Lt. Colonel Ray Adkins, U. S. Army [Ret], was honored as the 2018 "Hometown Patriot" by the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR at their June Awards Luncheon.

“In every community, there is one person who has the respect of all citizens because that person quietly leads without fanfare but with compassion and integrity. While our award recipient is modest and prefer to remain out of the spotlight, his numerous contributions to the veterans’ community here in the Tri-State area and his involvement on local government boards and committees has made him a ‘go to’ person when positive action is needed to change things,” Jessica Dumitru, Regent, noted as she introduced Adkins to the membership and guests. “While many of you may know this giant of a community leader, others may not.”

Lt. Col. Adkins was honored for community leadership and service that includes membership on the City of Chattanooga’s Homeless Veterans Program board, the Tennessee Committee and the American Legion National Board for Employers Support for Guard and Reserve, leadership in organizing Chattanooga Veterans for ‘Veterans Day on the Hill’ in Nashville, a mentor for Hamilton County’s MENTORS 4 VETERANS program, a member of Senator Corker’s Military Academy Selection Committee and Congressman Fleischmann’s Military Advisory Committee.

“And, that’s just the beginning,” noted Ms. Dumitru. “Ray Adkins is an active member and has served as an elected leader for nine military service organizations including the Military Officers Association [MOMA], American Legion Post 14 and Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter # 203. His service to and on the behalf of veterans is legendary in this community, but Ray Adkins is so much more.”

Lt. Col. Adkins served on the Chattanooga Industrial Development Board and the Chattanooga Better Housing Commission for more than 20 years. "The Chattanooga Board of Zoning Appeals and the Chattanooga Sports Authority Board benefited from his hard work, as has the Chattanooga Armed Forces Day Parade Committee, where he has served for two decades. In addition, Adkins is a former president of the Lookout Valley Neighborhood Association and the Lookout Valley Optimist Club while maintaining leadership roles in the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, the Alhambra Shrine Temple, the Chattanooga Scottish Rite Society and the Lookout Valley Masonic Lodge," officials said.

As Ms. Dumitru recounted Lt. Col. Adkins involvement, she paused and laughed before commenting, “Are all of you ready for a nap after hearing that list? I am. And, it’s just the beginning.”  

Lt. Col. Adkins was honored with a standing ovation as he was named the 2018 Hometown Patriot for his “true friendship to veterans and citizens.”