Voices for National Service honored 18 distinguished leaders in government, business and journalism at the 13th Annual Friends of National Service Awards at Union Station in Washington, DC.
The honorees were selected based on recognition and support for national service as a solution to some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. Each award winner has helped to raise public awareness of national service and elevate national service as a legislative priority.
“These honorees are remarkable leaders from across the nation who understand the unique value of national service as a cost-effective strategy for engaging citizens, improving communities, and strengthening the nation,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “Their commitment to national service and leadership in advancing the service movement directly benefit communities large and small, and we are grateful for their continued efforts to help expand service opportunities in America.”
The 2016 awards and honorees included:
Edward M. Kennedy National Service Lifetime Leadership Award
For life-long dedication to citizen service and for outstanding leadership in advancing national service as a civic commitment and legislative priority
Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut
Citizen Service Award
For investing in the civic health of our nation through support of national service
Michael Ward, Chairman and CEO, CSX
Corporate Service Award
For investing in the civic health of our nation through support of national service
Comcast NBCUniversal
Guest Speaker David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation
Outstanding National Service Advocacy Award
For outstanding leadership and advocacy of national service as a state and federal priority
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York
Representative Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts
Representative Robert Dold of Illinois
Distinguished Service Award
For prioritizing national service funding and legislation to expand high-quality
opportunities for citizens to serve their community and our country
Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire
Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard of California
Outstanding New Member Award
For elevating national service as a first term legislative priority
Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana
Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts
State Leadership Award
For leadership and innovation in leveraging national service to meet state needs
Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe of Virginia
Local Leadership Award
For leadership and innovation in leveraging national service to meet local needs
Mayor Richard Berry of Albuquerque, New Mexico
Mayor Sly James of Kansas City, Missouri
Mayor Francis Slay of St. Louis, Missouri
Service in Media Award
For using journalism to raise awareness of and encourage participation in national service
E.J. Dionne, Jr. of the Washington Post
Franklin D. Roosevelt Service and Conservation Corps Leadership Award
For championing the important role of service and conservation corps in modern day America, reflective of the legendary ideals and work accomplished by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Depression Era Civilian Conservation Corps
Senator John McCain of Arizona
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado
A special thanks to our sponsors:
Event Media Highlights:
Comcast NBCUniversal to be Recognized for Support of National Service
Bedford Patch: Ayotte Recognized for Support of National Service
The Pueblo Chieftain: Bennet to be honored with Roosevelt award
Glenview Patch: Dold Honored for Support of National Service
Check out the Storify recap from the event: