WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 900 top military, business, faith, non-profit, and policy leaders gathered tonight in Washington D.C. to honor Ambassador Nikki Haley and the 200 retired three and four star generals and admirals of the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council, co-chaired by Admiral James Stavridis and General Anthony Zinni.

Every year, the USGLC’s Tribute Dinner brings together the foreign policy and international development community, and pays tribute to outstanding champions of America’s global leadership. Tonight’s dinner was co-chaired by David Abney, Chairman and CEO of UPS, and Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services.

“Regardless of what the issue of the day is, we are always going to have the strongest economic position in the world, we’re always going to have the strongest military in the world… and we’re always going to be the most philanthropic country in the world. And for that, there is responsibility. And responsibility breeds leadership. And we have to always remember that those two things go together. And if we do, then the world will be a safer and a better place,” said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

The USGLC also paid tribute to Admiral James Stavridis, General Anthony Zinni, and the 200 retired three and four star generals and admirals of its National Security Advisory Council.

“We know isolationism doesn’t work, because we tried it before…that’s why I’m so encouraged by the officers who are part of this…we can tell this story,” said Admiral James Stavridis.

General Anthony Zinni, co-chair of the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council alongside Admiral Stavridis, stated “We’ve become transactional, and not strategic, and I think that’s a mistake. And I think the message that we’re trying to convey is we need all our partners here, all our agencies of government, all our tools and means of helping influence the world in a positive way. We can’t just do it with the military.”

Top Quotes from USGLC’s 2017 Tribute Dinner:

“Thank you, this evening, for allowing me to recognize these officers. To the strange bedfellows, comrades, and shipmates of the [U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s National Security Advisory Council] – thank you for what you do. Thank you for your continued service to this great big experiment in democracy that we call America. And please know that I am with you in spirit this evening.” – Secretary of Defense James Mattis in a video tribute to Admiral James Stavridis, General Anthony Zinni, and the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council

“This account has saved millions of lives…There are millions of young children alive today due to the generosity of the American people…We’re about to go into a new budget cycle. I’ll make one prediction: when this is all over, we’re gonna have more money for foreign assistance, not less.” – Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), in tribute to the USGLC’s National Security Advisory Council

“I join in thanking everyone here tonight for helping to educate – members of Congress, congressional candidates, and the American public – on why our great nation must never pull back from the world, and must always lead with our words, with our actions, and with our values. That is what will ensure that we build a better, safer world.” – Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX)

“At UPS, we believe – like all of you – that our nation is safest, strongest, and most prosperous when America is engaged in the world. When we lift communities out of poverty. When we’re delivering help when disaster strikes. We do it for the right reasons. It has become a way of life for us. But it’s a business imperative as well. Today, 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. – with more than half of American exports now going to the developing world.” – David Abney, Chairman and CEO of UPS

“We hold a common commitment to American global leadership. We believe that our nation is at its best when we’re offering not a hand-out, but a hand-up – empowering families and communities around the world. At CRS, we’re also celebrating our 75th anniversary of doing just that. We’re proud to do our part to demonstrate our nation’s highest values around the world.” – Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services

“Our coalition could not be more proud to pay tribute to Ambassador Nikki Haley who has been steadfast in her resolve to advance America’s interests around the world and tackle the humanitarian crises of our time. She’s a tireless force for America’s global leadership.” – USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer
 
“Throughout their decade of service, the USGLC’s 200 retired three and four-stars have been unmatched in drawing the world’s attention to the power of diplomacy and development. I’m humbled by their service and thankful for their voice for our mission.” – USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer

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