Mission Inspire

The Grand Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum required moments that were moving, moments that were uplifting, moments that were spectacular. Capping an unforgettable evening, the Mission to Inspire Spectacular lit up the sky above the Museum in a 360-degree storytelling marvel, featuring fireworks, drones, video, and a variety of musical arrangements. But what does it take to produce such a show? How do you infuse the values of the Medal into visual storytelling? In this special two-part series we will go behind the scenes to understand both the technical and emotional aspects that made the Museum's Grand Opening a night to remember. The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

The National Medal of Honor Museum officially opened its doors on March 25 – Medal of Honor Day. Host Mo Barrett was on site for the celebrations and spoke with family members of Medal of Honor Recipients, along with some of the staff who were critical to opening this special place. The Museum is filled with amazing artifacts, immersive exhibits and powerful displays telling stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others – and now you experience it for yourself. Tickets to visit to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum are available at MOHMuseum.org.

After three years of construction – and decades of dreams – the National Medal of Honor Museum will open its doors this month. In their actions on the battlefield and beyond, Medal of Honor Recipients embody the values intrinsic to the Medal: citizenship and patriotism, commitment and integrity, courage and sacrifice. And while the Museum will explore all of these values, each of us relates to the values in a unique way. Recently, we asked Medal of Honor Recipients and their family members which of the six values resonates with them the most.   Tickets to visit the National Medal of Honor Museum are now available for purchase on the Museum's website ahead of the doors opening to the public on March 25, 2025. The Museum has more than 100,000 square feet of space, including 31,000 square feet dedicated to Exhibition Galleries telling the history of the Medal of Honor and the stories of the American heroes who earned it. More information to help guests plan their visit is available at mohmuseum.org.

With just a few weeks to go until the National Medal of Honor Museum's Grand Opening, host Mo Barrett talks to architect Bassam Komati, the Partner-in-Charge at Rafael Viñoly Architects for the National Medal of Honor Museum, about how the Museum has gone from blueprints to a real building. They discuss how the design has changed throughout construction, how the architecture and exhibits complement one another, and how he has executed Rafael Viñoly's vision.   Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

The start of the new year is a time to reflect on ways we can improve. As infallible as they may seem, Medal of Honor Recipients are no different. Looking back on their lives, there's some changes they would have liked to make. Recently, we asked a few Recipients to share the advice they would give to their younger selves. The wisdom they shared about modesty, discipline, gratefulness, and more is applicable at all stages of life.   Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

While we celebrate the wonders of the holidays, our hearts are also heavy with the memories of the five Medal of Honor Recipients who passed away this year. To help us remember these heroes, host Mo Barrett is joined by NMOHMF's Jenny Page and Kali Martin Schick for a discussion about how the National Medal of Honor Museum is telling their stories and preserving their legacies. Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

Over Veterans Day Weekend, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation once again proudly partnered with the Dallas Cowboys to publicly recognize and thank Medal of Honor recipients during the Cowboys' annual Salute to Service game. Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer and Co-Owner and Chairman of the NMOHMF Board of Directors, talked to host Mo Barrett about the importance of that moment, the Cowboys' support of the Museum, and what to look forward to during the Grand Opening celebration in March.     Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

This Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Sammy Davis was recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum's construction site. Known as “the real-life Forrest Gump,” Sgt. Sammy Davis talks to host Mo Barrett about what drove his courage in Vietnam, the advice he gives to students, and his moment of Hollywood stardom. Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

We are just six months out from the grand opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. To offer an update on construction and preview the grand opening festivities, host Mo Barrett is joined by Chris Cassidy, NMOHMF President and CEO. They discuss the emotions of seeing the Museum come to life, the tremendous support from across the country, and the excitement that is building as we head towards the doors swinging open on Medal of Honor Day 2025.   Interested in supporting the Museum's work to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of Medal of Honor recipients? Please consider becoming a Cornerstone Member. Your donation makes a big difference, and you'll gain access to some exclusive benefits. Learn more at MoHMuseum.org.

This Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Major Jim Taylor was recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum's construction site. Major Taylor and host Mo Barrett discuss his path to the Army, his heroism in Vietnam – where he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to rescue wounded men from burning vehicles – and his memorable experience with President Lyndon Johnson during his White House medal ceremony.

Last fall, during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum's construction site, host Mo Barrett sat down with two incredible women who are each married to a Medal of Honor recipient: Dixie Davis and Kate Williams. The trio discuss the sacrifices made by the families of servicemembers and the tremendous responsibilities they bear, especially those related to Medal of Honor recipients.

This is a special bonus episode featuring a Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Matt Williams, recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum's construction site. During a firefight in Afghanistan's Shok Valley, Williams repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he moved up and down a mountain to help evacuate the wounded. He and host Mo Barrett talk about his actions that day, the lessons he's learned from other Medal of Honor recipients and what motivates him to continue to serve on active duty.

On the latest episode in our March to Grand Opening series, host Mo Barrett sits down with Medal of Honor recipient and NMOHMF Board Member Col. Jack Jacobs, who earned the Medal in Vietnam when he – though injured himself – repeatedly ran across open rice paddies through heavy fire to evacuate the wounded. Col. Jacobs reflects on watching the Museum come to life and shares his reaction to learning he was to be featured in the exhibition gallery, including in a special AI feature.

This is a special bonus episode featuring a Courage Conversation with Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Allan Kellogg, recorded last fall during a special Veterans Day visit to the National Medal of Honor Museum's construction site. Sgt. Major Kellogg and host Mo Barrett discuss his path to the Marine Corps., his brave, selfless actions in Vietnam, and how he uses humor to process his wartime experiences.

Continuing our March to Grand Opening series spotlighting Medal of Honor recipients who will be featured in the National Medal of Honor Museum's galleries, host Mo Barrett talks to Maj. Marisa Regan, the granddaughter of SSGt. Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, who earned the Medal during the Korean War when he bravely held off an enemy attack to allow the retreat of his men. She highlights lesser-known aspects of his story and reflects on his legacy of service.

As we mark one year to the Grand Opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum, host Mo Barrett kicks off a new series spotlighting some of the Medal of Honor recipients who will be featured in the Museum's galleries – starting with Maj. General Pat Brady, who earned the Medal for his actions in Vietnam when he made repeated helicopter landings into enemy territory under heavy fire and amidst dense fog to rescue wounded soldiers. Brady recounts how he became involved with the Museum and shares what he wants visitors to take away after learning his story.   This podcast is presented by Lucas Oil.

Rising from humble origins in the Florida panhandle to become a squad leader with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, Staff Sergeant Clifford Chester Sims earned the Medal of Honor for courageous, selfless actions – becoming one of just 94 African American recipients of our nation's highest award for valor in combat. As we celebrate Black History Month, host Mo Barrett is joined by Sims' daughter Gina Townsend to talk about his life and legacy. Gina recounts attending the White House Medal presentation ceremony and shares what led her family to gift her father's original Medal of Honor to the National Medal of Honor Museum.

On the latest episode in our Courage Conversations series, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Petty Officer Bob Ingram, who earned the Medal for his actions in Vietnam where he administered aid to injured Marines despite being severely wounded himself. Petty Officer Ingram discusses his unusual path to the medical field, the love he feels for his comrades, and the important life-lesson he tries to impart on the next generation: It's not about me, It's the TEAM.

The holidays can be a difficult time for someone experiencing a loss. Medal of Honor recipient Col. Donald “Doc” Ballard witnesses that pain this time every year. On this episode in our Courage Conversations series, host Mo Barrett sits down with Col. Ballard, who earned the Medal in Vietnam when he put himself in the line of fire to aid wounded Marines and jumped on an enemy grenade, to recount what drove his actions that day. He also shares what motivates him to continue serving the military community through his work as a funeral director providing veterans with dignified burials.

Between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, November is a time to say thank you to America's men and women in uniform. This month, the National Medal of Honor Museum paid tribute to servicemembers during a series of events featuring Medal of Honor recipients, the Dallas Cowboys, NFL star Dak Prescott, and other community leaders and supporters. The weekend concluded with 16 Medal of Honor recipients taking the field together at AT&T Stadium for a special halftime tribute during the Dallas Cowboys' Salute to Service matchup with the New York Giants. On a special episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, we collected reflections from several members of the Museum staff about the week's events and the meaning of Veterans Day.

With Veterans Day around the corner, host Mo Barrett is joined by Michael Caldwell, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation's Senior Director of Operations and Veteran Engagement, to talk about the Museum Veterans Network and how NMOHMF engages veterans across the country. Plus, Michael offers a progress update on the Museum's construction and fundraising.

Just a few weeks ago, a new hero joined the ranks of America's Medal of Honor recipients when President Biden presented our nation's highest award for valor in combat to retired U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor for his actions in Vietnam, where he risked his life to rescue four soldiers with a daring helicopter maneuver. To talk about Captain Taylor's inspiring story, host Mo Barrett is joined by NMOHMF Historians Josh Schick and Kali Martin Schick.

As part of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation's efforts to tell the stories of all recipients, host Mo Barrett is joined by Mark Morgan – grandson of WWII Medal of Honor recipient John “Red” Morgan. Mark discusses his grandfather's heroic actions during a bombing run over Germany and later imprisonment as a POW, as well as his family's decision to donate their Medal of Honor and other artifacts to the Museum.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bruce Crandall – a helicopter pilot in Vietnam who made a series of daring landings under enemy fire to evacuate seriously wounded soldiers. In this episode of our Courage Conversations series, Col. Crandall recounts the actions that earned him the Medal, the rules he set for the men under his command and how he was given the nickname “Snake.”

On the latest episode in our Courage Conversation series, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient and National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board Member Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson. One of just a handful of recipients still on active duty, Lt. Col. Swenson earned the Medal for his actions in the Battle of Ganjgal near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on September 8, 2009. He shares his recollections of that day, the lessons he's learned in the Army and what he hopes to accomplish through the Museum.

Medal of Honor recipient Major General Patrick Brady joins us on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. A legendary Hewey helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, General Brady and his crew rescued nearly 100 wounded servicemen using techniques never before seen in combat. In his conversation with Host Mo Barrett, General Brady talks about the true meaning of Memorial Day, his hopes for the future of the National Medal of Honor Museum and the significance of Section 7A at Arlington National Cemetery.

This month, bipartisan legislation was introduced in Congress that would locate the National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial. Named after a beloved Medal of Honor recipient, the Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act marks the next important step in building a Monument paying tribute to the Medal's fewer than 4,000 recipients. Our guest this month is Woody's grandson and President of the Woody Williams Foundation, Chad Graham. In the episode, Chad shares some of his favorite memories with his grandfather and how he is working to carry on Woody's legacy through his foundation, which establishes Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Specialist 5th Class Jim McCloughan on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. A combat medic, SP5 McCloughan received the Medal for his life-saving actions during the Vietnam War. In this deeply personal episode, McCloughan walks us through the 48 hours of close combat fighting during which he earned the Medal, shares some of the wisdom gained during his nearly 40 years teaching and coaching high school students, and reveals the most important lesson he has learned in his life.

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Command Master Chief (CMC) Britt Slabinski. CMC Slabinski, who earned the Medal for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar, reveals how he learned he would receive the Medal, shares his feelings about the word ‘special', and remembers the first time he entered a room filled with his fellow recipients. Slabinski also discusses his decision to donate his ceremonial Medal of Honor to the National Medal of Honor Museum in this latest installment of Courage Conversations.

The holiday season can be tough for servicemembers who are away from their families, so we are saying thank you – from all of us. On a special episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, we gathered messages from people across the U.S to share with our country's men and women in uniform who sacrifice spending time with their families to serve our country.   All of us at the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation wish you a joyous holiday season

Host Mo Barret is joined by the only living Medal of Honor recipient from the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. In the latest installment of our Courage Conversation series Bellavia talks to us about his latest book Remember the Ramrods: An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace, about the first time the Ramrods — his infantry battalion — reunited as a unit, 14 years after the war. Additionally, he walks us through the day he earned the Medal of Honor during the Second Battle of Fallujah and how he got involved in the Museum. 

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, host Mo Barrett is joined by the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Kyle Carpenter. Carpenter earned the Medal when he threw his body on an enemy grenade in Afghanistan, saving the lives of his fellow Marines. In the episode, Kyle tells Mo all about his lengthy recovery at Walter Reed, his proudest accomplishment, his inspiring book You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For and what his journey has taught him about the value of perspective.

We'd like to introduce you to Courage Conversations. A series of episodes of the Mission Inspire podcast that will feature candid conversations with Medal of Honor recipients. Each of whom have gone above and beyond in their service to others – both on the battlefield and right here at home in America. The first installment of this series features Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs. In his conversation with host Mo Barrett, Jacobs walks us through the day he earned the Medal, his decision to return to Vietnam a second time, his involvement with the National Medal of Honor Museum, and the Medal of Honor recipient whose story inspires him the most.

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast host Mo Barrett is joined by Christina Valentine, wife of Medal of Honor recipient Command Master Chief (CMC) Britt Slabinski and founder of the All in All the Time Foundation. Together they discuss her new role as the Associate Director of Recipients & Veterans Relations for the National Medal of Honor Museum, their family's decision to donate CMC Slabinski's Medal to the Museum, and the creation of the All in All the Time Foundation that supports Goldstar families and service members impacted by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Foundation was inspired by the passing of her first husband, Special Operator Senior Chief (SOCS) SEAL Thomas J. Valentine.

Host Mo Barret is joined by world renowned architect and the creative genius behind the moving design which will become the future National Medal of Honor Museum, Rafael Viñoly. In the episode, Viñoly shares how he became involved in this historic project and the moment that inspired the architectural wonder which will house our awe-inspiring artifact collection. His list of award-winning architectural designs include the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan, among countless others.

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast host Mo Barrett is joined by WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and National Medal of Honor Museum Board Chair Charlotte Jones. Together these powerful and inspiring women discuss the partnership between the Museum and the WWE, the inspiration for the collaboration and how the two organizations will work together to bring the stories of some of America's greatest heroes to life. Additionally, they discuss their commitments to giving back to the military community and how both Stephanie and Charlotte found themselves at the helm of their respective family businesses.

Join host Mo Barrett as she takes us along on a freewheeling discussion with modern-day renaissance man Brad Meltzer, a New York Times bestselling author, nonfiction writer, TV show writer, comic book creator – and member of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation's Board of Directors. Brad talks to Mo about why he's such a huge supporter of the Museum, why he was so excited to work with DC Comics on a special edition of the popular Batman: Gotham Nights graphic novel series featuring Medal of Honor recipient SPC Sal Giunta, and what he dreams about doing next in his accomplished life. Brad also shares insights into his latest book The Lightning Rod and his close friendship with the late President George H.W. Bush.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by the son of Major Charles W. Davis, Kirk. Together they discuss why he decided to donate his father's Medal and the deeply emotional letters Major Davis sent to his wife, Joan, relating to the award to the National Medal of Honor Museum. Additionally, they discuss Kirk's book The Hero & The Beauty an account of his parents life together and his father's heroism during World War II. 

On the Season 2 premiere of Mission Inspire, host Mo Barrett is joined by National Medal of Honor Museum Curator Greg Waters to discuss behind the scenes details of the Museum's growing collection. They talk about where the artifacts are sourced from and how they will be used to create the narrative that tells the unforgettable story of our nation's greatest heroes. 

Host Mo Barret is joined by National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board Chair and Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones. Together they discuss the inspiring Dallas Cowboys Salute to Service weekend, the public service announcement featuring three former U.S. Presidents and the exciting things to come for the Museum in 2022.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Chris Cassidy, the new President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum. A retired Navy SEAL and astronaut, Chris was appointed to his new position in August 2021. Together, they discuss life in the military, space travel, leadership and what the future holds for the Museum.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Gary Beikirch for a conversation about his life of service. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallant actions in Vietnam, Mr. Beikirch has spent his time since leaving the military providing counseling and support to young people. Serving as a middle school counselor for two decades, Mr. Beikirch provides his perspective of overcoming challenges and reintegrating to public life as kids around the country head back into the classroom.

Host Mo Barrett is joined by U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) – the lead co-sponsor of legislation authorizing a national monument in Washington, DC, to recognize the Medal of Honor – and Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Col. William Swenson. Together, they discuss the importance of having a monument in the nation's capital to our country's highest military award for valor in combat and all that the Medal of Honor represents.  

Host Mo Barret is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, who earned our nation's highest honor for valor in combat during the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. They discuss Mr. Williams' life of service on and off the battlefield – with a particular focus on honoring those servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families.

Host Mo Barrett of the Mission Inspire Podcast talks with Gavin McIlvenna, President of the Society of the Honor Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a former Tomb Guard himself, about this year’s centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Tomb’s connections to the Medal of Honor.

Host Mo Barrett talks to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency forensic archeologist Ally Campo about the work her organization does to recover the remains of missing U.S. military personnel. Then, Scott Carter from the Diocese of Wichita joins Mo to discuss the life of Medal of Honor recipient Father Emil Kapaun and the impact of the DPAA’s identification of his remains in Hawaii last month.

To mark National Medal of Honor Day, host Mo Barrett talked to two of America’s most recent Medal of Honor recipients, both of whom represent the newest generation of military heroes: Sgt. Maj. Matthew Williams and Sgt. Maj. Thomas “Patrick” Payne. They discuss how their lives have changed since receiving the Medal, what it felt like to get “the call,” and the significance of National Medal of Honor Day.

In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Jeff Sammons and Dr. Ri’Cha ri Sancho join National Medal of Honor Museum Chief Historian Edward Lengel, Ph.D., to highlight the valor and contributions of America’s Black Medal of Honor recipients. They also discuss ongoing efforts to ensure other Black military heroes deserving of the Medal receive the tribute they are due after years of delay due to discrimination and racial bias.

Educator and Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Honor recipient Molly Hudgens joins host Mo Barrett to talk about her heroic actions when she talked a student with a loaded handgun out of harming his fellow students and teachers at Sycamore Middle School and how citizens can best exemplify the values of the Medal of Honor.

Senator Joni Ernst and Dr. Theresa Kaminski join host Mo Barrett to discuss the life and legacy of our nation’s only female Medal of Honor recipient, Dr. Mary Walker. Ernst and Barrett talk about their own experience as female combat veterans and the importance of Dr. Walker’s story to future generations of military women. 

Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady (Ret.) talks about why it’s critical to inspire patriotism in young people, the bravery of his fellow recipients on and off the battlefield, and the important role the National Medal of Honor Museum will play in ensuring the stories of our nation’s greatest military heroes are preserved for future generations.