Winners named for Ford Presidential Foundation awards

Reporters for The Washington Post and The Virginian-Pilot are this year's winners of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation journalism awards to be presented at an NPC Luncheon Monday, June 4. Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" and the weekly "Chris Matthews Show," will be guest speaker.

Award recipients are The Washington Post White House correspondent Scott Wilson for coverage of the presidency and The Virginian-Pilot reporter Corinne Reilly for coverage of military affairs. They will receive $5,000 awards from the Foundation to be presented by Steve Ford, chairman of the Foundation and son of the late President. Army Times staff writer Sean Naylor won honorable mention for his reporting on national defense.

Before becoming a television political commentator, Matthews was a press secretary to Rep. Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, D-Mass., speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977-1987. Despite their political differences, O'Neill and Ford were friends while serving together in the House. The Foundation will give special recognition to the late speaker at its annual board meeting June 4.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with remarks beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $19 for National Press Club members, $30 for guests of members, and $37 for general admission. This event is reserved for members and guests only and is not open for general admission. To reserve tickets, please e-mail [email protected] or call 202-662-7501. Tickets must be paid for at time of reservation.

To submit a question in advance, put MATTHEWS in the subject line and e-mail to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of the luncheon.

Upcoming luncheon:

May 30 - Anna Maria Chavez, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA