Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Odierno Joins Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation (www.themedalofhonor.com) has appointed former Army Chief of Staff retired Gen. Raymond T. Odierno to its board of directors.

"Gen. Odierno is one of our nation's most respected leaders and patriots and we're thrilled to have him join the Board," said Louis Chênevert, Foundation co-chairman. "His 39 years in the military and his continued dedication to selfless service are true complements to the values embodied in the Medal of Honor: courage and sacrifice, commitment and integrity, citizenship and patriotism."

Odierno retired as the 38^th chief of staff of the U.S. Army in August 2015. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1976 with a commission in Field Artillery.

"I'm proud to join the Medal of Honor Foundation," said Odierno. "It will be a great honor to work with the board and the Recipients of our Nation's highest award for valor to help perpetuate the unique legacy of the Medal."

Col. (retired) Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor Recipient and Foundation co-chairman, regards the appointment of Odierno as great news. "Gen. Odierno is a friend and former student of mine at West Point, and he joins us at a crucial time as we work to expand our education, recognition and scholarship programs," said Jacobs. "I know the general will be influential in helping us expand the message that values and character matter, and that everyone can make a difference in the lives of others."

Odierno had many significant assignments during his military career including commanding the 4^th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 4^th ID was responsible for the capture of Iraq's deposed dictator, Saddam Hussein in December 2003. Odierno later served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq and subsequently United States Forces-Iraq, from September 2008 until September 2010.  

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by the Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living Medal of Honor recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity and honor of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country, and to inspire our youth to become worthy and dedicated citizens of our nation. Its membership

consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are 76 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Society is unique in that its membership hopes that there will be no need to welcome new inductees.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation:

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America's premiere nonprofit evaluator.

Contact: Mike Caldwell, 703-469-1861

SOURCE Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

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