Chattanooga Veteran and volunteer earns award from governor
Ben Conner, Army Veteran and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System volunteer, was selected as a recipient for the Governor's Volunteer Star Award from Hamilton County Friday, Jan. 28 for his dedication to serving and volunteering at the Chattanooga VA Clinic.
The Governor's Volunteer Star Award is presented by Governor Bill Lee and Miss Tennessee Volunteer and is an initiative to recognize one outstanding youth and adult volunteer from each of Tennessee's 95 counties. Each award recipient is chosen by their respective county residents or county mayor for their innovative approach and generous commitment to improving their community.
"Ben has been a key player to ensuring Veterans get scheduled for the Volunteer Transportation Shuttle, which transports patients every day from Chattanooga to the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro," Tom Gallagher, TVHS chief of center for development and civic engagement said. "His work ensures our Veterans are able to obtain access to the care they need and deserve. When he’s not on the phone managing the shuttle, he is out assisting his fellow Veterans as a volunteer ambassador. He truly exemplifies the impact volunteers have in providing needed services to augment the great work TVHS is doing for our patients."
When Conner found out he was selected for the award he said he, "I didn't think I needed an award because I love to help people."
Conner is a native of Corryton, Tennessee. He joined the Army in August 1968 and served in Vietnam for 18 months. After his time in the Army, Conner worked as a professional truck driver. Conner has been volunteering at the Chattanooga VA Clinic since 2012 where he volunteers five days a week and has accrued nearly 4,200 volunteer hours.
To volunteer or make a donation to Veterans at a VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System location, call 615-873-6978 or 615-225-6497.