The Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center announced Thursday that the organization will host its first annual “Celebration of Valor” luncheon at 11:30 a.m. next Tuesday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The luncheon, which is presented by BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee Community Trust, is the signature fundraiser to support the Heritage Center and its community programs.
“We are truly thrilled about the initial response and support we have received for the ‘Celebration of Valor’ luncheon this year as we are very close to selling out the event,” said Becky Cope English, event chair and advisory board member for the Charles H.
Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center. “It is our hope this event will help raise the awareness of the Heritage Center and its mission to share these unreal stories about real heroes in a manner that educates and inspires people for years to come.
“Most important, we hope this event will encourage people to support our efforts to expand the Heritage Center’s Character Development Program, which focuses on teaching our children – our future leaders – about the character traits that embody the Medal of Honor and encouraging them to emulate these values so they can make a positive change in their own lives and community.”
"This year’s event will feature notable author and leadership expert Jimmy Blackmon as its keynote speaker. Blackmon is among the most combat experienced leaders of the modern era having led high-risk missions all over the world, including serving as the air mission commander on the operation that netted #2 and #3 in the famous Iraqi 'Most Wanted' deck of cards during the War on Terror. In addition, Jimmy served as the aviation commander during battles in which four Medals of Honor were earned in Afghanistan – in the very valleys where the attacks of 9-11 were planned and rehearsed. As part of the luncheon, attendees will receive a copy of his latest book – Pale Horse: Hunting Terrorists and Commanding Heroes with the 101st Airborne Division," officials said. "Established in 1987, the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center strives to memorialize the valorous actions of the recipients of our nation's highest military award and promote the history and character associated with their gallantry. In addition to honoring the past, the Heritage Center works to educate and inspire present and future generations to both learn about and honor their fellow Americans – including the 32 Medal of Honor recipients from our home state of Tennessee – who made extraordinary sacrifices above and beyond the call of duty to support and defend our nation's Constitution and the Liberty it enshrines."
Other sponsors for the “Celebration of Valor” luncheon include: Raymond James, U.S. Xpress, EPB, Sunny 92.3 FM, Q Classic Country, and Sinclair Broadcasting Group (Newschannel 9, FOX Chattanooga and The CW Chattanooga). The proceeds from the luncheon will help fund the daily operations of the Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center and the expansion of its Medal of Honor Character Development program in community schools throughout the region.
Individual tickets to the luncheon are $80, but attendees can purchase VIP individual tickets for $125, which will include premium seating and access to the VIP reception. Table sponsorships cost $1,500 for a table of eight. To buy tickets, visit the Events Tab at
www.mohm.org.