Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

PROMOTING AMERICAN VALUES

John G. Rangos, Sr. is extremely aware of the qualities represented by the Medal of Honor, America's highest military commendation for valor in combat. That's why he is an avid supporter of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. He was pleased when a childhood friend, Michael Estocin, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to our country. Mr. Rangos received the National Patriots Award from the CMOH Society in 1990, and in October 2010, the CMOH Society gave him given a special challenge coin collection to honor his longstanding commitment to the Society, which uses proceeds from all its awards dinners to help veterans and their families; combat and elevate awareness of substance abuse; and expand education and scholarships. To help perpetuate the Society's legacy and ensure its mission, Congressional approval was granted for Mr. Rangos to establish the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. The CMOH Foundation seeks to gather the national records of our heroes under one roof and ensure their safekeeping for future generations of Americans (the CMOH Society does not currently house a complete set of records in one place, as some records are under safekeeping at national battle sites around the country). Mr. Rangos and his family understand the importance of giving today's youth the opportunity to see the sacrifices Medal of Honor recipients made for our country, and all CMOH Foundation members echo the qualities of courage, sacrifice and patriotism epitomized by the Medal of Honor epitomizes. CMOH Foundation goals include increasing awareness through education, behavior and example. A major entity in this country, the CMOH Foundation also works to raise funds annually for the operation of the CMOH Society headquarters and to support the public service activities of the Society's exclusive membership. Recognizing the important role the CMOH Foundation serves, the state of South Carolina donated a 200-acre tract of land for that endeavor. Mr. Rangos served as the CMOH Foundation's first president and chair. Today, his son Alexander Rangos sits on the board. Some of the foundation's current initiatives are listed below. Click here to read full-length feature article.

LESSONS OF PERSONAL BRAVERY AND SELF-SACRIFICE

Though the years have passed, Mr. Rangos remains as committed as ever to the CMOH Foundation, which has launched a national fundraising campaign to help introduce a special curriculum to our nation's schools. The curriculum currently offers 48 lessons in bravery and self-sacrifice. Its objective is to provide middle and high school students with an opportunity to cultivate good character by exploring the virtues of courage, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, integrity and citizenship. And it brings school kids into direct contact with living Medal of Honor recipients. Click here for more information.

150th ANNIVERSARY

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of establishment of the Medal of Honor (by an Act of Congress, signed into law by Abraham Lincoln in December 1861), the United States Congress last year passed an Act directing the U.S. Mint to strike two commemorative coins – a $1 silver coin and a $5 gold coin – which will be available in 2011 only. These coins are legal tender and not in circulation. They feature images symbolizing the values embodied by the Medal of Honor, and are a splendid reminder of having the courage to do the right thing and to think of others before oneself. Click here to purchase.

PORTRAITS OF VALOR BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

The Foundation sponsored and collaborated to publish this collection of portraits and stories of 116 living Medal of Honor recipients. Appearing on the New York Times Best-Seller List, the book is now in its seventh printing. Click here to purchase a copy.

PRICE OF FREEDOM: "AMERICANS AT WAR" EXHIBIT

Established as a permanent display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2004, the exhibit includes American military artifacts and images of the exemplary people who shaped our country's history from colonial times to the present. Click here for more information.

LIVING HISTORIES

This collection of videotaped interviews preserves for history today's Medal of Honor recipients telling their stories in their own words. Click here to view the collection.

FILM INITIATIVES

The CMOH Foundation is collaborating with Discovery Communications to develop educational, public service and special programming related to the Medal of Honor and its recipients. Click here for more information.

CIRCLE OF HONOR

This special award was established to recognize lifetime service to country and notable contributions to free enterprise and a stronger America. Click here for more information.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Four $3,000 scholarships – established for one outstanding student enrolled in each of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps – are issued annually. Click here for more information.

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