Leadership and Valor Dinner Launches Vision for Training Facility at Patriots Point

leadership and valor dinner speaker david bellavia

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. — The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, an organization committed to cultivating leadership through the core values exemplified by Medal of Honor recipients, announced plans to build a new, $75 million, 50,000-square-foot training center and immersive visitor experience at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. The announcement was made during the Center’s Leadership and Valor Dinner on Oct. 17, held aboard the USS Yorktown. The event also aimed to raise awareness and secure final funding for the project.

“This is more than just a building; it’s the beginning of a movement,” said Dr. Harvey Schiller, chairman of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership Board. “The Center for Leadership is set to become the premier destination for leadership training in the U.S., where it will equip citizens will be equipped with leadership knowledge, skills, and inspired by the examples set by Medal of Honor recipients.”

A New Era in Leadership Training

The $75 million facility will feature cutting-edge multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, and experiential installations designed to tell the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the personal challenges and decisions these individuals faced in extraordinary moments.

Key highlights of the center’s guest experience include:

  • Inspiring Stories: Visitors will hear the personal accounts of Medal of Honor recipients, learning how their values shaped critical decisions during times of great challenge.
  • Leadership and Ethics: Immersive exhibits will guide guests through the principles of citizenship, ethical decision-making, and how to apply the Medal of Honor values to their lives.
  • Honoring Heroes: A reflective space will allow visitors to consider the sacrifices and acts of valor displayed by Medal of Honor recipients, encouraging them to reflect on their leadership journeys

National and Local Impact

The center’s construction is set to begin in 2025, with the grand opening anticipated in 2027. The project is being designed by Glick Boehm and constructed by Choate Construction, with public and private support contributing to its development.

"We are honored that Mt. Pleasant will be home to this nationally important center. This center will have a profound impact, not just on our local community but nationally as well. It will serve as a hub for leadership and character development, bringing visitors from across the country and enriching our town both culturally and economically."

Expanding Leadership Programs

Beyond the construction of the facility, the Center for Leadership is preparing to roll out a series of leadership seminars, both in-person and virtual. These programs, designed by veterans, will teach future leaders the principles of valor, selflessness, and integrity across various stages of their lives—whether in a corporate boardroom, a classroom, or at home.

“We are committed to creating leadership programs that will have a meaningful impact on communities at the local, state, and national levels,” said Tom Mundell, president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. “Our goal is to foster future leaders who embody the core values that Medal of Honor recipients represent.”

Learn More and Get Involved

Please visit our website for more information on upcoming events and news from the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. View the full gallery of the Leadership and Valor Dinner below.  

Media Coverage

Post and Courier

Live 5 News

Charleston Regional Business Journal

ABC News 4

Charleston Daily 

Count on 2 News

Photos by Forrest Clonts.

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