+ October 29, 2008 :
Waldorf Astoria, New Your City

As a result of the efforts of a strong and dedicated coalition that exemplify the principles of Navy SEALs, a record $3 million was raised at this event on behalf of the SEAL community.

Navy Seal Warrior Fund’s founder and President, David C. Janke, welcomed the largest group of attendees ever: 1,200 people, including approximately 120 active duty SEALs; retired SEALs; their spouses; and the families and surviving spouses of fallen SEALs. Dignified guests included Chief of Chaplains RADB Bob Burt, co-anchor of Fox News Channel’s America’s Newsroom Megyn Kelly, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Admiral Eric T. Olson, United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition President Jim Lorraine, Secretary of the Navy Honorable Donald C. Winter, Commander of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group Scott Moore, Medal of Honor Recipients Tom Norris and Mike Thornton, Commander Pete Vassely, and the winner of our Patriot Award, Roger Ailes.

Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Donald C. Winter, made one of the evening’s special presentations when he announced that the name of the newest Zumwalt-class Destroyer will be USS Michael Monsoor. Designated as DDG 1001, the name honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Ramadi, Iraq.  This momentous announcement garnered national television coverage on Fox News Channel’s America’s Newsroom on October 31, 2008. 

The Navy SEAL Warrior Fund wishes to express its sincerest thanks to the following individuals and companies for their outstanding efforts in making this event possible and successful: Bandito Brothers; Blackwater USA; Captain Stephen Gilmore, USN retired; Jamie Niven, Sotheby’s; Captain Duncan Smith, American Airlines, the official airlines of the navy SEAL Warrior Fund gala event; and Michelle Lynch at Pisa Travel for her tireless work on the behalf of the Fund. 

Benefit Co-Chairs Alexandra and Steve Cohen, Donald G. Abbey, Rod Fox, Gary L. Ginsberg and Sean Hannity, along with the dedicated and active board of the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund: David Janke, Jim Ball, Drew Bisset, Lou Bremer, Jim Carrier, Andrew Darcy, Sean Dillon, Quinn Fionda, Fred Godbee, DJ Haley, Tim Phillips, Brendan Rogers and William C. White