U.S. Air Force Academy receives $3.5 million gift for Character and Leadership Development

Colorado Springs, Colo. - February 23, 2012 - The United States Air Force Academy Endowment is pleased to announce, on behalf of the Air Force Academy, a $3.5 million gift from the Perot Foundation, in support of the General James R. Risner Senior Military Scholar at the Academy's new Center for Character and Leadership Development.

The Perot Foundation, founded by H. Ross Perot, supports numerous philanthropic activities and causes, especially those related to advocacy on behalf of American military service members. Through the Perot Foundation, funds have helped wounded soldiers and sponsored medical research into illnesses associated with Operation Desert Storm.

This major donation reflects Mr. Perot's lifelong dedication to humanitarian ideals, military and civic service, and pioneering innovation. Mr. Perot graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1953, and then served for four years at sea. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1957, he joined IBM as a salesman. He later founded Electronic Data Systems, one of the world's largest technology services firms, in 1962, and Perot Systems in 1988. Mr. Perot has been recognized multiple times for his military advocacy, most recently receiving an award in 2009 from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in appreciation of his more than 40 years of support for the American military.

"General Risner is among the greatest men I have ever known. He epitomizes courage, patriotic devotion, and endurance," says Mr. Perot. "I am pleased to have this opportunity to share his legacy with future generations of Air Force leaders and present his example to each new cadet. The Risner Award and the Risner statue are both established at the Academy; this tradition now continues with this gift in support of the Senior Military Scholar."

Academy officials hail the gift as a vital development in their initiative for the Center. "We are honored and grateful to receive such an important gift from someone who has distinguished himself through a life of service as a business leader, philanthropist and veterans advocate," says Lieutenant General Michael Gould, USAFA '76 and Superintendent of the Academy. "Mr. Perot's contributions exemplify the spirit of our Academy and our Center for Character and Leadership Development, helping to launch a new era in our mission to develop leaders of character for our nation."

The new Center will act as the focal point for the total integration of character and leadership development into all aspects of the cadet experience at the Academy. The Center's Senior Military Scholar will conduct research to advance the understanding, study and practice of the profession of arms, advise senior Academy leadership on the subject, and lead seminars, curriculum development, and classroom activities at the Academy.

General (Retired) Steve Lorenz, USAFA '73 and President of the Endowment, shared his thoughts on the gift: "This marks a significant milestone in the growing culture of private support at the Academy. The Perot Foundation has ensured that the Academy's cadets will have access to the top thinkers and innovators in their field, a commitment made even more meaningful by Mr. Perot's unique understanding of the Academy's mission and his deep appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices that our graduates will make in service to our nation."

For more information on the Center for Character and Leadership Development, please contact:

Mark Hille
Vice President of Development
The United States Air Force Academy Endowment
3116 Academy Drive
USAFA, CO 80840
(719) 472-0300, ext. 200