Arlington, TX – The Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave a $1 million gift to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF). Bank of America joins a philanthropic group of individual and corporate donors whose contributions will make the construction of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, TX, and the National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, DC, possible. This announcement celebrates the start of Military Appreciation Month, a time when Americans honor those who have sacrificed for our freedom and prosperity.
“Bank of America has stepped up in a significant and impactful way to support this unifying national project,” said NMOHMF President and CEO Chris Cassidy. “We’ve had an incredibly successful year already as patriots from across the country continue joining our mission to inspire America by elevating the stories of service and sacrifice of the bravest of the brave. We are grateful their team was at our side when we broke ground in March, and we could not be more humbled by their generous support.”
“The National Medal of Honor Museum is an incredible addition to the Dallas-Fort Worth community, preserving the legacies of Medal of Honor recipients – men and women who went beyond the call of duty,” said Mike Pavell, Bank of America Fort Worth President. “Bank of America’s investment in this museum is part of our broader commitment to service members, veterans and their families. This commitment began more than 100 years ago when our company began providing financial services and products for service members and their families at the Fort Sam Houston base here in Texas.”
“Support of this one-of-a-kind museum combines two of Bank of America’s core community investments to foster partnerships in arts and culture and to uplift our military and veteran population,” said Jennifer Chandler, Bank of America Dallas President. “I hope the stories of sacrifice shared here will inspire us all to live with courage and selflessness. We are honored to play a small part in commemorating these brave heroes and serving the men and women in uniform who have given so much. Especially during Military Appreciation Month as we celebrate the leadership and impact of our veterans, service members, military spouses and families within our company and in the communities we serve.”
Both Pavell and Chandler attended the groundbreaking of the museum in March 2022. To date, NMOHMF has raised over $165 million for the two-track project in recognition of the highest American military award for valor. Bank of America’s contribution comes as the National Medal of Honor Foundation works to secure the final $60 million needed for the phase one capital budget and open the museum doors to the public in Fall of 2024.
“Building the National Medal of Honor Museum is long overdue, as it will celebrate all men and women who served this great country,” said Medal of Honor recipient and NMOHMF board member Major General Pat Brady (ret.). “I’m so grateful to Bank of America, and all the donors out there, for throwing their support behind our project. With the momentum and support we have, the 65 Medal of Honor recipients still living are thrilled to know the Museum will become a reality soon.”
The National Medal of Honor Museum broke ground on March 25, 2022. More information as well as images from the event, which included former President George W. Bush and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley can be found here.