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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a powerful display of leadership, camaraderie and competition, the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership co-hosted Worthy Rivals: Leadership Beyond the Field, a panel discussion on Friday, Dec. 13 that captivated a distinguished audience in Washington, D.C. The event, held in the spirit of the historic Army-Navy game, featured prominent voices from the military, sports and government who shared their perspectives on the values that inspire transformative leadership.
The panel featured Edward C. Byers, Jr. and Earl Plumlee, both Medal of Honor recipients from the War on Terrorism (Afghanistan), VADM Sean Buck, USN (RET.), 63rd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, Bill Belichick, eight-time Super Bowl champion coach, and Senator-elect David McCormick of Pennsylvania and U.S. Military Academy alumnus. Moderated by Courtney Kube, National Security Correspondent for NBC News, the discussion drew hundreds of guests, including eight of the 60 living Medal of Honor recipients, military dignitaries and prominent leaders from across the country.
"Leadership is about the bonds we form and the sacrifices we’re willing to make for one another,” said Earl Plumlee, a Medal of Honor recipient from the War on Terrorism (Afghanistan). “Whether it’s on the battlefield or in life, the values of humility and courage are what drive success and resilience."
The event, located in the Atrium Ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C, was co-hosted by the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, Medal of Honor Foundation and Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
“The Medal of Honor is not about the individual; it’s about the team, the mission and the values we live by every day,” said Edward C. Byers, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient from the War on Terrorism (Afghanistan).
The event’s themes carried over to Saturday, Dec. 14, as the Medal of Honor recipients, event hosts and attendees gathered for the 125th Army-Navy game, witnessing the historic rivalry that embodies the values discussed the previous day. The game further underscored the deep respect and camaraderie between the two branches of service, a spirit that inspires athletes, military personnel and civilians alike.
“The Worthy Rivals event and historic rivalry game both demonstrate the unbreakable link between competition and character,” said Bill Belichick, head football coach for the University of North Carolina, former head football coach for the New England Patriots and eight-time Super Bowl champion coach. “Whether on the field, in military service or in life, leadership requires respect for your rival and a relentless commitment to excellence.”
As the Army-Navy game brought the weekend to a close, the discussion and game served as a powerful reminder of the enduring values that unite Americans—on the field, in the military, in the boardroom and in everyday life. Attendees left inspired by the stories of resilience, sacrifice and teamwork shared by the panelists and on display during the game.
"The Army-Navy game isn’t just about competition—it’s about the values that drive great leadership: teamwork, respect and commitment to a higher purpose,” said Tom O’Brien, National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership board member and former head football coach for Boston College and North Carolina State University. “In many ways, this game parallels what we strive to achieve at the Medal of Honor Center for Leadership—using stories of courage and sacrifice to inspire the next generation of leaders to live with integrity and serve something greater than themselves."
The Center for Leadership has plans to build a $75 million, 50,000-square-foot training facility and visitor experience at Patriot’s Point in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a national hub for leadership education, featuring innovative programs and dynamic exhibits that will bring the values of Medal of Honor recipients to every day civilians. The Center will also deliver leadership training to diverse audiences through online learning platforms and educational partnerships. Visit MOHCenterForLeadership.org to learn more.
