Congratulates Honorees

18th ANNUAL OLENDER FOUNDATION AWARDS

December 3, 2003

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

On stage at the Olender Foundation Awards, December 3, U.S. Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson receives the Woman of Valor 2004 Award from Washington malpractice lawyer Jack Olender, President of the Olender Foundation. Johnson, who was wounded and survived captivity in Iraq, is the first African-American female prisoner of war in U.S. history, according to U.S. Army officials. "Shoshana Johnson is an unsung hero who put her life on the line for her country," declared Olender. "America must be as generous with her as she has been generous to our nation in risking her life." Asked on stage by Olender how she is doing, Johnson paused and drew a deep breath. "I’m doing okay," she said. "I’m alive. I’m walking. It can only get better. It can only get better." Spc. Johnson, who received a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the capacity crowd, announced on stage that she will be leaving the military later this month. An Olender grant in honor of Shoshana Johnson went to Fisher House Foundation, which provides housing and assistance to the families of hospitalized and deceased U.S. soldiers.

Mac McGarry, Host of NBC4's "It’s Academic" and recipient of the America’s Role Model 2004 Award, with Arch Campbell (left) and Jack Olender. Photo: Marshall Cohen.

On stage at the Reagan International Trade Center, December 3, malpractice lawyer Jack Olender (right), with Detroit Congressman John Conyers (left), paid tribute to John Payton (center) with The Olender Foundation’s Hero in Law 2004 Award. One of the premier litigators in the United States, Payton successfully argued the University of Michigan Law School affirmative action case before the U.S. Supreme Court. An Olender Foundation grant in honor of John Payton went to the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.

Olender Generous Heart 2004 recipients, Maudine Cooper and Jerry Moore (holding plaques) on stage with D.C. Council Chairman Linda Cropp and Jack Olender.  Photo: Marshall Cohen.

Grants Awarded to:

• Fisher House
• Greater Washington Urban League
• Luke C. Moore Academy
• David A. Clarke School of Law Foundation
• Outstanding law students from the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and Howard University School of Law