Goldsboro Elks member, Chairman of DGDC, and past Exalted Ruler Doug McGrath was chosen as the Air Force’s nominee and winner of the Department of Defense’s Spirit of Hope Award.

The Spirit of Hope award is a military award named in honor of Mr. Bob Hope and recognizes civilians who exemplify Mr. Hope’s legacy of service to military members and their families. Past recipients include The Fisher House and Gary Sinise.

Mr. McGrath was nominated for his many years of service to Seymour Johnson AFB to include establishing a scholarship fund for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled Airmen, raising over 100k in money and goods to help support base-led operations in support of Afghan refugees, and spearheading NC Freedom Fest, an annual music festival celebrating local Airmen and their families. Doug is also a huge supporter of the Veteran community and has led numerous donation drives and outreach events for the Kinston Veteran’s Home.

We’re lucky to have such a strong partnership with Doug and grateful for everything he’s done for our squadron and the base,” said Lt. Col. Robert Fekete, 4th LRS commander.