Past Events

Major General John H. Russell
Leadership Award Luncheon

• 26 October 2011
• The Union League Club
• New York

The Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award Luncheon was held on October 26, 2011, in New York City.   It was a sold out event for this year’s Award Recipient, the Honorable Francis J. “Bing” West and Military Guest of Honor Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, USMC. 

Major General John H. Russell, USMC, was the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps.  The Major General John H. Russell Leadership Award,established by his daughter, Mrs. Vincent Astor, and the Marine Corps University Foundation, is presented annually to a distinguished American whose commitment to personal and professional excellence embodies those qualities of leadership and character uniquely associated with the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. West, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs is a Marine. Bing West has embedded himself over 25 times with our Marines serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  As a result of his many visits, he has written several books on his experiences. Thank you to Bing and Random House, the Luncheon memento was a copy of his latest book, The Wrong War. 

The Military Guest of Honor and Commandant of the Marine Corps’ representative was Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, USMC.  General Hejlik spoke about the State of the Marine Corps and the many challenges it faces during the coming years.

Dr. Chris Harmon, the current Major General Matthew C. Horner Chair of Military Theory, also shared his experiences and observations about the University – its strong curricula and programs, talented faculty, and inquisitive and combat experienced students.  Dr. Harmon has served the University for many years as a Title 10 Professor, the Kim T. Adamson Chair of Insurgency and Terrorism, and now as the Horner Chair. 

Over 190 guests and sponsors interacted with students, faculty, and school directors from the Marine Corps University. Our Luncheon Sponsorsfor the past three years have been Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Saunders III. The Luncheon Chairpersons were:  Mr. Tom A. Saunders III, Mrs. Jordan H. Saunders, and Mr. Guy P. Wyser-Pratte.

Special thanks are extended to Pipe Major Joe Brady and the Marine Color Guard from the First Marine Corps District. 

We look forward to next year’s Award Luncheon and hope you will able to join us.  Details will be posted well in advance of the event for your consideration.