Pigeon
Forge, TN – August 2016 / Newsmaker Alert / Tennessee Department
of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder will serve as grand
marshal of the annual Veterans
Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Saturday, Aug. 27, at
9 a.m. on the Parkway.
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 The
Veterans Homecoming Parade, (which begins at traffic light 8 on the Parkway
and travels north to traffic light 5 where it concludes) is the highlight
of the city’s monthlong Celebrate Freedom! event in August which honors
America’s heroes for their service and sacrifice. Service members, veterans,
police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders are entitled
to various discounts at participating businesses. More information is available
at MyPigeonForgeCelebrateFreedom.
“Our service men and women,
past and present, are certainly worthy of our appreciation and acknowledgment,”
said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon
Forge Department of Tourism. “The city of Pigeon Forge devotes the
month of August to honoring these deserving folks, like Commissioner Grinder,
who sacrifice so much for the many freedoms we enjoy.”
Grinder was appointed by
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam in 2011. Colonel Grinder is the first female
in the state to serve as Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Veterans
Services. The retired colonel served more than 35 years in the Tennessee
Army National Guard before accepting her current appointment.
“Traveling the state to meet
with, recognize and serve Tennessee’s veterans is an incredible honor,”
Grinder said. “Listening to the stories of our fellow veterans continues
to increase my gratitude for their sacrifices, courage and continued contribution
to our state and country. The Volunteer State was built and thrives on
the spirit of these amazing men and women.”
Grinder earned a master's
degree in strategic studies from the Army War College and a master's degree
in human resource development from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Grinder is a Bronze Star Medal recipient and an Operation Enduring Freedom
combat veteran.
Visitor information about
Pigeon Forge is available online at MyPigeonForge.com
and toll-free at 800-251-9100.
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Contact:
Trish
McGee
for Pigeon Forge Department
of Tourism
865-654-6242 |
