8th Annual Clambake and Soldier Citizen Award Event Returns In-Person to Empower the Deserving

On September 15, 2022, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the premier scholarship fundraising and networking event will feature thought-provoking content and a moving, patriotic award ceremony. The Clambake's generous supporters, including the event’s Diamond sponsor and the Center’s Founding Partner and Sponsor, Penn Mutual, have provided educational support and career opportunities to more than 1,200 men, women, and their spouses. In 2022, the Center aims to award 400 full scholarships. 

“Making a positive impact in the lives of those who have honorably served our country and assisting them with a viable second career is at the heart of the mission of the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs," said Jim Roy, PMP, USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. "We are tremendously grateful for the continued support and the opportunity to collaborate with others seeking to uplift our nations’ heroes.” 

A key component of the Clambake is The American College Soldier-Citizen Award, established in 2014 to recognize extraordinary individuals who have served honorably in the United States military, have achieved success in the financial services profession, and have selflessly given back to society and their community. The 2022 Solder Citizen Award Recipient is General Lester L. Lyles, USAF (Ret.). 

In his last assignment before retiring from the Air Force, General Lyles served as the Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The command conducts research, development, test and evaluation, and provides acquisition management services and logistics support necessary to keep Air Force weapons systems ready for war. General Lyles, a distinguished graduate of the Howard University ROTC program, served in various Air Force assignments including Vice Chief of Staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Force and Director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. 

"I am both humbled to accept The American College of Financial Services’ 8th Soldier Citizen Award, and proud to join the ranks of impressive leaders previously selected,” said General Lyles. “The same passion to help service members and their families in improving their own quality of life guided me during my 15 years on the Board of USAA - the last eight years of which I served as the Chairman of the Board. Servant leadership is much like being a Soldier Citizen; it requires selfless sacrifice and commitment to helping others.” 

The Center for Military and Veterans Affairs has experienced explosive growth since its launch in 2012 thanks to impressive support from corporate and private donors, as well as word-of-mouth advocacy from scholars. September 11, 2022, marks the 10-year anniversary of Penn Mutual as the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs’ Founding Partner and Sponsor. The annual Clambake continues to generate professional interest and garner financial support for the important mission of the Center. 

“We’re proud to be an active, longtime sponsor of The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Thomas H. Harris, CLU®, ChFC®, President, Life Insurance and Annuities, The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. “We salute General Lyles for his inspired leadership and celebrate his lasting impact on the Center’s meaningful outreach programs, which elevate financial professionals to better serve their clients.” 

“The Clambake is a time to come together to celebrate sacrifice, success and service,” said George Nichols III, President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services. “We thank our generous supporters who have helped us to make a measurable impact in our collective mission to transform the lives of our active-duty, guard, and reserve service members, veterans, and their families.” 

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES 

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.