As chairman of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Advisory Board, along with our Patriot Post publisher, Mark Alexander, we ask that you take a minute and read about an event you do not want to miss.

In 60 days, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society will hold its annual National Convention in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This major, week-long (29 September - 4 October) convention is traditionally held in large American cities. Last year, it was in San Antonio. The year before, it was in New Orleans. But not this year. In 2025, it’s coming to what many know as America’s Scenic City, and, yes, the “Birthplace of the Medal of Honor” — Chattanooga.

Many Veteran Patriot Post readers know our Nation’s Medal of Honor was first awarded to members of the famous 1862 Civil War Andrews Raid into the heart of Georgia, starting near Atlanta, after a hundred-plus-mile clandestine infiltration route. It is commonly known as the “Great Locomotive Chase,” and it culminated just outside of Chattanooga. The raid was a bold and brash federal operation into the South during a period of repeated battlefield failures by Northern armies. Northern civilian and military morale was low in those days, but following the raid, morale rose sharply. Along with the morale boost, enlistments also rose significantly.

Historians often compare the “Great Locomotive Chase” impact on Northern morale and enlistments with that of Doolittle’s WWII Tokyo raid following the disastrous Pearl Harbor attack. While neither raid saw much tactical success, both had a major and important positive strategic impact on both military and civilian morale, and that translated into enhanced and more effective military operations. Now you know why the Congressional Medal of Honor Society is holding its annual convention in the “smallish” town of Chattanooga — because Chattanooga is where it all began for our nation’s highest award for valor. Rarely does this modest-sized city at a bend in the Tennessee River attract such a national audience. Like I said, it’s a big deal!

The Society represents all living Medal of Honor recipients and, by extension, all those who have received this stunning Medal since its first awarding in 1863. Right now, there are 61 living recipients, and all who are able will attend this year’s annual convention, along with their families and many distinguished guests. Thousands of others will participate. The purpose of the convention is to amplify the special characteristics associated with the Medal — courage, commitment, citizenship, integrity, sacrifice, and patriotism — through community education.

The convention’s capstone event is the “Patriot Awards Gala,” which will be held on Saturday, 4 October 2025. More than 1,300 patriots will come together to recognize our living recipients and to honor four high-profile and nationally recognized individuals for their life’s work in promoting Medal of Honor characteristics.

Emceeing the Gala will be Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award recipient Gary Sinise. Overseeing the preparation of the meal for attendees will be world-renowned Chef Robert Irvine. Mr. Sinise will close out the Gala with a performance by his Lt. Dan Band, along with several “surprise” guests.

For their national contributions to the ideals associated with the Medal of Honor, the Society will present in-person major awards to former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates; Fox News correspondent Joey Jones; country music star John Rich; and philanthropist Kathleen Rollins.

All wonderful citizens of our nation are invited to attend the week’s activities and, as able, help sponsor one of the convention’s important fundraising events, especially the Gala. I hope you will be among them!

Learn more about this spectacular event here and explore sponsorship opportunities while they are still available here.

Chattanooga is recognized as one of the most patriotic communities in the nation. I provide all of this to you in the hopes that you will consider becoming involved with the convention. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for you or your business/institution/foundation, and one that will have a lasting and positive impact for years to come.

I’m helping with this effort and financially sponsoring activities, and I need your support too! Thank you!

(Chattanooga’s point of contact for the convention is Vince Butler, who you can call at 423-877-2525 ext. 111, or email at [email protected].)