Credit Suisse Salutes America's Veterans

New York City’s Fleet Week honors the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps over Memorial Day weekend. As part of the celebrations, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will honor General David H. Petraeus, 10th Commander of the U.S. Central Command at its 19th Annual “Salute to Freedom Dinner.” Credit Suisse has signed on as the premier sponsor of the dinner.

Attendees will include global dignitaries, business leaders and personnel from each branch of the armed forces. Intrepid Executive Director Susan Marenoff said that the “annual event throws a spotlight on individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for our nation.” The veterans’ musical group 4Troops will sing the National Anthem and provide additional musical entertainment at the dinner, donating a portion of the sales of their current album, 4Troops, to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

At the dinner, Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander, United States Central Command, will be presented with the Intrepid Freedom Award. The award is presented to a national or international leader who has distinguished him or herself in promoting and defending the core values of the U.S.: freedom and democracy. “The Intrepid Museum’s mission is to honor the men and women who have served our nation,” says Marenoff. “General Petraeus has led our troops overseas in that exact effort, and we are indebted to his leadership and love of country.”

Past recipients of the award include President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, President William J. Clinton and President Ronald Reagan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and many other celebrated leaders. The dinner, held at the floating museum at Pier 86 on Manhattan’s West Side in New York City, will salute not only great leaders, but also U.S. troops.

Beyond sponsoring the dinner, Credit Suisse recently announced a year-long volunteer relationship with the Intrepid Foundation, which was driven by members of the Bank’s Americas Veterans’ Network (AVN) and reflects Credit Suisse’s commitment to the values of leadership, teamwork and integrity for which the military is known.

Through the relationship, Credit Suisse’s employees based in the U.S. will have an opportunity to volunteer in support of Intrepid efforts such as collecting and packaging donations to send to service members overseas. The Intrepid Foundation will also work with Credit Suisse to bring distinguished speakers to client and employee events that generate volunteer interest and participation. A recent AVN event featured Corporal Aaron Mankin, who shared his experience of being severely injured in Iraq and discussed how the Intrepid Foundation supported his recovery.

Credit Suisse’s support of this important organization is also aligned with the AVN's mission to champion military personnel, veterans and their families. In fact, the AVN creates many meaningful ways for Credit Suisse employees to engage with the military and actively apply those values to the Bank’s efforts in recruiting, mentoring and philanthropy. All Credit Suisse employees in the Americas are encouraged to join the AVN—the organization welcomes military family members, partners, spouses, and others who simply support the Veterans.

“As the first Wall Street bank to create an employee network for veterans as part of its diversity initiatives, Credit Suisse is proud to support the Intrepid,” said Christopher Barry, Managing Director at Credit Suisse and Co-Chair of the AVN. Credit Suisse counts many active, reserve and retired members of the military among our employees and we have long recognized that the leadership skills created in the military are critical to long-term success in business as well as government. We also share the strong belief that leadership can be found at every level of the organization; the challenge is to recognize, develop and advance it.”

From Wednesday, May 26, through Tuesday, June 1, there will be dozens of events that are open to the public to celebrate Fleet Week. From the Parade of Ships through the Hudson River on Manhattan’s West Side to exciting flyovers and a Navy Band Northeast performance in Times Square, the celebration will be full of fun for individuals and families all week long.