The 2025 Medal of Honor Society annual celebration (meeting) was held in Chattanooga Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, 2025, and members of ROA’s Tennessee Department were there to volunteer.

Out of the 3,500 individuals awarded the medal there are 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients with 39 registered for the event. This prestigious event is held every year with cities bidding for selection.  

The celebration this year in Chattanooga consisted of many exciting events to include a special historic train ride provided by CSX from Atlanta (Kennesaw to Ringgold) re-enacting The Great Locomotive Chase - the action by Andrews’ Raiders, April 12, 1862, that led to the awarding of the very first Medals of Honor on March 25, 1863.  

Other events around the surrounding area included Rock City, the Incline, Ruby Falls, Coker Museum, Tennessee Aquarium, and the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.  

The Medal of Honor Recipients, friends and family meet with schoolchildren, veterans groups, active duty soldiers, police and firefighters, community and civic leaders. Their presence reminded us of their core values Courage, Commitment, Sacrifice, Integrity, Citizenship, and Patriotism.  

The Medal of Honor Society Celebration culminated with a Patriot Awards Gala. The Masters of Ceremonies a native Tennessean Gary Sinise, Chairman of the Gary Sinise Foundation and long time supporter of the military and veterans.  

The Gala was an opportunity for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, chartered by Congress in 1958 with membership limited to those that wear the Medal of Honor, to recognize those who live in service beyond self. The three prestigious awards went to Johnny “Joey” Jones (Excellence in Journalism), John Rich of Big and Rich (Excellence in Entertainment), and the Honorable Robert Gates (Patriot Award).  

The program concluded with the passing of the Flag to Detroit, MI the host of the 2026 Medal of Honor Society Celebration.  Entertainment was provided by the Lieutenant Dan Band. 

May we never forget that the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest, and rarest, military decoration is bestowed to those in the armed forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of “their” lives above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against the enemy of the United States.” 

It was a privilege to have this event in Chattanooga, the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor.

Pictured above from left are: Doug Gilbert, department of Tenn. ESGR, incoming Tenn. President Judi Davenport (volunteer Tenn. Valley VA, Chatt Vet Advisory Council, MOAA), and Scott Hardin Secretary and Treasurer (ESGR Volunteer, VA, MOAA, and Chatt Vet Advisory Council).

Pictured above from left are John Davenport, Mauhee Edmondson (Department of Kentucky), Judi Davenport, and Scott Hardin (volunteers at the Medal of Honor Gala annual celebration). Other ROA members who attended but are not pictured: Maj. Gen. Bill Raines and Ray Adkins.

Pictured above are Judi Davenport (Medal of Honor volunteer, VA, Boyd, MOAA),  Susan Hardin (ROA family support, VA volunteer, Wreaths Across America Chattanooga, MOH volunteer, Chatt Vet Council), and John Davenport (MOH volunteer, Chatt Vet Advisory Council) working with the Hixson Junior ROTC volunteers.

 

Pictured above are John and Judi with Medal of Honor Recipient Kenneth David at the Hospitality room.  Kenneth is the latest recipient to receive the medal (before him was our very own Chattanooga resident Larry Taylor).  It took Kenneth and those advocating for him and his heroic actions 54 years to receive the medal (never give up).

 

 

Pictured above are John and Judi Davenport at the MOH annual celebration hospitality desk getting instruction from retired judge Shelley Vey, chair of more than 130 MOH Volunteers.