Honoring Extraordinary Valor on Medal of Honor Day

by CME Press Room | Published March 25, 2026

WASHINGTON – The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME), a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces, issued the following statement as Operation Epic Fury continues in the Middle East:

“On this National Medal of Honor Day, CME honors the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who have earned our nation’s highest award for valor. As an organization committed to merit, preparedness, and honoring those who serve, we are reminded that military excellence is not abstract. It is defined by the actions of heroes who rise above all expectations in defense of our country.

“We offer a special salute to retired Navy Captain Royce Williams for his heroism in a 1952 Korean War dogfight, and to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover for his leadership and bravery in the mission that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, both recognized last month by President Donald Trump at the State of the Union. Their service, spanning generations, reflects the enduring standards of courage, leadership, and mission focus that must remain at the heart of our armed forces.

“CME reaffirms its commitment to strengthening those standards by advocating for a military rooted in merit, readiness, and support for those who serve. May we never forget the example set by these heroes, and may we always strive to be worthy of their sacrifice,” said Amber Smith, CME Military Advisor.

The Coalition for Military Excellence (CME) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces. CME is committed to combating policies and practices that undermine military excellence and threaten veteran support services. CME’s mission is to ensure the United States military remains focused on our nation's security through merit, strength, and excellence, while advocating for veterans and military.

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CME has a roster of experienced, veteran and military ambassadors available for comment or interview. If you're interested in getting their unique perspectives for your coverage, please email inquiries@militaryexcellence.org.