MOU Signing Will Establish the Museum as the
New Home of the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame
O'FALLON, Mo., September 10, 2026 — The Mid America Veterans Museum (MAVM) and the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame (MONGHOF) will take an important step forward on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when representatives from both organizations sign a Memorandum of Understanding officially bringing the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame into the museum.
The signing ceremony will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Mid America Veterans Museum in O'Fallon.
Through this partnership, the Mid America Veterans Museum will become the permanent home of the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame, ensuring the continued preservation and advancement of the Hall of Fame's mission to honor Missourians who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to the Missouri National Guard, the State of Missouri, and the United States. Established in 2020 by Missouri National Guard veterans and supporters, MONGHOF has become an important institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Guard's most distinguished members and sharing their stories with future generations.
"This is an exciting and meaningful step forward for our museum," said Mike Stagoski, Board President of the Mid America Veterans Museum. "The Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame recognizes remarkable individuals whose service has made a lasting impact on our state and nation. We are honored to provide a home where their legacies can be preserved, shared, and celebrated for generations to come."
"The Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame was created to ensure that the achievements of Missouri Guardsmen are never forgotten," said John J. Sastry, Chairman of the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame. "This partnership represents the next chapter in that mission. The Mid America Veterans Museum provides an outstanding home where the stories of our inductees can be preserved, shared, and celebrated by future generations. We are proud to entrust the Hall of Fame's legacy to an organization that shares our commitment to honoring military service and preserving history."
As part of the partnership, Sastry will also join the Board of Directors of the Mid America Veterans Museum, helping support the integration of MONGHOF into the museum and the continued advancement of its mission.
Since its founding, the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame has worked to identify, recognize, and preserve the stories of Missouri National Guard members whose service, leadership, and sacrifice have left a lasting impact on their communities, the state, and the nation. Through annual inductions, educational outreach, and historical preservation efforts, MONGHOF has ensured that these remarkable achievements are documented and remembered.
Becoming part of MAVM will provide new opportunities to increase public awareness of Hall of Fame inductees, expand educational programming, preserve historical records, and connect their stories with museum visitors, veterans, students, and the broader community.
The partnership also strengthens MAVM's growing role as a regional center for preserving veterans' stories and helping the public better understand the service, sacrifice, and contributions of military members and their families. As the organizations begin integrating their work, they will announce additional information regarding future exhibits, recognition opportunities, and public programming.
The MOU signing represents more than an organizational milestone. It ensures that the achievements of Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame inductees remain visible, accessible, and connected to the larger story of military service in Missouri for generations to come.
About the Mid America Veterans Museum
The Mid America Veterans Museum empowers patriotism and honors legacies through the education and preservation of profound veteran stories while providing a safe, secure environment for veterans to begin or continue their healing journey.
Located in O'Fallon, Missouri, the museum preserves and shares the experiences of veterans from all branches and eras of service. Admission is free.
Website: mavm.org
About the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame
The Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame was established in 2020 by a group of veteran volunteers to recognize and honor individuals whose service and accomplishments have brought distinction to the Missouri National Guard, the State of Missouri, and the United States. Through its induction program, historical preservation efforts, and educational initiatives, MONGHOF preserves the legacy of Missouri National Guard members and promotes public understanding of their contributions to Missouri and the nation.
Website: www.monghof.org