Veterans Advocates Accept Vet to Vet Tennessee Memorial Awards
Founded in 2011, Vet to Vet Tennessee operates veteran and military-friendly congregations in 26 states and facilitates numerous programs throughout East Tennessee.
The all-volunteer group pursues a broad mission to improve the lives of veterans, with goals to prevent veteran suicide, homelessness, and incarceration.
Earlier this month, three Vet to Vet Tennessee volunteers, along with a partner organization, were recognized and awarded for significant contributions to veterans and their families.
A Joseph “JL” Tucker Memorial Award was presented to Don Davis.
Bob Gougen received a Georgie P. Thomas Memorial Award.
And Johnny McKinley and McNabb Military Services Center were each bestowed the Freddie J. Owens Memorial Award, Vet to Vet Tennessee’s highest annual award.
Awards are named and dedicated in honor and memory of Vet to Vet Tennessee icons and founding members who have passed away.
Virtus Fides Honor - Joseph “JL” Tucker Memorial
Don Davis, left, accepts a Joseph “JL” Tucker Memorial Award, a distinction previously bestowed on Monroe County Veterans Service Officer Andy Boyd and VTVT Awards Chair Rob Myers.
Virtus Fides Honor is a Latin phrase meaning “courage in difficulties,” “virtue in hardship,” or “strength in adversity,” signifying a person of meritorious character whose excellence and quiet determination radiate strength and reliability in challenging times.
Joseph Lee “JL” Tucker was a First Cavalry Army Vietnam War veteran who volunteered to help wounded and fallen soldiers off helicopters during the Ia Drang Massacre. After the war, Tucker chose to rescue homeless veterans, contributing time, money, and compassion despite personal physical and health challenges. The night before he lost consciousness, Tucker was seen on his knees praying for a homeless veteran.
Through his work and dedicated service to his veteran brothers and sisters, Don Davis embodies the resolute spirit of JL Tucker.
Pro Deo, Pro Patria - George P. Thomas Memorial
George P. Thomas Memorial Award recipient Bob Gougen, left, accepts the award from previous recipient County Mayor Mitch Ingram, a staunch supporter of Vet to Vet Tennessee and Monroe County Veterans Court. The Monroe County BUZZ was also an early recipient of the George P. Thomas Memorial.
Pro Deo, Pro Patria means “For God and country,” a Latin phrase signifying devotion and divine principles amid national duty.
George Palmer Thomas inspired the group as it formed, suggesting each meeting begin with a prayer, a standard upheld today that greatly improved Vet to Vet Tennessee’s approach to advocacy and veteran support. Though Thomas fought Agent Orange-related lung cancer, he continued to attend weekly meetings with Vet to Vet Tennessee and worked to advance peer support services.
Bob Gougen serves as Vet to Vet Tennessee’s chaplain, and he mentors justice-involved veterans in Veterans Court, continuing the legacy of George P. Thomas. “I pray God sees something in me that I don’t see in myself,” Gougen said. “Thank you for seeing something good in me.”
Amito et Fide - Freddie J. Owens Memorial
“By courage and faith” is best known as the historic motto of the US Army First Cavalry Regiment Unit Crest, a symbol of unyielding dedication to duty.
Freddie J. Owens exemplified Christ-like selflessness in life and death. During the Vietnam War, Owens was a man of bravery, gallantry, and heroism at the Battle of Ia Drang Valley. Wounded and his unit overrun, Owens pursued the enemy and defended his men.
He was a special human who did not seek notoriety, recognition, or self-promotion but instead maintained profound kindness and love for people in need. He developed cancer from Agent Orange, endured chemotherapy, and poured his heart into efforts to bring fairness, justice, and honor to women in uniform. He believed female veterans were owed recognition for surrendering civilian life, and the treatment of women veterans fell below even the bar of disrespect shown to Vietnam vets when they returned home to American soil.
Johnny McKinley is a former justice-involved veteran and graduate of Monroe County Veterans Court. He was kicked out of VA rehab, his self-worth depleted, and after eight tries in rehab, he found new meaning with Vet to Vet Tennessee and now mentors other justice-involved veterans, teaching recovery and accountability rather than punishment.
The McNabb Military Service Center also received a Freddie J. Owens Memorial Award for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorder, and for improving mental health among Veterans Court participants.
Co-founder Ed Junod and Chair Rob Myers are presenting the award to Jessica Carlton, Assistant Director of Homeless & Recovery Services, Jennifer, Knox County Adult Center Director, and Travis Miller, Military Services Center therapist, an honor they deserve for years.
McKinley and McNabb’s mental health advocates are living examples of humility and self-sacrifice that echo Owens’ example.
The awards ceremony was held at the Monroe County Justice Center on April 8, 2026.
Jessica Carlton is accepting the Freddie J. Owens Memorial Award on behalf of the McNabb Center Military Service Center staff for over 11 years.
