On behalf of the State of Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee awarded Cumberland County High School student Owen Christopher Brown. The following statement was read to Owen at the time the proclamation was given to him.
“Owen Christopher Brown is being awarded by the Veterans Affairs and Governor Bill Lee for showing a great attitude and Christian influence among his peers even after receiving the title valedictorian.
“As you all are aware, Owen is a very intelligent and humble young man. He doesn’t just talk the talk, but he walks the walk. That’s why the VA wants Owen after he graduates college.
“This award is also in memory of his great grandfathers: Stanley Elmo Hedgecock, who served in Korea as a Supply Sergeant in the Army, and Keith Doyle Brown who served in the Air Force for four years as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in Korea and serving in the Vietnam War while in the Army where he retired to become a farmer. Keith also served in the CIA at the Pentagon.
“Keep Your heart of gold Owen! We need more young men like you!”
This award was given to Owen in early May.