Mission Inspire

Courage Conversations: Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson

On the latest episode in our Courage Conversation series, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient and National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Board Member Lieutenant Colonel William Swenson. One of just a handful of recipients still on active duty, Lt. Col. Swenson earned the Medal for his actions in the Battle of Ganjgal near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on September 8, 2009. He shares his recollections of that day, the lessons he’s learned in the Army and what he hopes to accomplish through the Museum.

Courage Conversations: Major General Patrick Brady

Medal of Honor recipient Major General Patrick Brady joins us on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. A legendary Hewey helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, General Brady and his crew rescued nearly 100 wounded servicemen using techniques never before seen in combat. In his conversation with Host Mo Barrett, General Brady talks about the true meaning of Memorial Day, his hopes for the future of the National Medal of Honor Museum and the significance of Section 7A at Arlington National Cemetery.

Episode 25: Chad Graham, President of the Woody Williams Foundation

This month, bipartisan legislation was introduced in Congress that would locate the National Medal of Honor Monument on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial. Named after a beloved Medal of Honor recipient, the Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act marks the next important step in building a Monument paying tribute to the Medal’s fewer than 4,000 recipients. Our guest this month is Woody’s grandson and President of the Woody Williams Foundation, Chad Graham. In the episode, Chad shares some of his favorite memories with his grandfather and how he is working to carry on Woody’s legacy through his foundation, which establishes Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States.

Courage Conversations: Specialist 5th Class Jim McCloughan

Host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Specialist 5^th Class Jim McCloughan on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. A combat medic, SP5 McCloughan received the Medal for his life-saving actions during the Vietnam War. In this deeply personal episode, McCloughan walks us through the 48 hours of close combat fighting during which he earned the Medal, shares some of the wisdom gained during his nearly 40 years teaching and coaching high school students, and reveals the most important lesson he has learned in his life.

Courage Conversations: Command Master Chief Britt Slabinski

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, host Mo Barrett is joined by Medal of Honor recipient Command Master Chief (CMC) Britt Slabinski. CMC Slabinski, who earned the Medal for his actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar, reveals how he learned he would receive the Medal, shares his feelings about the word ‘special’, and remembers the first time he entered a room filled with his fellow recipients. Slabinski also discusses his decision to donate his ceremonial Medal of Honor to the National Medal of Honor Museum in this latest installment of Courage Conversations.

Holiday Special: Saying Thank You to Servicemembers

The holiday season can be tough for servicemembers who are away from their families, so we are saying thank you – from all of us. On a special episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, we gathered messages from people across the U.S to share with our country’s men and women in uniform who sacrifice spending time with their families to serve our country.

 

All of us at the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation wish you a joyous holiday season

Courage Conversations: Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant David Bellavia

Host Mo Barret is joined by the only living Medal of Honor recipient from the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant David Bellavia on this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast. In the latest installment of our Courage Conversation series Bellavia talks to us about his latest book Remember the Ramrods: An Army Brotherhood in War and Peace, about the first time the Ramrods — his infantry battalion — reunited as a unit, 14 years after the war. Additionally, he walks us through the day he earned the Medal of Honor during the Second Battle of Fallujah and how he got involved in the Museum. 

Courage Conversations: Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast, host Mo Barrett is joined by the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Kyle Carpenter. Carpenter earned the Medal when he threw his body on an enemy grenade in Afghanistan, saving the lives of his fellow Marines. In the episode, Kyle tells Mo all about his lengthy recovery at Walter Reed, his proudest accomplishment, his inspiring book You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For and what his journey has taught him about the value of perspective.

Courage Conversations: Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs

We’d like to introduce you to Courage Conversations. A series of episodes of the Mission Inspire podcast that will feature candid conversations with Medal of Honor recipients. Each of whom have gone above and beyond in their service to others – both on the battlefield and right here at home in America. The first installment of this series features Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs. In his conversation with host Mo Barrett, Jacobs walks us through the day he earned the Medal, his decision to return to Vietnam a second time, his involvement with the National Medal of Honor Museum, and the Medal of Honor recipient whose story inspires him the most.

Episode 18: All in All the Time with Christina Valentine

On this episode of the Mission Inspire podcast host Mo Barrett is joined by Christina Valentine, wife of Medal of Honor recipient Command Master Chief (CMC) Britt Slabinski and founder of the All in All the Time Foundation. Together they discuss her new role as the Associate Director of Recipients & Veterans Relations for the National Medal of Honor Museum, their family’s decision to donate CMC Slabinski’s Medal to the Museum, and the creation of the All in All the Time Foundation that supports Goldstar families and service members impacted by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Foundation was inspired by the passing of her first husband, Special Operator Senior Chief (SOCS) SEAL Thomas J. Valentine.