Celebration of Service Gala: Honoring Military Heroes and Veterans in 2026

Honoring Service at the Celebration of Service Gala

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is set to honor remarkable leaders at its much-anticipated Celebration of Service Gala on April 16, 2026. This prestigious event will take place at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located in Chantilly, Virginia, showcasing the invaluable contributions made to the military, veteran, and aviation communities.

Recognizing Exceptional Individuals and Organizations

Andrea McCarren, president of The PenFed Foundation, expressed her pride in announcing the honorees, stating, "We are honored to celebrate these inspiring leaders and organizations who truly embody the spirit of service. Their dedication uplifts the military, veteran, and aviation communities, and we congratulate each honoree for making a lasting impact." The foundation aims to empower veterans with essential tools and resources for a successful transition from military to civilian life, a mission made possible by the exemplary commitment of these honorees.

Notable Honorees

Among those being honored is Ross Perot Jr., an accomplished aviation enthusiast and chairman of The Perot Companies. His lifelong devotion to service and leadership shines through his significant achievements, including being the first to complete a helicopter flight around the world in under 30 days and serving as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Perot’s leadership roles extend to chairing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board and participating in various esteemed organizations.

Heather "Lucky" Penney, a former F-16 pilot and trailblazer for women in aviation, will receive the Military Hero Award. Recognized for her heroism on September 11, 2001, Penney has had an illustrious career and currently serves as the Director of Research at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Her commitment to advocating for women in aviation continues to inspire a new generation of aviators.

The Community Service Award will be bestowed upon the RedTail Flight Academy, a nonprofit that has guided over 3,000 students in aviation, STEM, and leadership for 25 years. Located at New York Stewart International Airport, the Academy aims to perpetuate the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, training future pilots and mechanics.

Achilles Freedom Team will receive the Military Advocacy Award. This initiative, part of Achilles International, has empowered veterans with disabilities to participate in mainstream running events since 2004, emphasizing resilience and achievement. Their participation in over 75,000 marathon race miles exemplifies the strength and commitment of the veteran community.

A Night of Celebration

The event will be hosted by Pete Muntean, a CNN correspondent and pilot based in Washington, D.C. Muntean brings decade-long experience, covering aviation and transportation, adding depth and respect to the Gala's proceedings.

Community members, leaders, and advocates are invited to join this remarkable celebration of service, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the military and veteran communities. For more details and ticket reservations, interested parties can visit the PenFed Foundation website.

About The PenFed Foundation

Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition from military service to civilian success. Backed by PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has allocated over $55 million in financial support to veterans and military families, ensuring more donations directly fund essential programs. For more information, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org.