Hall of Firsts

North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts

The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts (NCMHOF) acknowledges remarkable individuals, who, by the excellence of their military career or in connection to their civic service, have brought substantial honor, recognition, and esteem to themselves, their families, and to the great state of North Carolina. 

Mission and Purpose

  • Publicly recognize the sacrifices of North Carolina military veterans and their families.
  • Promote equal and inclusive opportunities for veterans and their families in all aspects of society.
  • Identify and support individuals and organizations that contribute to military excellence and service.

Nomination 

To that end, the Advisory Committee of the Military Hall of Firsts annually selects North Carolinians for induction from nominees submitted from across the country who call The Old North State home.

We are accepting nominations for the North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts 2026 until July 15, 2026. Information about eligibility, categories, the selection process and required documents is available on this page. The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for November 18, 2026.

If you would like to nominate someone who meets our requirements, use the link below to submit your nomination(s) and upload the required documents.

2026 NCMHOF Nomination Form 

You can also mail the required documents, including your completed nomination form, to the address below.

MAIL:
NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
ATTN: Hall of Firsts
4001 Mail Service Center Drive 
Raleigh, NC 27699 

If you have any questions, please contact:
Rod White
halloffirst@milvets.nc.gov
(Office) 984-204-8332

Tab/Accordion Items

Basic Nominee Requirements:

  1. The nominee must have either been born in the state of North Carolina or entered military service from North Carolina, retired from the military in North Carolina or lived in North Carolina for a minimum of five years.
  2. He /she must have received an honorable discharge from the US military.
  3. Be of good moral character.
  4. Displayed excellence in their military career or in connection to civic service.
  5. Garnered substantial honor, recognition, or esteem for themselves and or their family and the state of North Carolina.
  6. Posthumous nominations are accepted.

The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts has established two categories of Veterans for induction into the Hall of Firsts: 

Category #1: 

For the military accomplishments of a Veteran, such as receiving the Medal of Honor or achieving other significant distinctions during their military service. The nominee must have been awarded one or more of the following U.S. military medals for valorous actions in a combat environment while engaged in operations against enemy forces. 

  1. Medal of Honor 
  2. Distinguished Service Cross
  3. Navy Cross 
  4. Air Force Cross 
  5. Silver Star 
  6. Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism 
  7. Bronze Star Medal for Heroism 
  8. Purple Heart
  9. Any medal with “V" Device

Category #2: 

For those who have honorably served in the US armed forces or the military of a US ally, and contributed exceptionally to community, state, and nation. The nominee must have been a member of the Armed Forces, received an honorable discharge, and upon discharge continued to contribute to community, state, and nation in an exemplary manner (i.e. professional, civic, veterans’ advocacy, political or contributions over the lifetime of the nominee).

  1. Nominations are presented to the NC Military Hall of Firsts and will be selected by The North Carolina Military Hall of Firsts Advisory Committee. 
  2. All nominations must be accompanied by a current email and/or phone number of the individual nominated, or in the case of a posthumous nomination, contact information for the family of the nominated individual and the person making the nomination.

The nomination period is open through July 15, 2026.

The below listed documents are required.

  1. Nomination Form 
  2. A copy of the nominee’s DD-214 (PDF format). Do not include the original DD214.
  3. A copy of the nominee’s military awards, decorations, and honors that may be relevant for this nomination consideration. Please do not send originals.
  4. Additional information you wish to share with the NC Military Hall of Firsts that you feel would be relevant for this nomination (military pictures, memorabilia, letters…)
  5. Biography
    1. Date and place of birth (and death, if applicable)
    2. Education
    3. Work experience- military and civilian
    4. Major achievements
    5. Community/ Civic service in the state of North Carolina (community service needs to indicate 20-30 years of service)
  6. Resume
    1. Name and Contact Information
    2. Summary Paragraph
    3. Employment History (military and civilian)
    4. Skills
    5. Education
    6. Community Involvement
    7. Community Awards/Achievements Received
  7. Three (3) Letters of Endorsement
    1. Information on who you are
    2. Connection with the person you are nominating
    3. Why they are qualified, and the specific skills they possess
    4. Provide specific dates/ time frame of interaction with the nominee