Press release from Bill Schwertfeger....

PHILADELPHIA (June 27, 2017) - On Tuesday, July 4, the Honorable James F. Kenney, mayor of the City of Philadelphia, will present the Magis Award to Ralph Galati '70 (USAF), director of veteran services at Saint Joseph's University, as part of the 2017 Wawa Welcome America Festival.

Magis, which roughly translated, means "the more," is a Jesuit concept that embodies the spirit of doing more, being more and achieving more than originally thought possible. The award was created in 2016 by Kenney, who received a Jesuit education at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia.
 

The Magis award recognizes Galati's service in the United States Air Force and his dedication to the veteran community.  Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Galati attended USAF Flight Training in 1970, and received his Wings in 1971.

 

A weapon systems officer in the F-4 Phantom aircraft, Galati was assigned to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand in the fall of 1971.  On February 16, 1972, he and his pilot were shot down over North Vietnam and were immediately captured and taken to Hanoi.  He spent the next 14 months as a prisoner of war. Ralph was repatriated on March 28, 1973.

 

Galati's military awards include: a Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster.  

 

Under Galati's leadership, SJU's Office of Veteran's Services is committed to honoring those who have served our country by offering a comprehensive suite of programs and services for military veterans, service-members, dependents and survivors to pursue their academic goals and achieve their career development objectives.

 

Mayor Kenney will present Galati with the award during the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall at 10 a.m. on July 4.  The ceremony is part of the six-day Wawa Welcome America Festival. The festival celebrates American history, education and Philadelphia and encompasses free, patriotic events throughout the city from June 29 to July 4.

 

Mayor Kennedy & Ralph Galati   Award Presentation Video