On September 19, 2024, the United States Navy Memorial hosted the prestigious Lone Sailor Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. AUSN’s Executive Director LCDR Steve Rogers, USN (Ret.), and Board member David Vardeman represented the Association of the U.S. Navy at the event.
This year’s event continued the tradition of honoring Sea Services Veterans and distinguished Americans who have excelled in their careers while embodying the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Since 1987, the Lone Sailor Award has recognized individuals whose experiences in the Navy and beyond have propelled them toward remarkable achievements. The honorees serve as role models for future generations.
2024 Honorees of the Lone Sailor Award
Two exceptional individuals were honored this year: Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Edward Byers, Jr., USN (Ret.) and Jack O. Bovender, Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). Both individuals have drawn upon their military backgrounds to make a profound impact in their careers.
Award-Winning Navy SEAL
Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL), Edward C. Byers, Jr., USN (Ret.), a Navy SEAL with a 21-year career of distinguished service, including as a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, was recognized for his leadership and bravery in some of the most challenging environments. He is the 1st person from SEAL Team 6 and the 6th Navy SEAL in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor. He is also the recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor (5 awards), Purple Heart (2 awards), and many other awards.
He served with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, SEAL Team 4, SEAL Team 6 as a Team Leader, and the Pentagon Joint Staff J-39. While serving at the Pentagon in the J39, Master Chief Byers was part of the In-Q-Tel Interface Center – DOD (QIC-D) where he was responsible for investing a multi-million-dollar budget focused on AI/ML Predictive Analytics, LEO SAR SAT, and Autonomous Maritime Unmanned Systems (AMUS).
Byers’ post-military career continues his dedication to service through charitable work and leadership, including the C4 Foundation and Secure Our Freedom Foundation, and as an honorary advisory board member of the Navy SEAL Foundation.
Health Care Leader & Navy Veteran
Former Chairman and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) CEO Jack Bovender, a U.S. Navy veteran and former hospital corpsman, rose to prominence in the healthcare industry across a career spanning four decades. He is now retired from the Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, after spending 32 years at one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services with 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom.
He began his hospital administrative career in 1969 as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, Medical Service Corps, stationed at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. He later served as Chief Executive Officer of Medical Center Hospital in Largo, Fla., and West Florida Regional Medical Center in Pensacola, both owned by HCA.
He served on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and in 2007 was awarded ACHE's Gold Medal Award, recognizing his significant career-long contributions to the healthcare profession. Bovender was lauded by Institutional Investor magazine as "Best CEO in America" for healthcare facilities in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 2015, he was inducted into the Modern Healthcare Hall of Fame. His contributions to healthcare and his unwavering commitment to service have earned him respect both within and outside the military community.
Commemorating the Crew of the USS Arizona
In addition to recognizing this year’s honorees, the ceremony paid solemn tribute to the crew of the USS Arizona, commemorating the 1,424 Sailors and 88 Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony honored their courage and valor, emphasizing the enduring legacy of their service and sacrifice.
A Night to Remember
The evening’s program included speeches from Acting Under Secretary of the Navy Tom J. Mancinelli and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, both of whom emphasized the importance of the Sea Services in safeguarding national security and highlighting the significant contributions of the award recipients.
The 2024 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner was not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a testament to the unyielding spirit of service that binds the Navy’s past, present, and future. Through the stories of this year’s honorees and the solemn remembrance of the past, the event highlighted the enduring importance of the U.S. Sea Services and the brave and honorable men and women who serve our Navy and our country.
To learn more about the Lone Sailor Awards and U.S. Navy Memorial, visit NavyMemorial.org.