The Patriot Awards Gala is the capstone event for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration. Each year, the Host committee for the Medal of Honor Celebration works with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to hold this annual black-tie celebration to honor the service and commitment of our nation’s 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients while recognizing four accomplished Americans who embody the principles upon which our nation is founded; exemplify the values of courage, commitment, and selfless service; and exhibit patriotism, valor, and fidelity.
The 2025 Patriot Gala—presented by Textile Rubber and Chemical Company—is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, at the Chattanooga Convention Center with actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, a previous Patriot Award recipient who is widely known for his award-winning portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark filmForrest Gump, serving as the emcee. The 2025 awards include:
Dr. Robert Gates served as the nation’s 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense. He is honored for his lifelong service to the nation and steadfast leadership on behalf of service members and their families. Prior to becoming secretary of defense, Dr. Gates served as President of Texas A&M University and as Director of Central Intelligence. Throughout his nearly five decades in public service, Dr. Gates served 8 presidents in total, across both political parties. On his last day in office as secretary of defense, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
Joey Jones, a retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician who lost both legs in Afghanistan, has become a powerful voice in bridging the gap between military and civilian life. As a Fox News contributor and author with Fox News Books, he uses his platform to share his experiences and advocate for veterans. Since recovering from the IED explosion that changed his life, Jones has dedicated himself to inspiring wounded warriors and helping them navigate the transition to civilian life. His service-driven storytelling resonates nationwide, offering clarity, integrity and hope to audiences from all walks of life.
As a country music artist, songwriter and entrepreneur, John Rich has long been a vocal supporter of the military. Through his Redneck Riviera brand and charitable work, he promotes patriotism and supports veteran-focused causes across the country. To date, he has raised nearly $2 million to support veterans’ causes, including VFW’s Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor.
A nationally recognized philanthropist and humanitarian, Kathleen Rollins has spent decades supporting education and ethical leadership. Under her leadership, the Gary W. Rollins Foundation—dedicated to fostering critical thinking, empathy and civic responsibility—has awarded more than $86 million to shape institutions and programs that cultivate informed, compassionate citizens, and $25 million in support of veteran causes.
Additional sponsorships are still available today, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. To learn more about the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, the Patriot Awards Gala and how you can become a sponsor, please click here or contact Vince Butler at (423) 877-2525 or vince@MOHHC.org.
