The Patriot Dinner

National Defense University Foundation

2026 PATRIOT DINNER

October 21, 2026
Washington DC.

The Patriot Dinner is presented annually by the NDU Foundation and people and teams of extraordinary caliber whose leadership has strengthened our nation’s strategic interest. It honors exceptional and inspirational leadership and selfless dedication embody the ideals and democratic principles in pursuit of enhancing human security and global stability.

During this evening, distinguished guests from across the defense, diplomatic, government, and private sectors will gather to celebrate extraordinary achievements and contributions to our nation’s security and global stability.

For single tickets please register here

2026 Patriot Dinner Sponsors

Patriot Vanguard

Robert E. Spring

Tang Family Foundation

Defense Innovation Circle

Avrum Gray Family Foundation

Sarah and Peter Beshar Foundation

Strategic Vision Circle

National Security Circle

Steve Baumruk/Swami Iyer

Kirstjen Nielsen

Support the Future of National Security at the

NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

2026 PATRIOT DINNER

Join us in strengthening America’s national defense, security, and diplomacy by sponsoring the National Defense University Foundation’s 2026 Patriot Dinner. This prestigious event brings together senior military leaders, national security experts, and industry partners to advance professional military education and strategic leadership development. Your sponsorship directly supports programs that prepare our nation’s top military and civilian leaders for the complex global challenges ahead. Partner with us to invest in the future of U.S. security and global stability.

PATRIOT DINNER SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Patriot Vanguard – $100,000 Reserved for those who stand as unwavering vanguards of military and diplomatic service and academic excellence. Includes premier recognition, priority seating for 10, VIP experiences at the Patriot Dinner and other NDU Foundation events throughout the year
Sentinel Circle – $75,000 Honors those who lead from the front—supporting future military leaders through visionary philanthropy. Includes benefits from the Defense Innovation Circle as well as featured recognition, preferred seating for 6, VIP experience at the Patriot Dinner, and invitations to special events.	Defense Innovation Circle – $50,000 For donors who advance the cause of liberty through education and service. Includes benefits from the Strategic Vision Circle as well as preferred seating for 4, recognition in publications, and invitations to special events.
Strategic Vision Circle – $25,000 Celebrates those who fuel opportunity and achievement for our nation’s and our allies’ defenders. Includes preferred seating for 2, support for national and international students, fellows, and friends, acknowledgment at the event, and invitations to select NDU Foundation activities.	National Security Circle – $10,000 Includes seating for 2, support for national and international students, fellows, and friends, acknowledgment at the event, and invitations to select NDU Foundation activities

PATRIOT DINNER SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Patriot Vanguard – $100,000

Reserved for those who stand as unwavering vanguards of military and diplomatic service and academic excellence. Includes premier recognition, priority seating for 10, VIP experiences at the Patriot Dinner and other NDU Foundation events throughout the year

Sentinel Circle – $75,000

Honors those who lead from the front—supporting future military leaders through visionary philanthropy. Includes benefits from the Defense Innovation Circle as well as featured recognition, preferred seating for 6, VIP experience at the Patriot Dinner, and invitations to special events.

Defense Innovation Circle – $50,000

For donors who advance the cause of liberty through education and service. Includes benefits from the Strategic Vision Circle as well as preferred seating for 4, recognition in publications, and invitations to special events.

Strategic Vision Circle – $25,000

Celebrates those who fuel opportunity and achievement for our nation’s and our allies’ defenders. Includes preferred seating for 2, support for national and international students, fellows, and friends, acknowledgment at the event, and invitations to select NDU Foundation activities.

National Security Circle – $10,000

Includes seating for 2, support for national and international students, fellows, and friends, acknowledgment at the event, and invitations to select NDU Foundation activities

All sponsors will be recognized on the NDU Foundation website and all social platforms.

Contributions are fully deductible within IRS guidelines as gifts to the National Defense University Foundation. $250 per attendee is non-deductible for tax purposes.

Partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information contact:

Corporate Sponsorships

James Schmeling at Schmeling@ndufoundation.org

Ann Morrison at Morrison@NDUFoundation.org

Patriotic Philanthropists, Individuals, Family Foundations, Family Offices

James Schmeling at Schmeling@ndufoundation.org

A limited number of individual tickets will be available.

Please contact Ann Morrison at morrison@ndufoundation.org for more information

2025 Patriot Dinner

Pictured here with James Schmeling, President and CEO of NDUF, and Adm. Pete Garvin, President, National Defense University.

The 2025 event featured two Patriot Award honorees. Ms. Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX, received the 2025 American Patriot Award, for her leadership enhancing our nation’s strategic interests and security.
Mr. Michael Tang received the 2025 American Patriot Award for his Patriotic Philanthropy, as a long-term philanthropist, business leader, and exceptional contributions to his communities.

2024 Patriot Dinner

The 2024 Patriot Dinner featured a fireside chat with General Nakasone, USA (Ret.) and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen.

Previous Honorees

The Honorable Colin Powell (1997)
The Honorable Caspar Weinberger (1999)
President George H.W. Bush (2002)
The Men and Women of our Nation’s Defense Team - Accepted by Paul Wolfowitz Deputy Secretary of Defense (2003)
Senator Robert J. Dole (2004)
The Honorable Daniel K. Inouye and the Honorable Ted Stevens (2005)
Senator John H. Glenn, Jr. (2006)
Senator John W. Warner and the Honorable Ike Skelton (2007)
The Honorable Dr. Henry A. Kissinger (2008)
General David H. Petraeus, USA, and the extraordinary Men and Women of Central Command (2009)

The Honorable Robert M. Gates (2010)
Senator John McCain and the Honorable Joseph Lieberman (2011)
Men and Women of United States Special Operations Command - Accepted by Admiral William McRaven, USN (2012)
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton (2013)
The Men and Women of the National Guard - Accepted by General Frank J. Grass, USA Chief NGB (2014)
The Men and Women of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - Accepted by John O. Brennan, Director of the CIA (2015)

The Men and Women of the US Department of Defense - Accepted by the Honorable Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense and the Men and Women of the Defense and Intelligence Industry - Accepted by Mr. Norm Augustine, former OSD DR&E Executive, Acting Secretary of the Army and former Chairman, Lockheed Martin Corporation (2016)
The Honorable James Baker III and the Honorable Leon E. Panetta (2018)
The Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2021)
The Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, NATO, AUKUS, and the QUAD
General (Ret.) Paul M. Nakasone, USA, former commander, US Cyber Command (2024)
Gwynne Shotwell (2025)
Michael Tang (2025)