Commendation Honoree of TCAT Hohenwald - Randy Duncan

Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Hohenwald selected Randy Duncan to be the first military honoree of the college to be nominated and awarded the inaugural Chancellor's Commendation for Military Veterans. Duncan has spent 21 years in active military service for the U.S. Army, much of which was spent in various tours. "He is a highly decorated veteran and one that is well-deserving," commented TCAT President Kelli Kea-Carroll.

The Tennessee Board of Regents and Chancellor Flora W. Tydings established the new commendation as a system-level award to honor the service, bravery and sacrifices of military veterans in the campus communities. It supplements Veterans Day ceremonies, observances or recognitions that the colleges traditionally conduct.

Duncan was presented the special Challenge Coin by President Kea-Carroll and Vice President Randy Young, who is also a Veteran, along with program instructors, Shirley Brown-Harrison and Jeff Tatum, Clint Natschke (Veteran) and Andrea Cooper, Student Services and Veteran Coordinator. Challenge coins have long been a rich tradition in all branches of the military and signify special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect and esprit de corps.

"Our college communities are strengthened by the presence of our veterans, with their experience and the perspective of from having served in the military, said Dr. Tydings. "They – and the many different skills and leadership abilities they acquired during their service – are an important part of the great diversity of people and backgrounds on our campuses, which are all the richer as a result of their presence.

"Duncan is a wonderful asset to the college and TCAT Community. He completed Electro-Mechanical Technology and has decided to continue with TCAT Hohenwald in the Industrial Maintenance Program. Mr. Duncan is an example and leader, second to no other. Mr. Duncan was also part of the Mechantronics SkillsUSA Team, who brought home the 'Gold" Medal to TCAT Hohenwald. We are so proud to have Randy as our inaugural Chancellor's Coin recipient."