Mission Inspire

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is ensuring the nation's defining values remain at the center of the conversation. Host Mo Barrett is joined by Alex Rhue, Senior Vice President of Museum Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, to discuss the Museum's Fourth of July celebrations with events on the National Mall, Freedom Fest in Arlington, and a special partnership with Newsweek honoring 250 Great American Heroes. Together, they explore how the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients continue to shape the American story.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

The National Medal of Honor Museum has been named one of the World's Most Beautiful Museums by the prestigious Prix Versailles—but its impact reaches far beyond architecture. Host Mo Barrett sits down with Jennifer Surgalski, Chief of Strategy for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, to discuss the journey from bold vision to internationally recognized institution. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes insights into the Museum's creation, the role design plays in telling stories of courage, sacrifice, and integrity, and how the Museum is inspiring visitors to apply those values in their own lives. They also discuss the Museum's plans to commemorate America's 250th anniversary and what's ahead for one of the nation's most important new cultural landmarks. The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

Before becoming America’s leading WWI ace with 26 aerial victories, Edward “Eddie” Rickenbacker was one of the fastest men in America – competing in 42 races, winning 7, and driving in the first Indianapolis 500. Since Mid-March, the Museum has shared his story in a special exhibit centered around the car he drove in the 1914 Indianapolis 500. Curator Greg Waters talks to Mo Barrett about this amazing artifact and what we all can learn from Eddie Rickenbacker’s story. The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

One of the most popular parts of the National Medal of Honor Museum is the “Conversations: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives” exhibit, where guests use innovative technology to interview a virtual Medal of Honor Recipient. During Black History Month celebrations, the Museum is proud to announce the addition of Medal of Honor Recipient Colonel Paris Davis to the Conversations exhibit. Host Mo Barrett talks to Jenny Page about the process of recording Col. Davis and why is it essential to share these firsthand perspectives.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

The National Medal of Honor Museum started this year off with a bang, winning the USA TODAY 10BEST 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for Best New Museum. A big part of what makes this Museum award-winning is the phenomenal programming put on every day, including a new tour diving into the architecture of the Museum. Host Mo Barrett talks to Alex Rhue, Senior Vice President of Museum Engagement & Strategic Initiatives, about the award, the architecture tour, and what else is in store for 2026.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

Host Mo Barrett reflects on a landmark year for the National Medal of Honor Museum before closing out 2025 with the story of Medal of Honor Recipient Tibor Rubin. Held as a POW during the Korean War, Rubin sent a Christmas Card – now in the Museum’s collection – to his brother. His holiday message captures the spirit of both the holiday season and the Medal of Honor.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

This November, in honor of Military Family Appreciation Month, The Mission Inspire Podcast sits down with the wives and children of Medal of Honor Recipients to hear their advice for military families. From everyday challenges to moments requiring profound strength, they share heartfelt stories that offer comfort and encouragement to military families everywhere – and reminding us that behind every hero in uniform is a family whose sacrifice deserves to be recognized.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

When we think of leadership, we often picture people who command attention, make tough decisions, and guide others through challenge and change. But what truly defines a great leader? And who inspires the leaders we admire most? Host Mo Barrett asked six Medal of Honor Recipients. For them, leadership was forged in the crucible of combat. But their lessons extend far beyond the battlefield – into classrooms, workplaces, families, and communities.   The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

For Medal of Honor Recipients, the path from the battlefield to the White House is anything but straightforward. In this episode, six recipients share the deeply personal stories of the moment they learned they would receive our nation’s highest military honor. Where were they? Who did they tell first? And when the ceremony ended, where did they keep their Medal? Their answers reveal the humanity behind the heroism and the enduring power of the Medal to inspire. The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.

As students and teachers head back to school, the National Medal of Honor Museum is doing the same through a variety of programs designed to bring the stories and values of the Medal of Honor into classrooms across the country. Host Mo Barrett speaks with the educators leading these initiatives, helping students become the best versions of themselves—in the classroom, in their communities, and in the moments that matter. At the end, reflections from two Medal of Honor Recipients who carried these values straight into schools, working directly with students as teachers, counselors and mentors. The National Medal of Honor Museum offers an unforgettable journey through the stories of ordinary people who did something extraordinary in service to others. A visit to the Museum is a meaningful experience that will leave visitors of all ages inspired, proud, and deeply connected to the values that unite us. For more details and to reserve tickets for your preferred date and time, visit mohmuseum.org.