RELEASE: U.S. Navy Memorial Announces 2026 Lone Sailor Award and Naval Heritage Award Recipients
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Navy Memorial is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Lone Sailor Awards and Naval Heritage Award, recognizing individuals whose distinguished service and lifelong contributions embody the values, leadership, and spirit of the Sea Services.
Our 2026 honorees are:
Kyle Carpenter USMC (Ret.) – Lone Sailor Award Recipient
J. Ronald Terwilliger – Lone Sailor Award Recipient
Kenneth Fisher – Naval Heritage Award Recipient
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, USCG - Distinguished Service Commendation
The awards will be presented during the United States Navy Memorial's annual Lone Sailor Awards Dinner on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
“The Lone Sailor Awards recognize individuals whose lives of service continue long after they leave uniform," said Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial. "It is a true privilege to honor this year's recipients, whose character, sacrifice, and dedication reflect the very best of our Sea Services. Corporal Kyle Carpenter's extraordinary courage, Ron Terwilliger's lifelong commitment to strengthening communities, and Ken Fisher's unwavering support of military and veteran families have made a profound difference in the lives of countless people. Their achievements command our deepest respect and admiration, and their example will continue to inspire future generations of Sailors, Marines, and citizens for years to come."
ABOUT THE AWARDEES:
Kyle Carpenter is a Medal of Honor Recipient and United States Marine Corps veteran whose extraordinary heroism in Afghanistan exemplifies the highest ideals of military service. On November 21, 2010, while serving as a squad automatic rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, Carpenter sustained catastrophic injuries after shielding a fellow Marine from a grenade blast. His actions saved the life of his comrade and demonstrated uncommon valor under fire. Following years of recovery and rehabilitation, Carpenter has become a nationally recognized advocate for wounded veterans, resilience, and leadership. Through public speaking and community engagement, he continues to inspire Americans with his message of courage, perseverance, and service before self.
J. Ronald Terwilliger is a distinguished United States Navy veteran, housing advocate, philanthropist, and business leader whose decades of public service have transformed communities across the nation. Following his naval service, Terwilliger built a highly successful career in real estate and later dedicated himself to addressing one of America's most pressing challenges: access to affordable housing. Through his leadership, philanthropy, and policy advocacy, he has advanced innovative solutions to expand housing opportunities for veterans, working families, and underserved populations. His commitment to strengthening communities and improving quality of life reflects the enduring values of service, leadership, and stewardship learned during his time in the Navy.
Kenneth Fisher serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military, veteran, and military family communities. Under his leadership, Fisher House Foundation has expanded its impact worldwide, providing comfort homes near military and VA medical centers that allow families to remain together during medical treatment. The organization has served millions of military and veteran family members while also supporting scholarship programs and emergency assistance initiatives. Fisher's dedication to honoring service members and caring for military families has strengthened the fabric of the military community and advanced the legacy of service that the Naval Heritage Award celebrates.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan is a United States Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician whose extraordinary actions during the devastating 2025 Central Texas floods helped save 165 lives. During what was the first rescue mission of his Coast Guard career, Ruskan deployed with a crew from Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi to Camp Mystic, where he served as the only triage coordinator on site. Amid hazardous and rapidly changing conditions, he helped organize evacuations, assess and prioritize survivors, and ensure those in need received timely care and transportation to safety. His calm leadership, sound judgment, and courage in the face of an unprecedented disaster exemplify the Coast Guard’s highest traditions of service and devotion to duty.
Established by the United States Navy Memorial, the Lone Sailor Award recognizes Sea Service veterans who have distinguished themselves during their military careers and who have continued to excel in their civilian pursuits. The Naval Heritage Award honors individuals whose work has significantly advanced the welfare, traditions, and legacy of America's Sea Services.
For more information, please visit www.navymemorial.org/lsad.