James Receives Honor for Service to Military Community

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2014 – Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James received the Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation’s American Hero Award at the foundation’s Night of Heroes Gala here May 14.

James was the keynote speaker for the event, which was held at the National Building Museum. She was presented the award by former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, retired Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, for her support of military men and women during her 30 years of service in the private and government sectors.

The PenFed Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to assist service members and their families, wounded warriors and other veterans in the areas of financial literacy and housing.

“In my opinion, when you’re leading any organization, it’s always all about people -- and there’s no group of people who have worked harder or sacrificed more for our nation than our veterans,” James said. “It’s such an honor to receive this award from the PenFed Foundation, which has been serving our wounded warriors for more than 10 years now, increasing financial literacy for our troops and helping to make the American dream of home ownership come true for so many of them.”

James, who has served as Air Force secretary since December 20, 2013, is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and providing for the welfare of more than 690,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian airmen and their families.

From 2010 until becoming the Air Force secretary, James was chair of the national advisory council for the PenFed Foundation, where she helped to build and expand its key programs benefiting the military community.

“Throughout her career, Secretary James has worked to ensure that America’s obligation to our service members doesn’t end when they put away their uniforms,” said Jane Whitfield, president and chief executive officer of the PenFed Foundation. “We are proud to recognize her commitment to this vital issue as part of this year’s gala.”

Retired Navy Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., president and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America, received PenFed’s Military Hero Award at the event. Mary Scott, board of governors chair, and Joyce Wessel Raezer, executive director, National Military Family Association, received the Community Hero Award. Visa received the Corporate Hero Award.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Article compiled from Air Force Public Affairs, Air Force News Service, and other news reports.)