America’s greatest heroes are getting ready to gather for a special celebration.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society just revealed who they’re honoring this year.
And one Medal of Honor announcement just made four patriots incredibly proud.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center dropped some incredible news about their upcoming 2025 Patriot Awards Gala in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Four exceptional Americans will be recognized for their dedication to the values that built this great nation.
The announcement comes at a time when patriotism and service to country feel more important than ever.
America’s finest will gather in the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor
Chattanooga isn’t just another city hosting this event – it’s known as the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor.
The 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration runs from September 30 through October 4, with the Patriot Awards Gala serving as the grand finale on Saturday, October 4.
The event brings together our nation’s living Medal of Honor Recipients for a weeklong celebration of courage, sacrifice, and service.
Textile Rubber & Chemical Company is presenting the celebration, showing that American businesses still believe in honoring our heroes.
Each year, the Host Committee works with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to select four individuals who embody the six core values of Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment.
This year’s lineup is absolutely stellar.
Dr. Robert Gates receives the Patriot Award for lifetime service
The Patriot Award goes to Dr. Robert M. Gates, who served as the nation’s 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Gates dedicated nearly five decades to public service, working with eight presidents from both political parties.
That’s the kind of bipartisan service that puts country before politics.
President Obama awarded Gates the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his last day as Secretary of Defense – America’s highest civilian honor.
He is honored for his "lifelong service to the nation and steadfast leadership on behalf of service members and their families."
Before becoming Defense Secretary, Gates served as President of Texas A&M University and as Director of Central Intelligence.
Fox News contributor Joey Jones honored for bridging military-civilian divide
The John R. "Tex" McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism goes to Johnny "Joey" Jones, a retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician who lost both legs in Afghanistan.
Jones has become an influential Fox News contributor, using his media presence to champion veterans and assist them in adjusting to life after service.
Since his recovery from the IED blast that transformed his life, Jones has committed himself to encouraging wounded veterans.
His service-driven storytelling "resonates nationwide, offering clarity, integrity and hope to audiences from all walks of life."
Jones proves that true heroes don’t let setbacks define them – they use their experiences to lift others up.
Country star John Rich gets Bob Hope Award for veteran support
Country music artist and entrepreneur John Rich receives the Bob Hope Award for his vocal support of the military.
Rich champions patriotism and backs veteran-focused initiatives nationwide through his Redneck Riviera brand and charitable efforts.
The numbers speak for themselves – Rich has raised nearly $2 million to support veterans’ causes.
His contributions include supporting the VFW’s Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor.
Rich understands that freedom isn’t free, and he’s putting his money where his mouth is.
Philanthropist Kathleen Rollins recognized for Distinguished Citizenship
The Distinguished Citizen Award goes to Kathleen Rollins, a nationally recognized philanthropist and humanitarian.
Under her guidance, the Gary W. Rollins Foundation has distributed over $86 million to develop institutions and programs that foster thoughtful, caring citizens.
Additionally, the foundation has provided $25 million in support of veteran causes.
Rollins demonstrates that true wealth comes from using your resources to strengthen America and support those who served.
Gary Sinise to host prestigious black-tie event
Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will serve as emcee for the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala.
Sinise, widely known for his award-winning portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, is a previous Patriot Award recipient himself.
The black-tie event offers the public an opportunity to mingle with Medal of Honor Recipients, the awardees, and other dignitaries.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Congressional Medal of Honor Society President Britt Slabinski explained the significance of the awards.
"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," Slabinski said.
"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."
Chattanooga provides perfect setting for historic gathering
The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center led the successful campaign to bring this incredible event to Chattanooga.
Lynda Minks Hood, member of the Heritage Center’s Board of Trustees and Co-Chair for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, highlighted the city’s significance.
"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," Hood said.
The 19,500 square-foot Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Medal of Honor through immersive exhibits and educational programming.
Now in its 65th year, the Medal of Honor Celebration continues to inspire Americans to live by the values that make our nation great.
The event is sponsored by an impressive list of American companies and foundations, including the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, American Airlines, CSX, and many others.
These sponsors understand that supporting our heroes isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s essential for preserving the values that built America.
In a time when some question American exceptionalism, events like this remind us that there are still Americans willing to sacrifice everything for freedom.
The 2025 Patriot Awards Gala will celebrate four individuals who prove that the American spirit of service and sacrifice is alive and well.
