The trophy case in Adm. (ret) William and Georgeann McRaven’s home probably has every award imagined — the Republic of France’s Legion d’Honneur, Dallas Morning News’ Texan of the Year (2011), first runner-up for Time magazine’s Person of the Year, the Intrepid Freedom Award, FBI Agents Association’s Distinguished Service Award, the CIA Officers Memorial Foundation’s Ambassador Richard M. Helms Award and the Texas Exes Distinguished Alumnus Award, to name a few.
Well, they had better make room for one more — the Center for BrainHealth and Brain Performance Institute’s Legacy Award.
On Tuesday, October 23, they will be presented with the award at the annual fundraising dinner at the Brain Performance Institute for their efforts to improve the health of military service members and their families, as well as their support of the growth of the Center and Institute.
Since his retirement as a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy, he was “passionate about ensuring the mental and physical well-being of those who serve.” During Bill’s naval career, Georgeann “dedicated much of her career to improving the health of military service members and their families.”
Following his retirement from the Navy, he became UT System Chancellor in 2015 and returned to his alma mater, where he had met Ursuline Academy graduate Georgeann. It was during Bill’s tenure as chancellor that brain health became “a top priority in his ‘Quantum Leaps’ initiative, leading the charge for a brain health revolution.”
BTW, if you suspect that Bill was one of those chaps who did desk duty in the navy, think again. In addition to being one of the longest enlisted Navy SEALs and moving up through the ranks during his 34-year career, he also commanded the SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Past recipients of the award include Dianne Cash, Debbie Francis, T. Boone Pickens, James Huffines, Dee Wyly, Daryl Johnston and Lee Roy Jordan, Jane and Bud Smith, Lyda Hill, Clint Bruce, Rep. Dan Branch and Margaret McDermott.
This dinner will be a great one with the McRavens being honored in the fabulous Brain Performance Institute. Tickets are available here!
* Photo credit: Academy of Achievement