Miles D. White, Executive Chairman of the Board, Abbott, honored with 2020 NSF Patriot Award
Last week, the Navy SEAL Foundation hosted its 9th Annual Midwest Evening of Tribute. Donors from more than 26 states and Puerto Rico showed their support for the benevolent organization and contributed over $3.2 million to sustain its programs. The live-streamed event, which has always been a cornerstone of the organization’s fundraising efforts, was held in Chicago and included a limited number of on-site attendees following state and local ordinances. The event’s virtual audience was tuned in from across the globe and included active-duty Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community members and NSW Gold Star and Surviving Family members.
The Foundation’s Evening of Tribute recognized the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community. The event was chaired by Veronica and Bob Loquercio, who have been staunch supporters of the Foundation for many years. Mr. Loquercio, a community leader and business owner, shared, “Given how COVID has forced the Foundation to move all of their events to 2021, it was important to host an event to ensure the ongoing support of those who never have an easy day. I am grateful to everyone who stepped up to participate and participate in the event. No matter what is happening in our daily lives, the SEAL community still undertakes their missions, and they still need our support.”
Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation, shared stories of NSF’s impact over the past 20 years and thanked donors and fundraisers for their unwavering support. She then presented Miles D. White, Executive Chairman of the Board, Abbott Labs, with the prestigious Navy SEAL Foundation Patriot Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to the nation’s betterment and embody the SEAL community’s values. Mr. White and his team at Abbott have worked tirelessly to help American citizens, especially in this time of COVID-19.
Bob Loquercio welcomed General James Mattis, USMC, (Ret.) to the stage. General Mattis delivered the evening’s keynote address and spoke about unity and the qualities that make America the nation among nations. “America’s essential character is demonstrated and will always shine through in innumerable ways across our country every day, just as it is here tonight. From SEALs on the outpost line living up to the Navy values of honor, courage and commitment; to those who live here in Chicago whose devotion to this city could never be diminished; to the Navy SEAL Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the SEALs and their families; to role models recognized by the Patriot Award…these are the examples that define America.”
Veronica and Bob Loquercio served as the 2020 Evening of Tribute chairs. They were joined in support by many inspiring individuals and companies, including Abbott, AbbVie, William Blair, Liz and David Chandler, Janet and Craig Duchossois, FedEx, Juliana and Robert Ford, Jay Franke and David Herro, General Dynamics, Kenneth C. Griffin, GCM Grosvenor, Kristen Hertel and Muneer Satter, Richard S. Holson III, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, The Lakonishok Family, Leslie and Michael C. Martin, Cindy and Robert Mayo, JoAnn and Tom Prescott, Pritzker Military Foundation in recognition of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, Doug Rose, Lydia and Patrick G. Ryan Jr., Shirley & Patrick G. Ryan Sr., Cari and Michael Sacks, Frederick W. Smith, Dr. Stacie and Richard J. Stephenson, Sandi and Bill Strong, and Robin and Mike Zafirovski.