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Winston Churchill Leadership Medal Award for Bill Roedy : June 12, 2024

Winston Churchill Leadership Medal Award

On Tuesday June 12, 2024, during a gala at London’s historic Guildhall, America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College presented the Winston Churchill Leadership Medal Award to soldier, global media pioneer, global-health statesman Bill Roedy.

The Museum is pleased to acknowledge with thanks the many individuals who contributed to the success of the event. 

Proceeds will sustain and strengthen the Museum, its education and exhibition programs, as well as the enduring and inspiring lessons we continue to learn about freedom, democracy, and global welfare from leaders like Winston Churchill and Bill Roedy.

If you would like to join the many who have already pledged their support, we invite you to contribute today.

Gift Opportunities

Bill Roedy

 

Bill Roedy had the audacious idea of bringing MTV to East Germany, helping topple the Wall that divided the country for more than three decades. Like Westminster College, he possesses a generous section of the Berlin Wall. Mr. Roedy’s piece is inscribed with a personal message from former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, which reads, “Music is more powerful than missiles.”

Mr. Roedy:

  • Served as Chair and CEO of MTVNI.
  • Pioneered the concept of global corporate responsibility.
  • Fought HIV/Aids through MTV's "Staying Alive" campaign.
  • Joined HBO in the nascent days of cable television. 
  • Commanded nuclear missiles as part of NATO.
  • Graduated from Harvard with an MBA in 1979.
  • Received the Meritorious Service Medal.
  • Received the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his distinguished service in the Vietnam War.
  • Is a Churchill Fellow of America's National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri.
  • Received an honorary degree from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
  • Delivered Westminster College's 54th John Findley Green Foundation Lecture, joining Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, and Mikhail Gorbachev as speakers in the College's most distinguished lectureships.

More Information About Mr. Roedy

“When I was reading his [Winston Churchill’s] speech many years ago, I realized that it was really a statement of peace and stability … which I thought was interesting, because the key messages are sometimes buried behind his warning.”

Bill Roedy During the 75th Anniversary of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” Speech

During the Cold War, the Soviets "stole" the MTV signal, and Mr. Roedy responded simply: “Let them.” Let them know harmony, let them know freedom, let them know peace. He knew that allowing access to a world outside their own would help end the Cold War. And it did.  

Please join us in honoring Mr. Roedy with an investment in the future of our history. Please consider making a gift in honor of Mr. Roedy to America’s National Churchill Museum today.

“Music is more powerful than missiles.”

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to Mr. Roedy during a NATO meeting