Spirit of Hope Award


The Spirit of Hope Award is a United States military award presented by the Department of Defense. The award was created based on the contributions of entertainer Bob Hope to members of the military, and is annually awarded to individuals or organizations whose work benefits the quality of life of service members and their families.

History

The Spirit of Hope Award was established in 1997 under the Clinton administration. It was first granted to entertainer Bob Hope by the United States Congress, and is awarded in his honor. The basis for the award was to recognize Hope's commitment to entertaining military service members over many decades, both within and outside of combat zones.
Originally commissioned by the USO, the bas-relief sculpture was created by St. Louis sculptor Don F. Wiegand and co-creator Mr. Michael Fagin. Michael Fagin, president of The International Group, Inc., says the piece was inspired by dedication to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. "We could think of no better way to say thank you to Bob, and to all the volunteers who support and entertain American service men and women all over the world." said Fagin.

Criteria

The Spirit of Hope Award is awarded to individuals who:
  1. Epitomize the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity, and selfless dedication.
  2. Significantly enhance the quality of life of Service members and their families serving around the world.
  3. Selflessly contribute an extraordinary amount of time, talent, or resources to benefit Service members.
Furthermore, the award is presented annually to recipients nominated and selected by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.

Recipients

2005
2006
  • Col Robert Nett
  • James Carrier
  • Dr. Ronald Lingle
  • SMSgt Ann Hinote
  • The Coast Guard Foundation
2007
  • Chaplain Lyle Metzler
  • SCPO Giovanni Balingit
  • The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
  • MSgt Louis Pell
  • Marvin Perrett
2008
  • Walter White
  • Michael Peterson
  • Cynthia Martinez
  • Nicholas Grand
  • The Crew of the USCGC ALERT
2009
  • The Soldiers' Angels
  • Still Serving Veterans Association
  • Laura Froehlich
  • Joseph Finch
  • Sew Much Comfort
  • AST2 Tye Coknlin
2010
2011
  • Segs4Vets
  • Janice Bridges
  • PO Jamar Salters
  • Ronald Katz
  • SSgt Leray Smedley
  • Elaine Savage
2012
2013
  • John Barnes
  • Wayne C. Bard
  • Jared C. Coons
  • Laura L. Baxter
  • Matthew C. Addison
  • James J. Coleman, Jr.

2014

  • The Vigiano Group
  • Joyce W. Massenburg
  • Marjorie L. Miller & Arthur P. Miller
  • Final Salute Incorporated
  • TSgt Victor M. Pulido III
  • Robert Powers

2015

2016

2017
2018
2019
  • Ms. Jennifer M. Hoyle
  • Ms. Cindy S. Boyd
  • Ms. Vicki K. Miller
  • Mr. Brian Bilski
  • MSgt Jorge L. Arce
  • Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation
2022