The American Patriot Award (APA) recognizes men and women of extraordinary excellence whose leadership and character have strengthened our nation’s strategic interests. It honors exceptional Americans whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication embody the United States’ ideals and principles of democracy in pursuit of enhancing national security and global stability.
APA 2021 HONOREE:
In Recognition of the Role of the Chairman providing Historic Leadership and Service to our Nation as the Highest Ranking and Most Senior Military Adviser to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council since 1949. This was the 19th American Patriot Award presented.
Established during World War II to advise the President on the strategic direction of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) continued in existence after the war and, as military advisers and planners, have played a significant role in the development of national policy
The collective body of the JCS is headed by the Chairman (or the Vice Chairman in the Chairman's absence), who sets the agenda and presides over JCS meetings. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council (NSC), however, all JCS members are by law military advisers, and they may respond to a request or voluntarily submit, through the Chairman, advice or opinions to the President, the Secretary of Defense, or NSC.
We were honored to have General Mark Milley, USA accept the American Patriot Award, on behalf of the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Milley is the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to becoming Chairman on October 1, 2019, General Milley served as the 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.