A Weekend of Honor: Leadership, Legacy, and a Lasting Tribute to American Heroes

A Weekend of Honor: Leadership, Legacy, and a Lasting Tribute to American Heroes

From an intimate but powerful dinner to a tribute in front of thousands, it was an inspiring weekend with the best America has to offer.

In the heart of Chicago, an intimate but powerful event took place that reminded everyone in the room of what true leadership looks like. The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership hosted An Evening of Honor, a private dinner and leadership forum made possible by the sponsorship of Veterans Help Group and Richard.This wasn’t just a veteran recognition event. It was a conversation—an honest, stirring dialogue between two Medal of Honor recipients, Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr., USMC (Ret.), and Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.). They spoke candidly about courage, service, and the responsibility that doesn’t end when military service does.

Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.), Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr., US Marine Corps (Ret.). Photo by (Tori Soper Photography)

Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.); Joe Waring, CEO of Veterans Help Group; Jed Richard CEO & President of Richard; Harvey C. “Barney Barnum, Jr., US Marine Corps (Ret.). Photo by (Tori Soper Photography)

Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, Jr., US Army (Ret.); Elisa Henley, Director of Events, Medal of Honor Center for Leadership; Andy Bestwick, Development Officer, Medal of Honor Center for Leadership; Tom Hudner III, Vice President for Development and Strategic Initiatives, Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.). Photo by (Tori Soper Photography)

Why This Medal of Honor Leadership Event Mattered

While only 61 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today, their stories continue to shape the future. This event, attended by civic and business leaders, emphasized leadership grounded in moral courage—doing what’s right even when it’s hard.

“Supporting this evening was an easy decision,” said Joe Waring, CEO of Veterans Help Group. “At its core, it’s about responsibility—how we honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and lead lives worthy of them.”

“You don’t leave a room like that very often,” said Jed Richard, President of Richard. “It wasn’t about medals. It was about mission. We’re proud to help bring that message to life.”

A Podcast for an Inside Look

Ryan Fugit of the military podcast, Combat Story, kicked off Saturday morning with a one-on-one interview with Ryan M. Pitts.  You’ll see how Fugit brings out the deepest stories from veterans and with Pitts as his guest this episode will leave you with a rare but ultimate inside look into what it means to sacrifice, to survive, and to lead from a Medal of Honor recipient.

Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.) and Ryan Fugit, US Army (Ret.)

The episode drops Saturday, May 24th at noon EST.  Catch it on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or anywhere where you get your audio podcasts.

Armed Forces Day Tribute at Wrigley Field

On Saturday afternoon, it was Armed Forces Day at legendary Wrigley Field and the home of the Chicago Cubs. The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership team was on the field for a moving pregame tribute prior to the national anthem. Barnum and Pitts were honored before 40,000 fans in a moment that transcended the sport.

As the crowd rose in a thunderous standing ovation, the meaning behind the medals came into focus—Courage, Integrity, Commitment, Sacrifice, Citizenship, Patriotism, and the kind of confident leadership that doesn’t ask for recognition.

“This is more than a tribute,” said Thomas J. Mundell, President and CEO of the Center for Leadership. “It’s a statement that values like these still belong in public life—and that leadership is needed now more than ever.”

Ryan M. Pitts, US Army (Ret.), Elisa Waring, Harvey C. Barney Barnum, Jr., US Marine Corps (Ret.) and Joe Waring

Wrigley Field Scoreboard

:30 Medal of Honor Center for Leadership video played before the game on the Wrigley jumbotron.  Sponsored by Veterans Help Group

Building a Movement of Character and Purpose

Through events like An Evening of Honor and partnerships with organizations like Veterans Help Group, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership is training Americans to meet their moment by educating and empowering young people, professionals, and public servants to lead .

These aren’t just moments of recognition—they’re calls to action.

Related Topics:

• Veterans Help Group
• Medal of Honor Center for Leadership
• Richard Purpose Builders
  

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