Thank you to everyone who attended our powerful OnValues Speaker Series event last night, Thursday, January 23rd, commemorating the 57th anniversary of the USS Pueblo's capture by North Korea. It was an unforgettable evening as we heard from Retired Marine Staff Sergeant Mr. Robert "Bob" Chicca, USS Pueblo (AGER-2 Crewman), who shared his harrowing and inspiring story of courage and endurance during his nearly year-long captivity.
The event, held in the Portraits of Valor Gallery at the CAV, drew a full crowd of nearly 130 guests, including our founding donors Dr. Rudy and Berni Padula, Dan and Kerry DeRose, and Neta DeRose. Also in attendance were members of the CAV Board of Directors, Korean War Silver Star Widow and special friend of the CAV, Joan Annello, military veterans, and our cherished community supporters.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Chicca for his compelling testimony and to everyone who joined us, making this evening truly unforgettable. There were both laughter and tears—a story we will not soon forget. A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors and volunteers; without your support, events like this would not be possible.
Be sure to SAVE THE DATE of February 12, 2025 for our next OnValues Speaker Series, featuring CAV co-founder and Medal of Honor Recipient Drew Dix, who will present, Greenland "The Real Cold War" and recall his previously classified operational mission.
The Center for American Values was in the spotlight at a Colorado College Hockey game on Friday, November 22, 2024, held at Ed Robson Arena in Colorado Springs. Board member Trevor Terrill purchased over 2,000 Medal of Honor Quotes books, which were handed out to spectators. Fans stood in unison to honor the CAV's Co-Founder and Medal of Honor Recipient, Drew Dix, who took to center ice to drop the puck for a ceremonial face-off.
Interview with Drew Dix about Pueblo, Colorado being known as the Home of Heroes.
The Center for American Values and Pueblo Fire Department gathered this Patriot Day to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Let us honor the memory of those who sacrificed and reflect on the resilience that binds us together.
In partnership with the reigning 2023-24 Mrs. Southern Colorado, Brandi Halvorson, and a reigning court of Miss Pueblo County Queens and Princesses, the Center for American Values delivered a well-attended, enjoyed by all celebration. The program featured a short presentation by Medal of Honor Recipient Drew Dix and a series of America's most revered songs by Mrs. Halvorson and a court of local talented singers. The event included open house with USA Hotdogs and Apple Pie sponsored by Meats by Linz, PB&T Bank, Twenty One Steak, and Mauro Farms & Bakery.
Medal of Honor Recipient & Cofounder of the Center for American Values, Major Drew Dix
was featured on the latest episode of Pueblo Veterans and Their Stories Podcast!
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.