Ceremony Honors Outstanding Military Father
U.S. Navy Chief Quartermaster John Lehnen receives Fatherhood Award™ John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting performs
 Washington, D.C. -- National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) honored outstanding military father Chief Quartermaster John Lehnen, U.S. Navy, at an awards ceremony co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin. “We know we ask for great sacrifices from our service members in uniform, but the price of peace is paid by the entire military family,” says Jim Knotts, director of corporate citizenship for Lockheed Martin who presented the award. “Chief Lehnen exemplifies the best among our military fathers, and is a great representative of all military dads serving our nation in uniform and on the homefront.” The Military Fatherhood Award™ is presented annually in partnership with Lockheed Martin to a military dad who displays an ongoing commitment and dedication to his child(ren), makes extraordinary efforts to father from a distance when deployed, successfully balances military and family life, and makes an effort to mentor other military fathers and/or military children who are separated from their fathers. During the 2009 selection process, over 600 military fathers in every branch of the armed services were nominated by spouses, co-workers, and children. NFI president Roland C. Warren said, “Chief Quartermaster Lehnen is an outstanding example of the efforts being made by hundreds of military fathers and families across the country. He has found creative and engaging ways to keep his commitments to both his family and his nation. He is a courageous and inspiring example to fathers everywhere.” Chief Quartermaster John Lehnen, has over 10 years of military service and has shown exceptional dedication as husband and as father of four special needs children. Lehnen and wife Jennifer have four children: Kathryne (age 8) and triplets Lindsey, Jacob and Isaac (age 5). When his children were born, they each required extended hospitalization, so Lehnen made daily visits to the NICU. Later, son Jacob underwent multiple neurosurgeries, all the children went through various rehabilitation therapies and wife Jennifer had major surgery. Lehnen was present and supportive at each turn, while also fulfilling the demands of a rigorous military schedule. Additionally, Lehnen made time to correct homework assignments, play, read books, provide love and support, and be an exemplary role model to his children. Chief Lehnen also demonstrates his commitment by encouraging young sailors to participate in the United through Reading campaign and in family readiness groups. When sailors deploy, he offers ideas to keep them engaged with their families as they complete their mission. John also serves his fellow Sailors as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Management Supervisor (ADAMS) and a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) fund custodian. As a testament to his military service, Chief Lehnen has received multiple awards including Sailor of the Quarter and Navy-Corps Achievement and Commendation Medals. The Military Fatherhood Award™ Ceremony was held on June 9, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Grammy-nominated multi-platinum singer-songwriter John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting performed during the ceremony and received a special Fatherhood Award™. Ondrasik has performed as part of several USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tours and produced “For the Troops,” a two-volume CD compilation of songs from top recording artists, free to active duty service members. The premier fatherhood renewal organization in the country, National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) works in every sector and at every level of society to engage fathers in the lives of their children. NFI is one of the leading producers of research on the causes and consequences of father absence, public opinion on family issues, and trends in family structure and marriage. NFI's national public service advertising campaign promoting fatherhood has generated television, radio, print, Internet, and outdoor advertising valued at over $500 million. Through its resource center, FatherSOURCE, NFI offers a wide range of innovative resources to assist fathers and organizations interested in reaching and supporting fathers. NFI also works with military fathers in all branches of the armed services, and has produced a Deployed Fathers & Families Guide™ to help military fathers stay connected with their families before, during, and after deployment.
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