Operation Homefront presents Cornerstone Awards to Carnival Cruise Line Leadership
San Antonio, Texas – Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit serving America’s military families, has presented its Cornerstone Award to Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line and John Heald, Brand Ambassador and Senior Cruise Director, Carnival Cruise Line.
Operation Homefront presents the Cornerstone Award to individuals who have gone above and beyond to help Operation Homefront transform how it serves military families and delivers its mission. Much like the cornerstone of a building represents an indispensable structure, this group of notable and influential award recipients has helped provide the underpinning of support that continues to propel its critical mission to serve America’s military families forward.
“While the support of tens of thousands of individuals and scores of corporations and foundations help bring our mission to life, there are some remarkable individuals who go ‘above and beyond’ to contribute to our important work,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Robert D. Thomas, President and COO of Operation Homefront. “For anyone familiar with Carnival’s ongoing support for our military and Operation Homefront’s mission, it is fitting that Christine Duffy and John Heald are deserving recipients of our prestigious Cornerstone Award.”
“Christine clearly understands the privilege it is to show deep appreciation for all our military families have done for all of us in our nation’s time of need. She has ensured that celebration and support for our military is a core value at Carnival Cruise Line and is reinforced on board all of their U.S.-based ships,” Thomas added.
“Similarly, John shares our unwavering commitment to supporting the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Even though John is a resident of the U.K., if you spend any time at all with him, you will soon hear about his love for and appreciation of the United States Military,” Thomas continued.
Operation Homefront’s partnership with Carnival Cruise Line began in 2014 and since then, Carnival has generously donated more than $1.5 million in cash and in-kind giving.
About Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
Christine Duffy is the President of Carnival Cruise Line, the flagship brand of the Miami-based Carnival Corp. As president, she leads Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet of 27 ships that homeport in North America, Europe and Australia, and P&O Cruises Australia’s three ships that operate in the South Pacific. Christine’s commitment to the men and women of our nation’s military is truly exemplary. Christine and her team have invited families to enjoy events with A-list celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride and Adam Devine, hosted comedy shows and various port-side events for military families, crafted successful social media engagement campaigns bringing awareness for Operation Homefront, hosted families on board their ships for christenings and musical concerts, unveiled the Heroes Tribute Bar and conducted cause marketing campaigns raising mission-critical funding for Operation Homefront.
About John Heald, Brand Ambassador and Senior Cruise Director, Carnival Cruise Line
John Heald is the Brand Ambassador and senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Line. He first became a Carnival cruise director in 1990 and, in 2004, John was named a senior cruise director with Carnival. John’s blogs and Facebook posts about life at sea and his daily interactions with Carnival cruisers and staff is both wildly popular and highly entertaining. His refreshingly honest report is what made John a much-loved and familiar presence at Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® gala. John has emceed its annual gala four times since 2016. John’s charm and unconventional sense of humor delight distinguished gala guests in attendance, bring out the best of each award recipient and help the organization shine an important spotlight on the resiliency of military children. In addition, John and Carnival Cruise Line annually surprise MCOY recipients and their families with an incredible week-long cruise which provides these very deserving families with time away from the rigors of military life to make lasting memories. John’s support has also extended to his Facebook page where he has used this platform to promote the power of Carnival’s partnership with Operation Homefront and ask his audience to support military families through the organization, resulting in generous gifts toward its mission.
The Cornerstone Award was instituted in 2015. Previous recipients include:
- Alba Baylin – Vice President of Stakeholder and Social Impact Management, The Coca-Cola Company, North America Operating Unit
- Gina Collins – former Chief Marketing Officer, Outback Steakhouse
- Kathy Cox – former Senior Manager, Walmart Foundation
- Chelle Davis – former Manager, Investor Relations, Dollar Tree
- Bob Deforge – Director for Customer Requirements, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
- Loren Dorshow – Executive Director, Car Donation Foundation
- Ed Delgado – former CEO, The Five Star Group
- Ali Haralson – President, Auction.com
- Camille Jenkins - former Vice President National Customer Relations, Meritage Homes Corporation
- Jenny Jonker – Brand Experience Manager, General Mills
- John Kitchens – former Director of Corporate Citizenship, CSX Corporation
- Marc Knowles – Global Military Team Leader, P&G
- Jamie Little – Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, Employer Brand and Corporate Social Responsibility, Choice Hotels
- Peter McGuinness – CEO, Impossible Foods
- Len McMorrow – Senior Vice President, Default Recovery & Litigation, U.S. Bank
- Mike Monroe - Director, Veterans Initiatives, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
- Karen Monsen, partner/owner, Caldwell Clark Fanucchi & Finlayson PLLC
- Tony Montalto – President and COO, The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation
- Federico Muyshondt – CEO, BODYARMOR Sports Nutrition (BASN)
- Ellen Myers – Executive Director, The Kahlert Foundation
- Scott Nichols – Senior Consultant, Boston University
- Heather Prill - Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Programs, The Home Depot Foundation
- Ken Ruff - former VP, National Accounts, Beam Suntory
- Rusty Smallwood - former AVP REO-Manager, JPMorgan Chase
- Stacie K. Smith, attorney and Director, Fennemore Craig PC
- Emily Weaver, Brand Partnerships, Chevrolet Customer Influence
- Jim Zeumer, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at PulteGroup
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 83 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families. For more information, visit Operation Homefront’s website.
Media Inquiries:
Susan Ziesman – Vice President, Integrated Public Relations
Email Susan or (210) 392-6878