The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership hosted An Evening of Honor on May 22, 2025 celebrating two of our nation’s most revered heroes and the values that define their extraordinary service.
Sponsored by Truist and Veterans Help Group, the exclusive dinner event featured a moderated conversation with Medal of Honor recipients Edward C. Byers Jr., US Navy (Ret.), and Leroy A. Petry, US Army (Ret.)—both recognized for acts of valor during the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. In front of an invited audience of civic and business leaders, the recipients shared reflections on courage, sacrifice and the ethical challenges of leadership in moments of profound consequence.
Celebrating Courage and Character
With only 61 living recipients of the nation’s highest military honor, events like this offer rare insight into what it means to lead under pressure and why character remains the cornerstone of effective leadership across all sectors of society.
“We are deeply grateful to Truist and Veterans Help Group for making this evening possible,” said Tom Hudner III, vice president for development and strategic initiatives. “Their commitment to service and leadership aligns seamlessly with our mission, and their support enables us to elevate the voices and values of those who represent the very best of our nation.”
Leadership Lessons That Transcend the Battlefield
The discussion highlighted how the Medal of Honor values—courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship and patriotism—translate far beyond the battlefield. Guests heard not only about acts of heroism, but about the everyday decisions, moral resolve and servant leadership that continue to guide these veterans in civilian life.
The Evening of Honor was part of a broader series of engagements in Atlanta recognizing Byers and Petry, including a public tribute hosted by the Atlanta Braves during Military Appreciation Night at Truist Park.
Advancing the Mission of Values-Based Leadership
But for those in the room on that night, the private dinner underscored something deeper: that true leadership is grounded in purpose, humility and service to others. And that, through its expanding leadership education programs, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership is helping Americans from all walks of life prepare to meet their own moment.
Advancing the Mission of Values-Based Leadership
But for those in the room on that night, the private dinner underscored something deeper: that true leadership is grounded in purpose, humility and service to others. And that, through its expanding leadership education programs, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership is helping Americans from all walks of life prepare to meet their own moment.
A Hero’s Welcome at Truist Park
Just one day after the private dinner, the tribute to courage continued on a much larger stage. On May 22, during Military Appreciation Night at Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves partnered with the Center for Leadership to honor recipients Edward C. Byers Jr. and Leroy A. Petry in a pregame ceremony witnessed by thousands of fans.
The recognition began with a meaningful first pitch, thrown by a fellow Navy SEAL who once served alongside Byers. It was a quiet gesture between brothers-in-arms — yet carried the weight of shared sacrifice and unshakable trust.
May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service, sacrifice and resilience of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. From Memorial Day to Armed Forces Day, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that define our military community, and to recognize those who continue to serve long after their time in uniform. Events like An Evening of Honor remind us that these values are not only vital on the battlefield, but essential in boardrooms, classrooms and communities across the country.
Photos courtesy of The Warrior Alliance.
