Chattanooga, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The 2025 Patriot Award Gala in Chattanooga celebrated service and sacrifice, honoring Medal of Honor recipients and community leaders. Highlights included speeches from notable attendees emphasizing patriotism and contribution to society. Awards were given to individuals excelling in various fields, reminding all of the importance of commitment and gratitude towards the service members. This gala is part of a week-long series of events dedicated to honoring American values.
Chattanooga
The 2025 Patriot Award Gala took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, celebrating service and sacrifice. The event brought together Medal of Honor recipients, military leaders, and local community members to honor those who exemplify the principles of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.
Country music singer and philanthropist John Rich opened the night with a message of gratitude for living in America. Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg expressed a strong connection with the Chattanooga community, emphasizing the importance of such gatherings in honoring service members. Another Medal of Honor recipient, Will Swenson, highlighted the event’s impact on youth and the promotion of American values.
During the gala, awards were presented to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields including national security, philanthropy, journalism, and civic engagement. Among the distinguished recipients was former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates, who reflected on the sacrifices made by service members during his tenure and underscored the importance of service and recognition.
The gala was part of the larger 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, which features a week of events in Chattanooga from September 30 to October 4, 2025. The event serves as a reminder of the courage, character, and sacrifice that unite the nation.
Awards Presented
- Patriot Award: Dr. Robert M. Gates for lifelong service and leadership for service members.
- John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism: Johnny “Joey” Jones, a retired Marine and Fox News contributor.
- Bob Hope Award: John Rich for supporting veteran-focused causes through his music and charity.
- Distinguished Citizen Award: Kathleen Rollins, a philanthropist with extensive contributions to veteran-related education and projects.
The event was emceed by actor Gary Sinise, known for his role in “Forrest Gump” and a previous Patriot Award recipient. Chattanooga is recognized as the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, adding to the significance of the event.
This gala aims to motivate attendees to uphold the values associated with the Medal of Honor, inspiring future leaders. The gala not only acknowledges the contributions of service members but also promotes a culture of gratitude and perseverance across generations.
Conclusion
The 2025 Patriot Award Gala in Chattanooga served as a touching tribute to those who have dedicated themselves to the service of their country. By honoring individuals who embody these values, the gala contributes to the ongoing conversation around patriotism and sacrifice in America.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the 2025 Patriot Award Gala?
The purpose of the 2025 Patriot Award Gala is to celebrate service and sacrifice, honoring those who exemplify the principles of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.
Who were the honorees at the gala?
The gala recognized four honorees: Dr. Robert M. Gates for the Patriot Award, Johnny “Joey” Jones for the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, John Rich for the Bob Hope Award, and Kathleen Rollins for the Distinguished Citizen Award.
What is the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration?
The 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration features a week of events in Chattanooga from September 30 to October 4, 2025, aimed at honoring service members and promoting American values.
Event Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 2025 Patriot Award Gala |
| Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Date | Part of events from September 30 to October 4, 2025 |
| Notable Attendees | Medal of Honor recipients, military leaders, community members |
| Emcee | Gary Sinise |
| Main Awards Presented | Patriot Award, John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism, Bob Hope Award, Distinguished Citizen Award |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Hosts Inaugural Medal of Honor Celebration
Chattanooga to Host the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9
- Wikipedia: Medal of Honor
- Times Free Press
- Google Search: Patriot Award Gala Chattanooga
- WDEF News 12
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medal of Honor
- Chattanoogan
- Google News: 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
