Gala Honorees
Annually, the Midway American Patriot Award honors those whose lifetime of accomplishments epitomize the true meaning of patriotism, personal sacrifice, and selfless service to country.
2024 Honoree
USN (Ret.)
Retired Navy officer and former CEO of the USS Midway Museum
VIDEO GALLERY
Past Honorees
Since 2007, the Midway American Patriot Award has been awarded to an individual or individuals who exemplify the finest of American ideals, recognizing individual acts as well as cumulative lifetime achievements. Thank you to all of our past honorees, and those to come.
2022
The 2022 Midway American Patriot Award was presented to Gary Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation for their incredible support of active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
2021
The Midway American Patriot Award for 2021 was presented to James Kennedy, son of Barbara Cox who christened the USS Midway in 1945, as well as two former commanding officers of the USS Midway, Rear Adm. Lawrence Chambers, USN (Ret.) and Rear Adm. Riley Mixson, USN (Ret.).
2019
In 2019, the award was presented to two of TOPGUN’s most-accomplished graduates Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN (Ret.) and Vice Admiral Walter E. Carter, Jr., USN (Ret.).
2018
Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and CAPT Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.) accepted the award for their service and sacrifices to the community and country.
2017
The Award was dedicated to Naval Aviator Vietnam prisoners of war and was accepted by Will Abbott, Jack Ensch, Ev Southwick, and Bill Stark.
2016
The Award was presented to Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole for their ‘Legacy of Service.’
2015
The Award was accepted on behalf of the Greatest Generation, and all WWII Veterans, by Stuart Hedley and Lincoln Ward, who collectively served from the first day to the last day of WWII – from Pearl Harbor to VJ Day.
2014
The Award was dedicated to the surviving heroes of the Battle of Midway of which our ship was named. Honorees representing so many included: Jeff Blackman, Elton Frazier, Rudy Matz, Edward McKenna, Andy Mills, Charles Monroe M.D., and Ervin Wendt.
2013
Mr. Malin Burnham accepted the Award for his lifetime achievements in the local San Diego area.
2012
The award was presented to two distinguished Marine Corps veterans, former California Governor, Senator, and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson; and Baseball Hall of Fame Sportscaster Jerry Coleman in honor of the Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation.
2011
In keeping with the 100th Centennial of Naval Aviation, two naval aviators, Senator John McCain and Vice Admiral James Stockdale were honored for their sacrifices to our nation.
2010
The award was presented to Lee Iacocca for his patriotism and dedication to the preservation of the Statue of Liberty.
2009
The Astronauts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions were honored for their contribution to the Space Program.
2008
The Award was presented to the living Medal of Honor recipients from World War II.
2007
The first annual Midway American Patriot Award honored the late, legendary performer Bob Hope.
For details on upcoming sponsorship and underwriting opportunities:
Craig Fisher, Director of Partnership Marketing
(619) 398-8237
The USS Midway Foundation
Is a separate registered non-profit (51-0571147) and is building an endowment to support the educational program in perpetuity. The Foundation also provides grants to vetted and monitored organizations that support Veterans, active duty, and first responders in San Diego.
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