NCoC offers three awards that recognize the contributions extraordinary individuals make in service to our country. They are the Major George A. Smith HOOAH Award, Senator Bob Graham Award, and the Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award.
Major George A. Smith HOOAH Award
In 2009, the Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund established the HOOAH Award. As part of NCoC’s ongoing efforts to support and promote the importance of service in all its forms, this award is given annually at the National Conference. The HOOAH Award recognizes a veteran who defines citizenship through service to our country, both in uniform and beyond.
Major (Ret.) George A. Smith served his country for over 20 years as a career military officer. Eager to serve, Major Smith enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and quickly rose through the ranks. Major Smith fulfilled his dream as part of the 82nd Airborne and later commanded the Ranger’s Alpha Company. He completed many tours overseas, including peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Yemen, and Egypt. As part of the 7th infantry our of Fort Ord, he served in Just Cause, a military operation in Panama. Following his career or service in the military, Major Smith continued to serve his community through leadership positions from the European Congress of American Parents, Teachers, and Students to disaster response work with FEMA. Upon his passing in January 2009, he was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Major George A. Smith Memorial Fund was founded by his children Jennifer, David, Adam, and Chloe.
2024 Recipient
Governor Wes Moore
The National Conference on Citizenship presented Maryland Governor Wes Moore with the 2024 HOOAH award at its 2024 Annual Conference, Renewing Civic Health. The conference was held at the Planet Word Museum in Washington, D.C on Tuesday, December 10th.
Following the attacks of September 11th, Governor Moore served in Afghanistan as a lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers in combat and attaining the rank of Captain. Following his military service, Governor Moore became the CEO of Robin Hood Foundation, focusing on alleviating poverty and disaster relief in New York City, and has authored numerous acclaimed books, including The Other Wes Moore which is now being adapted into a feature film. Moore now serves as the 63rd Governor of Maryland.
Previous Recipients of the HOOAH Award
2022: Josh Fryday
2021: Adam Kinzinger
2020: Ken Harbaugh
2019: Michael Washington
2018: Brenda Sue Fulton
2017: Eli Williamson
2016: William McNulty
2015: Becky Kanis Margiotta
2014: Ret. General Stanley McChrystal
2013: The Honorable Tulsi Gabbard
2012: Chris Marvin
2011: Eric Hilleman
2010: Derek Blumke
The Senator Bob Graham Award
Previously known as the Franklin Award–in appreciation of Ben Franklin and NCoC’s shared belief that “to provide benefits for the common good is divine,” the award was renamed in honor of Senator Graham and presented to an outstanding individual who is working to strengthen citizenship in America.
Senator Graham served on the NCoC Board of Directors for over 10 years (2012-2023) – bringing the organization into a new era of strengthening democracy and civic engagement through innovative programs. Senator Graham was the co-founder of the successful Florida Civic Health Index, which led to the passage of the Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Civics Education Act in Florida – now a model for legislation in other states.
Senator Graham was a renowned lawyer, author, and politician who served as the 38th governor of Florida (1979-1987), a United States Senator from Florida (1987-2005) and a candidate for President in the 2004 election. At NCoC, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship and in thousands of interactions with organizations throughout the country, Senator Graham’s undying faith in democracy was remarkable.
2024 Recipient
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Elected in 2020 as Miami-Dade County’s first-ever woman mayor, Levine Cava has over 40 years of advocacy for South Florida families. As Mayor, Levine Cava has focused on building a more resilient and prosperous Miami-Dade. Her initiatives include combating gun violence, building a future ready economy full of opportunity, tackling the housing crisis, and preserving the environment.
NCoC was particularly impressed with the Mayor’s Thrive305 initiative and her commitment to participatory governance. Launched as the largest civic engagement effort in Miami-Dade’s history, Thrive305 invites tens of thousands of residents to share their voices through surveys, town halls, and collaborative workshops. This unprecedented community-driven effort informed the Thrive305 Action Plan, which prioritized affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and economic mobility—all issues central to improving civic health and quality of life.
Previous Recipients of the Franklin Award
2015: Senator John McCain
2013: General Ann Dunwoody
2012: Honorable Norman Y. Mineta
2011: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
2010: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2009: Justice Antonin Scalia
2008: Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
2007: Justice Stephen Breyer
2006: Senator Robert C. Byrd
2005: Senator Lamar Alexander
Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award
Named for NCoC’s long-time chairman, the Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award is granted to a private citizen who has exemplified active citizenship in contributing to the public good.
During World War II, he served in the 102nd infantry and landed on Omaha Beach. Then he fought through France, Holland, and Germany. After his father’s death while Kanter was serving overseas, he returned to his native Alabama and ran his family’s general store. He formed a company to build veterans’ housing and became one of the largest apartment builders and “new town” developers in the United States.
His patriotic vision catalyzed the National Conference on Citizenship in the 1970’s and beyond. As a philanthropist, Kanter was a longtime advocate of efforts to improve public health and civic engagement. In 1964, he established the Joseph H. Kanter Family Foundation; since then, it has supported educational institutions, physical fitness initiatives, health outcomes research, and other charitable endeavors.
Previous Recipients of the Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award
2019: Desmond Meade
2018: Mack McCarter
2017: Robert Putnam
2016: Arthur Dean
2013: David Rubenstein
2012: Jack Miller
2011: Jean & Steve Case
2010: Rick Stengel
2008: Eugene Lang
2007: Ray Chambers
2006: Irasema Salcido
2005: Congressman Lee H. Hamilton
2004: Senator Harris Wofford