2020 Lone Sailor Awards Program
View the full program below to join us in Honoring, Recognizing & Celebrating the lives and legacies of 26th Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis, USMC (Ret.) and Navy Veteran & Iconic Singer-Songwriter, Mr. Bill Withers.
2020 Agenda & Speakers
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV, USN (Ret.) - President and CEO, United States Navy Memorial
Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr., USN (Ret.) - Chairman of the Board, United States Navy Memorial
Bill Withers Tribute
Presentation to Marcia Withers
Marty Kropelnicki - President and Chief Executive Officer, California Water Service
Why the U.S. Navy Memorial?
Dr. Jack London - Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of CACI International, Inc.
In Their Own Words – Sea Service Leaders
Vice Admiral Carol M. Pottenger, USN (Ret.)
Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Bill Lescher
Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Charles Ray
Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Lieutenant General Eric Smith
General James Mattis Tribute
Presentation to General James Mattis
Ramon Rodriguez - Master Sergeant, US Army Reserve (Ret.); Director of Sales, US Money Reserve
Lean On Me Music Video
Featuring Kori Withers, Aloe Blacc, Graham Nash, Ray Parker Jr., and the U.S. Navy Band
Leadership & Inspiration
“During these incredibly challenging times for our Nation, I could not think of two better examples of leadership and inspiration than General James Mattis and Mr. Bill Withers. They exemplify the ideals of selfless service and extol the strength and values of a nation united.”
- Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV, USN (Ret.), President & CEO of the Navy Memorial
Special Performance of “Lean on Me”
The themes of this year’s event were the ideals of Service to our Nation and the lessons and ideals invoked by Bill Wither’s song “Lean on Me.”
We’d like to thank to the U.S. Navy Band, Aloe Blacc, Ray Parker Jr., Graham Nash, and Kori Withers for participating in our program. Watch their performance in the video to the left.
Hear from Leaders in the Sea Services
Listen to our nation’s Sea Service leaders share firsthand what they believe it means to serve, to be dedicated and driven by a common mission, and to lean on each other.
“You can’t have the world’s finest fighting force without recruiting from the world’s finest country, which is America.”
- Lieutenant General Eric Smith, U.S. Marine Corps
Commemorate this Event
Remember our first-ever virtual Lone Sailor Awards program by taking home this limited-edition challenge coin. Order this unique keepsake today and own a part of history.
Help Us Say “Thank You” to Our Sea Service Members
Now is our chance to thank them, to say that we are with them, to show that even a Lone Sailor is never truly alone. You can play a key role in helping us do that by supporting our mission, along with our future events and programs.