Connie Whalen - Vice President - US Navy

Connie Whalen was born and raised in Philadelphia and joined the U.S. Navy at 17, serving more than 20 years before retiring as a Navy Counselor in 2009. Her service earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifle Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (3), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Naval Meritorious Service Medal (3), and 25 Gold Wreath Awards for exceptional recruiting contributions during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After retiring, she earned a BS in Counseling from Liberty University and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.

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Connie’s commitment to service extends into the community through multiple leadership and mentorship roles. As Vice President of the Guardians of the National Cemetery, she works to preserve the organization, ensuring the legacy of those who served is honored for generations. She is deeply involved with the Travis Manion Foundation, mentoring students, leading character and service-based programs, and guiding youth through community impact initiatives. She also serves on Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s Naval Academy Review Board, mentoring and supporting candidates pursuing military service.

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Through these efforts, she remains steadfast in building the next generation of leaders, helping young people understand responsibility beyond themselves, and instilling the values of commitment, service, and sacrifice, so that both community and country benefit from principled, character-driven leadership.