Gala Honorees

The 20th anniversary of the Midway Museum’s momentous arrival in San Diego was celebrated as we honored former USS Midway Museum CEO RADM Mac McLaughlin, USN (Ret.).

COL Robert Modrzejewski, USMC (Ret.) and COL Jay Vargas, USMC (Ret.) were honored in homage to the 100th anniversary of Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the 50th anniversary of America’s withdrawal from the Vietnam War.

Gary Sinise and the Gary Sinise Foundation were recognized for their incredible support of active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Celebrating the 75-Year Legacy of the USS Midway, we presented the Award to James Cox Kennedy, son of Barbara Cox who christened the USS Midway in 1945, and former commanding officers of the USS Midway RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (Ret.) and RADM Riley Mixson, USN (Ret.).

The Award was presented to two of TOPGUN’s most-accomplished graduates: ADM James Winnefeld, Jr., USN (Ret.) and VADM Walter Carter, Jr., USN (Ret.).

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and CAPT Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.) were recognized for their lifetime dedication to public service, space exploration, and national security.

Naval Aviators who were Vietnam POWs were honored for their service and sacrifices in the name of freedom, and the Award was accepted by a few of those heroes: Will Abbott, Jack Ensch, Ev Southwick, and Bill Stark.

Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole were celebrated for their ‘Legacy of Service.’

Stuart 'Stu' Hedley and Lincoln 'Linc' Ward, who collectively served from the first to the last day of WWII – from Pearl Harbor to VJ Day – accepted the Award on behalf of the Greatest Generation and all WWII Veterans.

The surviving heroes of the Battle of Midway, for which our ship was named, were honored. The heroes honored in person were: (back) Rudy Matz, Charles Monroe M.D., Ervin Wendt, Edward McKenna, (front) Jeff Blackman, Andy Mills, and Elton Frazier.

Malin Burnham received the Award for his lifetime achievements in the San Diego area.

Two distinguished Marine Corps veterans, former California Governor and San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson and Baseball Hall of Fame Sportscaster Jerry Coleman, were recognized in honor of the Centennial of Marine Corps Aviation.

In keeping with the 100th Centennial of Naval Aviation, two naval aviators, Senator John McCain and Vice Admiral James Stockdale, USN (Ret.), were honored for their sacrifices to our nation.

Lee Iacocca was celebrated for his patriotism and dedication to the preservation of the Statue of Liberty.

The Astronauts of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions were honored for their contribution to NASA's space programs.

The Award was presented to the living Medal of Honor recipients from WWII, with proceeds supporting The National WWII Museum's education programs.

The first annual Midway American Patriot Award Gala honored the late legendary performer Bob Hope.