Navy SEAL Foundation receives Bezos Courage and Civility Award grant

MCRAVENCOVER
Retired Navy Adm. Bill McRaven, former Commander of US Special Operations Command, US Joint Special Operations Command, and career Navy SEAL Officer, is pictured on April 15, 2024, speaking at a Coast Guard event. Photo credit USCG photo by Telfair H. Brown

The Navy SEAL Foundation has received a $500,000 grant donated through the Bezon Courage and Civility Award.

Retired Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, who led Joint Special Operations Command during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, received $50 million from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in order to empower him to help the causes of his choice.

"Part of the reason I was chosen for the grant was my work with veteran’s mental health issues,” he said in a letter to NSF. “I reviewed several potential candidates for the gift, and owing to the remarkable work being done by the Navy SEAL Foundation, I am pleased to donate $500K.”

The grant is designated to support mental health services for veterans, active duty Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen and their families.

"This generous contribution will help us continue our mission of providing critical support to our community,” said Robin King, CEO of the Navy SEAL Foundation. “Mental health is a significant concern for both our active duty personnel and veterans, and this grant will allow us to expand our programs and reach more individuals who need our assistance."

McRaven’s distinguished career included commanding at every level within the special operations community. His notable roles included Deputy Commanding General for Operations at JSOC, Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group One, and SEAL Team Three Commander, among others. He also served as Chancellor of the University of Texas System and is known for his extensive contributions to military-focused organizations.

To learn more about the Navy SEAL Foundation, visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.

Featured Image Photo Credit: USCG photo by Telfair H. Brown