CHICAGO — John DeBlasio, Founder and Executive Director of the Global Peace and Development (GPD) Charitable Trust, released the following statement after learning of the passing of friend and fellow West Point alum, Fred Malek:
“Today we lost a great friend of West Point and a personal mentor to me and so many others in the Long Gray Line. Fred Malek dedicated his life to serving others — and he served us well.
Before answering the call to serve in various capacities in American politics, including the White House, Fred was a successful businessman and an Executive and later President of Marriott Hotels. He was active in philanthropic efforts to support the West Point, and in 2011, in recognition of his commitment to free enterprise and community service, he received the Horatio Alger Award.
He was one of the most gracious men I’ve met and someone who did countless things for others to help them find success and become servant leaders like himself.
We mourn as a community, and as a nation, on the passing of this great American – Fred Malek. May all of our thoughts and prayers be with the Malek family during this difficult time.”
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John P. DeBlasio is the Founder and Executive Director of the Global Peace and Development (GPD) Charitable Trust, a venture-philanthropy initiative that aims to promote peace and stability through civic engagement, journalism, and the development of transformational leaders. John is a 1989 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and served 21 years in active and reserve service before retiring as s a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs.