WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership (NMOHCFL) brought together a distinguished panel of leaders from the military, sports and government to discuss transformative leadership. Worthy Rivals: Leadership Beyond the Field, held on Dec. 13, served as a prelude to the 125th Army-Navy game and was a striking reminder of how values such as courage, humility and teamwork shape leaders–both on and off the field.
“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 Powerhouse Panel on Leadership
Hosted in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., the panel included Medal of Honor recipients Edward C. Byers, Jr. and Earl Plumlee, VADM Sean Buck, USN (RET.), Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick and Senator-elect David McCormick. Moderated by NBC News’ Courtney Kube, the conversation resonated with an audience of leaders, including eight of the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients.
“Whether it’s on the battlefield or in life, the values of humility and courage are what drive success and resilience,” says Earl Plumlee.
Building on Legacy: A Game and a Vision
The themes of competition and camaraderie carried over to the Army-Navy game on Dec. 14. Known for its rich history and fierce rivalry, the game offered a vivid display of the mutual respect and shared values that unite members of both branches of service. Reflecting on the event and the game, Coach Belichick noted, “Leadership requires respect for your rival and a relentless commitment to excellence.”
The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership aims to extend these lessons nationwide. Its $75 million, 50,000-square-foot facility, planned for Patriot’s Point in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., will serve as a hub for leadership education, offering innovative programs inspired by the courage and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. Through educational initiatives, the Center seeks to make these stories of resilience accessible to all Americans, from students to community leaders and corporate professionals.
"The Medal of Honor is not about the individual; it’s about the team, the mission and the values we live by every day,."
Inspiring the Next Generation
As Tom O’Brien, NMOHCFL board member, observed, the Center’s mission aligns with the values embodied in the Army-Navy rivalry. “Teamwork, respect and commitment to a higher purpose are the principles we want to instill in future leaders,” he says.
By leveraging the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, NMOHCFL aims to teach that leadership is not confined to the battlefield but thrives in everyday moments of integrity and service.
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 Worthy Rivals event below.
Photos by Forrest Clonts.
