Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

2025 MOHHC Teacher Fellowship | Session One Recap Session One was nothing short of exciting, inspiring, and energizing! From a Q&A with Dr. June Scobee Rodgers to a mission at the Challenger STEM Learning Center, our Fellows explored the legacies of the Challenger crew, all Space Medal of Honor Recipients. Grateful for partners like the Challenger Center for making these experiences extra special each year! This program is made possible through the generous support of the Fields and Bell Families in honor of the late Katie Fields Bell. #MOHHC #LeveragePlace #MOHHCFellowship2025 #BIGstories #BIGenergy #BIGimpact

🏃 💨 Get ready to race for a cause! The Little Debbie 7 Race supports the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, honoring the brave heroes who have shaped our nation's history. By signing up, you're not just running—you’re making a difference! 🇺🇲 Tag a friend to join you, sign up today, and help us continue sharing the #BIGstories of courage and sacrifice. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eRqjrCbr #LittleDebbie7 #MedalOfHonor #RunForACause #HonorThroughAction

2025 MOHHC Teacher Fellowship Cohort Please join us in welcoming our 2025 Teacher Fellows! This #BIGenergy cohort brings together accomplished educators from Tennessee and Georgia, spanning first and second-year teachers to seasoned veterans with decades of experience. With expertise in English Language Arts, STEM, CTE, Social Studies, Spanish, and Special Education, they represent a wide range of perspectives ready to inspire students across multiple disciplines. The stories of #MedalofHonor Recipients extend beyond the Social Studies classroom. By engaging educators across multiple content areas and grade levels, we expand the reach of these #BIGstories and powerful lessons—connecting with students of all interests and ages. Learn more about our Teacher Fellowship Program ⬇ https://lnkd.in/epQ3HmV4 This BIG energy program is generously supported by the Fields and Bell Families in honor of the late Mrs. Katie Fields Bell. *NOT PICTURED: Jessica Watson #LeveragePlace #MOHHCFellowship2025 #BIGimpact

2025 MOHHC Teacher Fellowship Program Kickoff Our 2025 Teacher Fellowship program is now underway! Just look at these smiles. 💙🤍 This year's Fellowship cohort joined us here at the Heritage Center yesterday for Working Session 1 centered on the Space Medal of Honor. From a Q&A with Dr. June Scobee Rodgers to a mission over at the Challenger Center, our Fellows gained a little more insight into the lives of those—particularly the Challenger Crew—who dared to reach for the stars. When asked to describe the day in one word, here's what our Teacher Fellows had to say: Exciting, Exciting, Informative, Inspirational, Uplifting, Engaging, Anticipatory, Refreshing, Engaging, Exciting, Invigorating!, Motivational, Exciting, Exciting, Exciting, Informative, Energizing, Inspiring We can't wait to see this crew again in April! This program is made possible through the generous support of the Fields and Bell Families in Honor of the late Katie Fields Bell. #mohhc #leverageplace #mohhcfellowship2025 #BIGstories #BIGenergy #BIGimpact

COFFEE WITH JUNE | Ep. 1 ☕ 🌌 Bill Bill Nelson, 14th Administrator of NASA The wait is over—Coffee with June is officially here! Join Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, visionary behind the Challenger Center, as she sits down with retiring NASA Administrator Bill Nelson for an inspiring conversation about the exciting future of space exploration. Tune in on YouTube as they discuss resilience, innovation, and the stories that continue to shape our journey to the stars. Grab your favorite mug and listen now on our YouTube here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e5XREx5N #CoffeeWithJune #MOHHC

SAVE THE DATE! The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center invites you to the grand opening of the Captain Larry L. Taylor Exhibit on March 29, 2025, in Chattanooga, TN. Captain Taylor, a Chattanooga native and Medal of Honor Recipient, demonstrated extraordinary courage as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, saving the lives of four Army Rangers. His leadership shines through his unwavering commitment to his team and his ability to make decisive, bold choices under extreme pressure. On June 18, 1968, faced with overwhelming odds, he landed his AH-1G Cobra helicopter to rescue the Rangers, defying all conventional protocols. This remarkable act of ingenuity and selflessness exemplifies true leadership—putting the mission and others above himself. This exhibit celebrates Captain Taylor’s legacy and his admirable sense of leadership, honoring one of Chattanooga’s own. 🗓️ Event Schedule: Saturday, March 29th -Membership Preview Reception -"Bricks of Honor" Dedication Ceremony -Public Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 📍 Location: Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center 2 W Aquarium Way, Suite 104, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Come celebrate the legacy of Captain Larry L. Taylor, Medal of Honor Recipient, and experience this immersive exhibit honoring his extraordinary service. Event details to follow! #MOHHC #MedalOfHonor #LarryLTaylorExhibit

"Courage cannot happen without allowing yourself to be vulnerable while ignoring the possible risks." – Medal of Honor Recipient Captain Gary M. Rose Courage is not about being fearless; it’s about making deliberate choices in the face of uncertainty. It’s about recognizing risks, embracing vulnerability, and acting with resolve. Then-Sergeant Gary Michael Rose, serving as a Special Forces Medic during an intense four-day mission in September 1970, demonstrated extraordinary leadership under fire. Braving heavy fire to treat and evacuate wounded soldiers, he often used his body as a shield and repeatedly exposed himself to danger. Despite suffering multiple injuries, Sergeant Rose continued to provide life-saving aid, moving casualties to safety and repelling enemy advances. When extraction attempts failed and helicopters were downed, he rescued wounded personnel from the wreckage and sustained his efforts until all were safely evacuated. His actions were instrumental in saving numerous lives and exemplified what it means to lead by example in the toughest circumstances. Leadership often requires this same kind of courage—acknowledging uncertainty, accepting vulnerability, and making choices that serve the greater good. It’s about inspiring trust, taking responsibility, and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. How do you embrace courage in your leadership journey? #Leadership #CourageInAction #MedalOfHonor

Gratitude is at the heart of what we do at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, and today I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the George R. Johnson Family Foundation for their incredible support of our Teacher Fellowship Program. Their generosity empowers educators to bring Medal of Honor stories and values—courage, sacrifice, commitment, citizenship, patriotism, and integrity—into classrooms nationwide. Through this program, teachers are equipped with transformative lessons and resources that inspire the next generation of leaders to make a meaningful impact. We’re proud to support the teachers who create an impact every day. This important work wouldn’t be possible without partners like the George R. Johnson Family Foundation. Their belief in education and our mission fuels moments that truly matter. Thank you for being part of this journey!

True leadership is defined by the ability to inspire action, make bold decisions, and lead by example, especially in moments of immense challenge. General Richard E. Cavazos embodied these qualities and more during the Korean War in 1953. Commissioned as a U.S. Army officer in 1951, Cavazos completed basic officer training and Airborne School before deploying to Korea with the 65th Infantry. On June 14–15, 1953, First Lieutenant Richard E. Cavazos, serving as Company Commander of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, led a raid on an entrenched enemy outpost near Sagimak, Korea. Leading his men through intense mortar and artillery fire, Cavazos directed multiple assaults, destroying enemy fortifications and personnel. After regrouping his company under heavy fire, he inspired his soldiers with effective commands and personal example. Following a withdrawal order, Cavazos stayed behind to search for missing men, rescuing wounded soldiers and leading separated groups to safety under continuous enemy fire. Despite his own combat wounds, he made repeated trips to the battlefield, ensuring no soldiers were left behind before seeking medical treatment. Cavazos' actions exemplify the highest ideals of leadership: courage, decisiveness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to those he led. By prioritizing the welfare of his men above his own safety, he inspired trust and loyalty while demonstrating extraordinary selflessness and accountability. His ability to adapt under pressure, make bold decisions, and lead from the front ensured mission success and the safety of his soldiers. These qualities are not confined to the battlefield—they serve as a blueprint for leadership in all areas of life and career fields. Whether managing a team, guiding a community, or navigating personal challenges, embodying integrity, compassion, and dedication can inspire others and drive meaningful impact. General Cavazos was awarded the #MedalOfHonor this past Friday, January 3, 2025, by President Biden during a ceremony at the White House. This recognition cements his legacy as a true exemplar of courage, integrity, and selfless service.

Our Teacher Fellowship Program here at the Heritage Center is a year-long commitment where we work to share the BIG stories of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor Recipients through BIG energy workshops and field excursions. We're choosing to invest in educators because we believe education is a community effort. They are the ones, day in and day out, who have the capacity to make a BIG impact of the lives of students—the next generation of leaders. This program would not exist without the generous support of the Fields and Bell families who ensured its launched in 2023. Thanks to them, it expanded in 2024 to include teachers from TN, GA, and AL. Our 2025 cohort will soon be announced, and we cannot wait for the 2025 MOHHC TFP to commence! #MOHHC #leverageplace #MOHHCfellowship2024 #BIGstories #BIGenergy #BIGimpact