Three outstanding leaders recognized at the inaugural Forum on Leadership
The Bush Center recognized three outstanding leaders at the inaugural Forum on Leadership on April 19, 2018.
Bush Institute Military Service Citation: Blayne Smith
The George W. Bush Institute Military Service Citation is presented to a post-9/11 veteran who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and has continued to practice servant leadership since transitioning to civilian life.
Blayne Smith has dedicated himself to improving veterans’ transitions and helping them find a renewed sense of purpose. He has inspired and empowered countless fellow warriors to continue to lead in their communities following their military careers. In so doing, he has built a bridge between the civilian-military divide and ultimately strengthened our Nation. Above all, his efforts carry on the legacy of his fallen brothers-in-arms and honor the memory of all who have given their lives for freedom’s cause.
Blayne represents the best of post-9/11 American veterans. He continues to do his duty, with honor, for his country.
BUSH INSTITUTE TRAILBLAZER CITATION: JAN PRUITT (POSTHUMOUSLY)
The George W. Bush Institute Trailblazer Citation is presented to an innovator who has enriched the quality of life in the North Texas region through their work in the areas of social welfare, health, economic empowerment, or education.
For 20 years, Jan Pruitt served as the President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and inspired a movement to end hunger in North Texas and the United States. Thanks to her vision and leadership, NTFB grew from distributing 400,000 pounds of food annually to nearly one million pounds of food per week.
Jan’s innovative leadership led the way toward improving the lives of millions of people.
GEORGE W. BUSH MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP: BONO
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The George W. Bush Medal for Distinguished Leadership recognizes an individual who has made a sustained impact on the global community and has inspired others to take action to improve lives.
As cofounder of ONE, Bono has partnered with heads of state and members of legislatures around the world to ensure the passage and funding of policies and programs that have helped to save tens of millions of lives over the past decade.
Building on the success of ONE, he cofounded the sister organization (RED) to harness the power of people and companies to help fight AIDS. To date, (RED) has generated more than $500 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria across the continent of Africa.
Bono has utilized his platform and influence to inspire more than nine million people around the world to take action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease in Africa.
