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The Great American Patriot Award is presented annually to an individual or group in recognition of their service to the United States. The award is selected by the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl Military Affairs Committee. In selecting the recipient, the committee considers numerous criteria. Candidates must be of high moral fiber and good character, having spent their lives and/or careers serving the common good of the United States. They will have gone beyond the call of duty to serve and protect this country, with proven dedication and loyalty in upholding the Constitution and the laws of the nation. Finally, the Great American Patriot Award winner will have worked tirelessly to make the U.S. a better and safer place for all its citizens. Award winners are formally presented with their award during the bowl’s half-time ceremony each year. |
Medal of Honor Recipient Salvatore Giunta accepting 2011 award from AFI Chairman, Garry L. Parks
Previous Great American Patriot Award Recipients
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2011 Salvatore Giunta, Medal of Honor recipient
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2010Admiral Thad Allen, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired) |
2009Accepted by Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael G. “Mike” Mullen, on behalf of the U.S. Armed Forces |
2008General David H. Petraeus, Commander U.S. Forces Afghanistan |
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2007Preston "Pete" Geren, former U.S. Secretary of the Army |
2006Gordon England, former U.S. Secretary of Defense |
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A special thank you to Armed Forces Insurance for sponsoring this award. |

















