This year the award was given to both Aaron's Corporation and NASCAR. Accepting for Aaron's was Chief Operating Officer Ken Butler who promised to repay the Armed Forces Foundation by placing the organization's logo on the Aaron's 00 Sprint Cup car for an upcoming race this season.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France and NASCAR board member and International Speedway Corporation head Lesa Kennedy accepted NASCAR's award. Mr. France stressed that the award means so much for NASCAR because "patriotism and support for our troops goes into everything we do."

In the past year the Armed Forces Foundation has worked extensively with both organizations, coordinating a nationwide Christmas toy drive with Aaron's that collected over 60,000 toys and taking wounded service members to NASCAR races and giving them the opportunities to meet and interact with drivers and pit crews.

In handing out the awards, each recipient was quick to acknowledge the contribution of the service members in attendance and the commitment of their families. Emcee Brian Kilmeade of Fox News summed up the entire spirit of the evening in his opening remarks:

"It goes without saying that we are extremely proud to honor those who bravely and tirelessly serve our country, and tonight's gathering is not only about honoring those in uniform but also to honor their families."

In fact, a renewed commitment to the military family has found its way into the Armed Forces Foundation's mission statement with the new motto, "Families Serve Too."

Foundation President Patricia Driscoll elaborated on this in her speech. "We know firsthand the hardships faced by military families and have witnessed the trickle-down effect of multiple deployments on children. In response, we have tailored many of our programs to directly and positively impact the loved ones of our heroes."

Driscoll then went on to stress that those receiving awards contributed to the mission of the Armed Forces Foundation possible by offering a morale boost, as in seeing a favorite NFL show broadcast from a war zone or experiencing a NASCAR race from the pits, and direct material assistance, as in the collection of toys for children at Christmas.

About Armed Forces Foundation

In 2001 the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) was established as a 501( c )3 organization under the U.S. Department of Defense's America Supports You program. AFF offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families as they cope with difficult circumstances. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with utilities and rent; hotel and travel costs; holiday gifts for military children; and therapeutic recreational activities. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America's Service Members. For more information on our Foundation or to aid us in our mission please visit us at our website www.armedforcesfoundation.org.

SOURCE Armed Forces Foundation