This fall, Chattanooga will serve as the host of the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, a weeklong event recognizing American citizens whose lives exemplify the values tied to the nation’s highest military honor.
Scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 4, the celebration will culminate with the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The gala will honor four individuals whose work and values reflect the principles of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice and commitment.
Presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is being organized by the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, which led the campaign to bring the event to Chattanooga. The city is widely known as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, with historical ties to the first Medals of Honor awarded in U.S. history.
Recognizing exemplary Americans
Each year, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the host committee select four honorees whose life’s work supports the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
This year, Dr. Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, will receive the Patriot Award for his lifelong service to the nation. Gates, who served under eight U.S. presidents and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, is recognized for his “steadfast leadership on behalf of service members and their families,” notes a news release from the Society.
Johnny “Joey” Jones, a retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician and current Fox News contributor, will receive the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism. Jones lost both legs in an improvised explosive device explosion in Afghanistan and has since become a vocal advocate for veterans, using his platform “to share his experiences and advocate for veterans,” remarks the news release.
John Rich, country music artist and founder of the Redneck Riviera brand, will receive the Bob Hope Award for his philanthropic support of military communities. Rich has raised nearly $2 million for causes including the VFW’s Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor.
Kathleen Rollins, a philanthropist and humanitarian, will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award. Rollins leads the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, which has awarded more than $86 million to support education, leadership and civic responsibility programs, including $25 million to veteran causes.
Celebrating values
“The Patriot Awards recognize Americans who not only lead with purpose, but who demonstrate excellence in their fields and choose to dedicate their skills, resources and platforms toward strengthening our country,” says Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Whether through advocacy, innovation or philanthropy, each honoree has found meaningful ways to support veterans, invest in communities, and uphold the values that unite us.”
Slabinski says this fall’s gathering in Chattanooga will be an opportunity to meditate on the enduring legacy of the Medal of Honor and highlight how its core values are still evident in daily acts of bravery and integrity.
“We’re honored to recognize these individuals and look forward to partnering with them to help champion the values that strengthen our nation,” he adds.
Chattanooga: A historic host city
Chattanooga’s selection as the host city underscores its historical significance and ongoing commitment to honoring military service and valor. The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, which offers immersive exhibits and education programs focused on Medal of Honor values, has played a central role in organizing the 2025 event.
“The Heritage Center has become a national destination for honoring the stories of America’s greatest heroes through its immersive exhibits and values-based education programs,” says Lynda Minks Hood, a member of the Heritage Center’s board of trustees and co-chair for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration. “As the birthplace of the Medal of Honor and home to the acts of valor associated with the first Medals of Honor awarded in our country’s history, Chattanooga provides a powerful setting for holding this historic gathering of all living Medal of Honor recipients.”
A star-studded gala
The 2025 Patriot Awards Gala is the signature event of the weeklong celebration and will give attendees a chance to engage with Medal of Honor Recipients, award honorees and special guests. Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, best known for portraying Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” will serve as the gala’s master of ceremonies. Sinise is also a past Patriot Award recipient.
Support and sponsorship
In addition to presenting sponsor Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is supported by a host of sponsors, including the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, American Airlines, CSX, the Robert Irvine Foundation and the Tennessee Valley Authority, among others. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
Read more at www.MOHHC.org/Celebration.