One of the missions that MEA-Retired member James McCloughan enjoys the most these days is serving as chairman of the Medal of Honor Character Development Program.

The program provides free training and curriculum for educators in grades K-5 and 6-12 to teach students core values. Lessons are designed by educators and built around the stories of recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The program highlights six core values — courage, commitment, sacrifice, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism — in action at important moments in history.

Lessons are inclusive of all students and feature real-world examples designed to prompt critical thinking, collaboration, self-reflection and hands-on problem-solving. They can be used as standalones for military holidays or as part of an ongoing values program or anti-bullying initiative.

The program is NOT a military recruitment tool, glorification or glamorization of war, or political in nature.

Educators can access and download all of the program’s lesson plans, documents, videos and resources by registering and creating a free account at cmohs.org/register. The website includes a dashboard to save favorite lessons.

Free online training is available or educators can sign up for a free in-person training session. Travel costs are not included. The program is operated by the nonprofit Congressional Medal of Honor Society and funded by donations.

Learn more at cmohs.org/lessons/overview.