Beginning with Emmy-winning documentary Beyond the Medal, the Center for American Values was born from a vision shared by our cofounders, Medal of Honor Recipient Drew Dix and Brad Padula. The Center was started with a mission to honor the extreme sacrifices of our nation's heroes and preserve these extraordinary actions forever.
Thanks to the dedication of our founders, donors, and supporters, the Center has reached over 250,000 people through powerful educational programs, events, and exhibits across the nation while promoting our core values of honor, integrity, and patriotism.
As we celebrate 15 years of impact, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have helped make this mission possible. Your continued support keeps American values alive for generations to come.
The Center for American Values is honored to be recognized as an official Purple Heart Trail sign stop—placing Pueblo firmly on the map as a community that remembers, respects, and honors the sacrifice of our nation’s wounded veterans.
The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most respected military decorations in U.S. history. Originally established by George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit, today it is awarded to service members who are wounded or killed in action while serving our country. Each Purple Heart represents courage, sacrifice, and a life forever changed in service to the nation.
The Purple Heart Trail initiative was created to establish a visible, national network of roads, cities, monuments, and landmarks that honor Purple Heart recipients. These designated locations serve as permanent reminders to the public that freedom comes at a cost—and that communities across the country stand united in gratitude and remembrance.
Becoming an official Purple Heart Trail stop is a significant honor, not only for the Center for American Values, but for the entire Pueblo community. It reflects our city’s deep military heritage and reinforces Pueblo’s identity as the Home of Heroes, where service, sacrifice, and American values are preserved and celebrated.
We extend a special thank you to Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter SFA, and Purple Heart recipient John Bartlett for thinking of the Center for American Values for this opportunity and for his dedication, leadership, and tireless efforts in helping make this designation possible. His commitment to honoring our wounded veterans and preserving their legacy is deeply appreciated.
We invite community members and visitors alike to stop by the Center for American Values to see the Purple Heart Trail sign in person, learn more about the legacy behind it, and reflect on the extraordinary bravery of those who have borne the wounds of war.
This designation is more than a sign—it is a lasting symbol of honor, remembrance, and Pueblo’s commitment to never forgetting those who gave so much.
Drew Dix’s extraordinary courage and lifelong commitment to service exemplify the core values of honor, integrity, and patriotism that define our mission. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the character, sacrifice, and leadership required to preserve our nation’s freedoms.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Drew Dix and the enduring impact of his service alongside our community.
We are incredibly proud of Drew and grateful for his unwavering dedication to Pueblo and beyond. His vision and values continue to guide and inspire our mission every day.
Medal of Honor Recipient Drew Dix spent time with JROTC students from Pueblo and Logan County High School in Kentucky inspiring students about the future, and what it means to lead with character. The students asked awesome questions, and Drew’s advice hit home for everyone in the room. Truly an inspiring start to the day!
We were honored to attend the Veterans Wall Rededication Ceremony at Centennial High School — a beautiful tribute to the veterans and proud alumni who have served our nation. Our very own Medal of Honor Recipient and CAV Co-Founder, Drew Dix, addressed the students in the gymnasium, sharing an inspiring message about service, character, and giving back to others. As a proud graduate of Centennial High School himself, Drew’s words carried special meaning — reminding everyone that true leadership begins with serving others. Thank you to Centennial High School for ensuring the legacy of service and sacrifice continues to inspire future generations.
Educational outreach focused on the Center's Core Values of Honor, Integrity, and Patriotism (HIP) are used to provide unique classroom resources for parents and educators at all levels. Students are empowered to identify and define the character attributes that relate directly to American values. State-of-the-art technology and interactive audio/visual modules enhance the learning experience.
This learning management system and delivery platform is a multi-media experience to exponentially expand the reach of HIP Education to students throughout the Country. The online based learning environment attracts parents, teachers, home schoolers, as well as online curriculum providers. Click to Register
Medal of Honor recipients and noted speakers from all walks of life help bring new awareness to a variety of subjects intended to educate, inform, and create discussion about the significance of American values. Their presentations are captured and archived for the Center's Narratives Project which is evolving into a one of a kind audio/video library. Speakers who have shared their extraordinary stories include: James P. Owen, Wall Street veteran and author of Cowboy Values and Cowboy Ethics; James Humes, author and White House speechwriter for five presidents; Corey Ciocchetti, Professor of Ethics, University of Denver; Michael Sabbeth, Esq., author of How to Talk with Children About Values; Fisher DeBerry, Hall of Fame Air Force Football Coach; Michael Strobl, author of Taking Chance; Dr. Rick Rigsby, author of Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout; Kathryn Childers, First Female Secret Service Agent.
The Center for American Values hosts and promotes conferences, seminars, continuing education, and community events that align with our Mission, Vision and Core Values. The Center is also available for private tours and other events.
The Center for American Values has published a book of Medal of Honor quotes, subtitled "Inspiration from America's Military Heroes." The publication features a collection of quotes that reflect the honor, courage and humility of our most decorated war heroes.
