The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum is grateful to our veterans.

We want to say thank you, and encourage you to thank them, for their service and for all that they have sacrificed.

From the early days of mankind to the modern soldier, wrestling, also known as combative arms by the military, has been a big part of battle and modern-day training.

From President Theodore Roosevelt, who helped bring wrestling to the military academies; to David “Buddy” Arndt, who won NCAA championships before and after World War II; to Major General Kenneth C. Leuer, the father of the modern US Army Rangers; to Doug Zembiec, the “Lion of Fallujah,” wrestling has influenced and helped our military.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has 57 Distinguished Members, 14 Outstanding Americans, and two Medal of Courage recipients who have wrestled and served their country.

Our Board of Governors made it a priority in the renovation of the museum to include Glory Beyond the Sport - Wrestling and the Military which recognizes and shares the significant contributions of wrestlers in the military.

Most importantly, it was an opportunity for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to honor those wrestlers who have served the interests of this nation and fought for our freedom.

To all of our veterans, we say Thank You.