Atlanta, March 25, 2025 — In a tradition that has endured for a quarter-century, the American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) has once again recognized distinguished individuals of Korean heritage whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on the United States.
This year, the organization’s prestigious New American Hero Award (NAHA) has been bestowed upon Dr. Wendy Lee Gramm, a noted economist and public policy advocate. Dr. Gramm, who formerly chaired the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, has played a pivotal role in shaping regulatory policies and advancing free-market principles. She also served as Chairman of the Board at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and founded the Regulatory Studies Program at George Mason University’s Mercatus Center.
Accompanying the honor is a $25,000 cash prize, a tradition established by AKFS since the award’s inception in 2000.
In addition, Brigadier General Michael B. Siegl has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor that comes with a $5,000 prize. A veteran of nearly three decades in the U.S. Army, Brig. Gen. Siegl has held critical leadership roles, including serving as the Director of Logistics and Engineering for U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw logistical and engineering operations supporting U.S. military personnel across the Middle East and Central Asia. His distinguished career has spanned deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea, as well as assignments at the Pentagon.
Both honorees exemplify the dedication and service that AKFS seeks to highlight, underscoring the profound impact of Korean Americans in shaping the nation’s future.
The 2025 New American Heroes Award Dinner Gala is scheduled for May 10, 2025 at Westin Atlanta Perimeter North.
