Army and Navy Veterans headline the evening as Union League past president Frank Giordano is named 2026 Greater Philadelphia Area Patriot of the Year
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Patriot Fund will bring together Veterans, military families, supporters and community leaders on Friday, October 23, 2026, for the 11th Annual Patriot Fund Gala at the Union League of Philadelphia. Held in the city where our nation was founded, in the year America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year’s gala honors the men and women who have served and the families who stand behind them.
For 11 years, The Patriot Fund has helped Veterans and their families overcome the challenges they face when returning home from service. Support raised through the gala helps the organization fund its vetted, “Best in Class” partner organizations, which deliver essential services and ongoing support to Veterans and their families.
Fittingly, the evening’s program will be led by those who have worn the uniform. The Patriot Fund is proud to welcome back Major Jonathan Turnbull, U.S. Army (Ret.), as Keynote Speaker, along with Evangelo “Vann” Morris, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Surface Warfare Officer, as Special Presenter. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and live music from the band Don’t Call Me Francis.
The Patriot Fund will also recognize Frank Giordano, President and CEO of Atlantic Trailer Leasing Corporation, as the 2026 Greater Philadelphia Area Patriot of the Year. Giordano is a longtime member and past president of the Union League of Philadelphia.
“Frank’s commitment to preserving and advancing the American story is one of his most admirable traits,” said Ryan Peters, who nominated Giordano for the award. “For decades, he has exemplified the highest ideals of American citizenship through his unwavering commitment to community service and his steadfast devotion to the principles on which our nation was founded.”
“As the year draws to a close and Veterans Day approaches, we are more grateful than ever for the support our communities have shown us, and in turn, our Veterans,” said Matthew Ellison, Executive Director of The Patriot Fund. “Gathering in the city where our country was founded feels especially fitting as we celebrate its 250th anniversary. Every guest and sponsor in that room is helping make sure the Veterans who served this nation, and the families who served alongside them, have the support they need when they come home.”
Sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at PF2026.givesmart.com.
ABOUT THE PATRIOT FUND
The Patriot Fund is dedicated to providing the critical funding Veterans need to ensure they and their families have access to essential services and ongoing support throughout their lives. We carefully vet and support only “Best in Class” partners: organizations making a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of Veterans today. Through our Stories of Impact, we shine a light on the challenges facing our Veteran community and the organizations working to address them.
Contact: Mike Baldini, Baldini Communications
Email: mgbaldini@gobaldinicommunications.com
Phone: 215-870-5548
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SOURCE The Patriot Fund
