Military Women's Memorial Patriot Leadership Award Gala and Fundraiser

2026 PATRIOT LEADERSHIP AWARD GALA & FUNDRAISER

An unforgettable evening awaits as we celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Military Women’s Memorial, honor eight extraordinary women with our prestigious 2026 Patriot Leadership Award, and come together for a wonderful night of celebration, inspiration, and fun—all in support of a cause that matters.

Enjoy an elegant evening, wonderful company, great food, and memorable moments while helping ensure the stories, service, and sacrifices of our Nation’s military women are honored, preserved, and shared for generations to come.

7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception
7:30 p.m. Dinner and Award Program
10:30 p.m. Event Conclusion

Attire: Business, Cocktail, or Service Dress

Eight extraordinary women. Eight remarkable stories. A legacy of courage, leadership, service, and sacrifice.

We will proudly recognize eight exceptional women with our prestigious 2026 Patriot Leadership Award during our annual Patriot Leadership Award Gala & Fundraiser.

At the heart of this special evening is the presentation of the Patriot Leadership Award, recognizing individuals whose extraordinary achievements, inspirational service, and lasting impact reflect the ideals and patriotism embodied by the more than three million women who have served our Nation.

We are especially honored to celebrate our 2026 recipients, representing four pinnacles of excellence:

🦅 COURAGE UNDER CAPTIVITY

Honoring extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering strength in the face of captivity.

• Melissa Coleman, Specialist, U.S. Army
• Rhonda Cornum, Brigadier General (Dr.), U.S. Army, Retired | Gulf War Veteran
• Shoshana Johnson, Specialist, U.S. Army | Iraq War Veteran
• Jessica Lynch, Private First Class, U.S. Army | Iraq War Veteran

🦅 HISTORIC FIRSTS

Celebrating trailblazers who broke barriers, challenged expectations, and opened doors for generations of women to follow.

• Janina Simmons, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, Retired
• Tiffany Zaloudek, Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force

🦅 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary public service, leadership, and advocacy for those who have served our Nation and their families.

• The Honorable Elizabeth Dole, Founder, Elizabeth Dole Foundation

🦅 LEGACY

Honoring a transformative legacy of leadership, service, and enduring contributions to our Nation.

• The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (Posthumous)

From former Prisoners of War and military trailblazers to extraordinary leaders in public service and the law, these remarkable women represent the many ways women have strengthened, shaped, and served our Nation.

Their stories are different. Their paths are unique. Yet each reflects an extraordinary commitment to something greater than herself.

Together, they remind us that courage takes many forms, leadership leaves a lasting legacy, and the contributions of women are forever woven into the fabric of our Nation's history.

✨ Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary women and the enduring legacy of women's service.

Learn more about our honorees, and gala - https://womensmemorial.ejoinme.org/gala

**Please note that we cannot guarantee that all members of your party will be seated together.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, for their generous support and steadfast commitment to honoring and preserving the legacy of our Nation's military women. See less