By Dan Hock

April 21, 2024

Sheel Seidler to receive medal on Peter’s behalf during pregame ceremony

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Padres announced today that the U.S. Navy will posthumously present beloved former Chairman and Owner Peter Seidler with the Public Service Medal as part of today’s Military Salute pregame ceremonies. The award, which is the highest that a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy can receive, will be presented by Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever and accepted on Peter’s behalf by his wife Sheel.

The Public Service Award is a distinguished honor presented to those whose actions or service have provided long-term, substantial benefits to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps or the entire Department of the Navy. As former Chairman of the Padres, Seidler’s philanthropic spirit extended to those who serve, and have served, in uniform. During his tenure, Peter joined the Board of Veterans Village of San Diego due to his passion to serve and assist veterans in need. Under his guidance, the Team of the Military also hosted over 36,000 Marines during Sunday home games, donated nearly 150,000 tickets to local San Diego commands and non-profits supporting military family and veterans and hosted several free youth baseball clinics on military bases. The Padres also introduced an annual scholarship for college-bound students from military families, and annually provides support for numerous charities including Armed Services YMCA, USO San Diego, Operation Homefront, Travis Manion Foundation, and STEP (Support the Enlisted Project).

Other notable recipients of the Public Service Medal include:

•  Sybil Stockdale, the wife of Navy POW Vice Admiral James Stockdale, who formed the League of Wives during the Vietnam War to raise awareness of the of the plight of Prisoners of War, those Missing in Action, and their loved ones.
•  George Halas, legendary founder of the Chicago Bears who also served in the Navy During World War II and put on an annual charity football game benefitting war veterans.
•  Famed director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks after the impact that their movie, “Saving Private Ryan”, had on the general public.

COURTESY PADRES MEDIA RELATIONS