TYSONS, Va.— The PenFed Foundation, the charitable arm of PenFed Credit Union, announced it raised more than $1.7 million at its 17th Annual Night of Heroes Gala. In addition, during the event the creation of the PenFed Foundation Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program was announced support a group of female Afghan special forces soldiers who served alongside U.S. Army soldiers and risked their lives to protect U.S. troops.
"The PenFed Foundation is proud to celebrate 20 years of serving the brave men and women who serve our nation and the generosity and patriotism of our donors for supporting our military community," said PenFed Credit Union President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck. "As a result of our generous donors, the PenFed Foundation is empowering military service members, veterans, and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity. We are proud to announce our new program supporting the rescue and resettlement of female Afghan soldiers who, despite enormous cultural challenges, played an essential role in supporting the United States and our military.”
‘Highlight of the Evening’
The PenFed Foundation said the highlight of the evening was the introduction of an “Afghan woman hero whose work in Afghanistan centered around saving lives.” The Foundation said it worked directly with the State Department to help her and her family obtain humanitarian visas, secure safe passage for the family out of Afghanistan, and board one of the last remaining commercial flights out of Kabul.
She and her family are now successfully resettled in the U.S. and the Foundation assisted with securing housing, furniture, living essentials, and helped to register the children for school, the Foundation added.
The PenFed Foundation said it is also currently working with a “committed sisterhood of American women soldiers and veterans” from the U.S. Army Cultural Support Team (CST) who served alongside special operations forces in Afghanistan —and worked around the clock to evacuate the Afghan women who fought by their sides.
‘Tireless Efforts’
“Thanks to the CST’s tireless efforts, they were able to evacuate 30 Afghan female soldiers and their families to the United States, with several more on their way,” the Foundation stated. “The PenFed Foundation Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program is giving these fearless Afghan women, and their families, the essential support they need to resettle into our communities.”
“PenFed Foundation is proud to stand by the Afghan women who stood by us when we needed them,” said PenFed Foundation President and retired U.S. Army Gen. John Nicholson. “The PenFed Foundation Afghan Rescue and Resettlement Program will also support a small but mighty network of American CSTs to continue their service and mission—helping their Afghan sisters rebuild their lives in a land full of hope and opportunity.”
Catherine Herridge, an award-winning CBS senior investigative correspondent and military spouse and mom, emceed the event, which marked the sixth consecutive year it raised more than $1 million.
This year’s honorees included:
Veteran Entrepreneur Champion Award. Roland Smith was honored for his “drive, tenacity, and passion—attributes that are within all of those who have served our nation in uniform. Smith is an Army veteran known as the turnaround king of CEOs, and he’s brought new life to business, including Wendy’s and Office Depot – all while maintaining a commitment to character and hard work.”
Military Hero Award. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was honored for meeting the “needs of our nation’s military families and providing the help, the hope, and the honor they deserve.” Former Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Secretary Jim Nicholson accepted the award on behalf of the VA.
Corporate Hero Award. John and Michelle Flynn were honored for their “ongoing support and extraordinary dedication to the military community. John is the founder of the successful automated lending company, Open Lending, and Michelle is an accomplished businesswoman and avid equestrian.”