Latest news with #DonDare
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New events honors Knox County seniors joining the military after graduation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For the first time ever, Knox County Schools hosts a special event on Thursday to recognize high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in military service following graduation. Military enlistment is one of the three 'E's' highlighted in the district's 865 Academies initiative. The other two E's are enrolling in postsecondary education and gaining employment in a high-wage career. Reflecting on the Vietnam War: Don Dare shares memories 50 years after fall of Saigon Around 75 Knox County seniors plan to enlist. Jacob Loyacano, a senior at Bearden High School, explained that he chose to enlist after speaking with his grandfather, who served in the Air Force, and learning about the community that being in the military brings. He hopes to become a fire protection specialist in the United States Air Force. 'This is just a lot better opportunity for me. The doors that open up not only while I'm in it, but also while I'm out, and the retirement plan, this is really great and just really suits me the best,' said Loyacano. He said of his JROTC class at Bearden High School, 11 out of the 12 students plan on enlisting. 'I'm very excited. I think it's great that I'm able to serve my country as well as do something I'm very passionate about,' said Loyacano. 'It's been a long time coming, but being able to have this opportunity and serve the country and be able to help build the country that built me, I think that's just an amazing feeling.' Donors boost city efforts to build more affordable housing in Knoxville The celebration was emceed by Good Morning Tennessee anchor Tearsa Smith and included a keynote address by General Arnie Bunch, a retired four-star general and current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools. 'America needs young men and women to serve in our all-volunteer force, and it's critically important that we recognize them. I think it's a fantastic event. The fact that you have so many elected officials, so many community leaders, sponsors and everything, it really shows the young men and women how much they're appreciated and what they're doing, not only for the community, but also when they wear the uniform for the nation,' said Bunch. 'It's really just an honor, especially having a four-star here and all these other distinguished guests, it's just an amazing opportunity,' said Loyacano. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served Loyacano told 6 News that after he retires from the military, he hopes to come back to the Knoxville area and work at a local fire department. He also hopes to get his degree further down the road. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Honor Guard units receive $100k+ donated during 2024 Operation Honor Guard
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — East Tennessee's Honor Guard units received more than $100,000 in funds on Wednesday that were donated during Operation Honor Guard's Day of Giving in December. Every year, those serving in the Honor Guard volunteer to pay a final tribute of respect and give military funeral honors to honorably discharged veterans without any cost to the service member's family. 'Scouting means family:' Cub Scout feeding others by founding nonprofit In East Tennessee, there are six Honor Guard units: Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, Veterans Military Honor Guard of Pigeon Forge, Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard, Loudon County Veterans Honor Guard and American Legion Post 104 Honor Guard. On December 3, 2024, the annual Operation Honor Guard donation drive raised $105,789 for the units. The annual donation drive is the primary source of income for the East Tennessee Honor Guard and local units. Every year, volunteers with the Honor Guard serve at more than 300 military funerals. Wednesday, members of the Honor Guard units joined 6 News Anchor Lori Tucker at WATE's studios for the check presentation. Last year, the Operation Honor Guard donation drive has raised more than $70,000 for the units, and over the last eight years, it has raised more than $820,000. Operation Honor Guard helps East TN Veterans Honor Guard continue their mission Before the checks were awarded, the Honor Guard members were invited to a reception at Greystone Mansion. Just a few months ago, 6 News' Don Dare spoke with members of the Pigeon Forge Honor Guard who shared how rewarding it is to honor their fallen comrades. Although the unit is smaller, they serve at more than 50 funerals every year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
