Gala Highlights
Over 600 guests joined us for the opening gala event on July 29, 2024, celebrating 20 years of the MCEC Student 2 Student® program and benefitting the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership ProgramTM.
The summit opened with a video greeting by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. “It’s great to have the chance to speak to the Military Child Education Coalition,” said Secretary Austin.
“For more than 25 years, MCEC has worked to support the youngest members of our DoD community. Our military children make big sacrifices to support their parents’ service to our country, so we’re committed to standing by them and to helping them achieve their own dreams.”
Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Students Take the Stage
Students from the newly formed MCEC Student Advisory Council (SAC) took center stage, sharing their experiences as military-connected kids and highlighting the impact of MCEC student programming.
“(While attending the FHSLP) our group had the privilege to participate in the United States Air Force Academy’s annual National Character in Leadership Symposium. We heard dozens of speakers from all walks of life share their personal leadership experiences. I learned being a leader does not mean being the smartest or most experienced. Being a leader means being bold, being compassionate, and being someone who will show up not just for yourself, but for your team, your friends, and your family.”
Emily, 2024 Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program attended, USAFA
Distinguished Speakers
Distinguished presenter U.S. Army LTG (Ret.) Darrell K. Williams, President of Hampton University, offered special remarks during the summit’s opening gala event.
“Thank you, MCEC, for standing in the gaps of those lost spaces in between military assignments, moving from one place to another often on a global scale. That is one of the pressing needs of our time, and you have filled that space for almost three decades.”
U.S. Army LTG (Ret.) Darrell K. Williams
Successful Fundraiser
The opening gala event featured a fundraiser for the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program, surpassing its goal of $25,000. Our heartfelt thanks to the individuals and organizations that helped make the fundraiser a success and pave the way for the next class of student leaders! Special remarks were given by COL Guy St. Louis, speaking of the impact Student 2 Student and the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program had on his daughter, Briana.
Military Child Champion Award
This year, we introduced the Military Child Champion Award, honoring those who make significant contributions of time, talent and resources to military families. The 2024 winners were USAA (Corporate level), Wounded Warrior Project (Partner level), and the admirable GEN (Ret.) Dennis J. Reimer and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer (Individual level). See the 2024 Awards page to watch the ceremony.
- Introduced this year, the Military Child Champion Award honors commitment and dedication to military-connected children by individuals, corporations, and organizations.
- Corporate Award – USAA: A Legacy of Support for Military Families
- Accepting the award for USAA was Tara Payne, Director of Strategic Communications and Reputation Management. “We are incredibly proud to partner with the Military Child Education Coalition and to support their mission to enhance the educational experiences of military children,” said Payne.
- Partner Award – Wounded Warrior Project: Advocating for Wounded Veterans and Their Families. Joining to accept the award on stage was Ashley Bunce of the Wounded Warrior Philanthropy, Community Impact, and Partnership Team.
- In a special video message, Walter Piatt, CEO of Wounded Warrior Project shared, “On behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project, it is an honor to accept the inaugural Military Child Champion Award in the non-profit Partner category. For more than 20 years, Wounded Warrior Project made a promise to those we serve to be there for them and their families no matter what.
- Military Child Champion Individual Awards were presented to General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, former Chief of Staff of the Army, and Mrs. Mary Jo Reimer, both of whom have been ardent supporters of MCEC.
- General and Mrs. Reimer were in attendance, with General Reimer coming to the stage to accept the award.
- The Reimer’s support and leadership have significantly impacted military-connected students and, with the establishment of the Suzy Carlton Student Leadership and Civic Responsibility Award, General and Mrs. Reimer continue to grow young leaders.
“A tremendous amount of progress has been made in MCEC’s 26 years. I have been inspired by the young people who participate in MCEC programs that have come across this stage tonight. They have made a difference in their schools and with their families. They will make an even greater difference when they go out into the world.”
General (Retired) Dennis J. Reimer, former Chief of Staff of the Army
