The Eagle Battalion participated in a very prestigious ceremony, the Congressional Medal Of Honor Ceremony, on the morning of September 16, 2009.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes him- or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his [or her] life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

Major General Patrick Henry Brady was the guest speaker. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor on January 6, 1968 for his bravery while serving in the Republic of Vietnam commanding a UH-1H ambulance helicopter. While there he volunteered to rescue wounded men from a site in enemy held territory.

Charielle McMullan said, "I felt honored to have such a prestigious person at my school. It was an event I will treasure."

Gen. Brady’s speech was very inspiring; he told the story of an old friend who lost his legs as well as his arm, and how he still continued to go on with his life. In Gen. Brady’s speech he tells about this old friend and how he visited a school and a child asked, "if you could do it all over again, would you?" His friend responded with if the U.S. needed help they can have his one arm. Brady also said, "Sometimes I think it was easier to earn the medal than to wear it." Col. Henry said, "I personally felt the ceremony was emotionally moving. We heard the words of an American hero and he made them relevant for our generation of high school students. I feel everyone had one of the best opportunities that day to hear these words first hand."

Chelsea Burdine presented Gen. Brady with Volumes 1 and 2 of the Congressional Medal of Honor essays from CMA-Bronzeville’s cadets of 2008-2009. He also received a JROTC throw blanket.

Major General Patrick H. Brady wasn’t the only one who received recognition. CMAB’s Lynessa Tate and Antonio Pelayo were also recognized for their Congressional Medal of Honor essays.

Tate won first place, as well as a check for $1000. Pelayo was the runner up.

Tate said, "I felt so elated because I thought I had no chance of winning. In all reality though, I worked very hard on that essay … but all and all it paid off in the end.

Pelayo said, "winning second place for the Congressional Medal of Honor essay was truly special for me. It made me feel honored to be recognized in front of the school and General Brady even though there was no reward for me."