Since 2014, the American College of Financial Services, the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services, has honored an individual with the Soldier-Citizen Award. This award is meant to decorate an honorable person who served in the military, is successful in the financial services industry and demonstrated selflessness in giving back to his or her community. This year's honoree is four-star Gen. Ralph E. "Ed" Eberhart, formerly with the United States Air Force.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Gen. Eberhart spent 36 years as a Commander, U.S. Northern Command and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. During this time, he logged over 5,000 hours of command flight time. In retirement, Gen. Eberhart continued to serve his country by accepting the position of president and chairman of The Armed Forces Benefit Association in 2009.
Gen. Eberhart is also the chairman of 5-Star Bank and 5-Star Life Insurance Company, and he serves on the board of several organizations, such as TERMA, Jacobs Engineering, Rockwell Collins, Triumph Group, VSE and Segs4Vets. Not only does the general give his time to those companies, but he is currently a trustee for the Falcon Foundation and a director on the board of the USAFA Endowment. At one time, Gen. Eberhart served his alma mater as a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Association of Graduates Board of Directors.
"General Eberhart followed his illustrious military career with a spectacular career in the financial services industry," said Ted Digges, the executive director of The American College Penn Mutual Center for Veterans Affairs and chair of the selection committee. "We are proud to honor such an individual with this award."
The award ceremony will take place on Aug. 20, 2015, at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.