CLARKSVILLE, TN – Salvatore Evangelista, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson mechatronics instructor at the Clarksville campus, was recently selected to receive the 2021 Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans.
Evangelista served from 2011-2015 as an infantryman in the Army. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 and served with 1-506th Infantry, 4th BCT, 101st ABN DIV. Medically separated in 2015 due to injuries sustained during his deployment, Evangelista left the Army as an E5 sergeant.
Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings established the Chancellor’s Commendation for Military Veterans last year to honor the service, bravery and sacrifices of veterans in campus communities. The awards are presented during Veterans Day ceremonies, observances or recognitions that the TBR colleges traditionally conduct.
The Chancellor’s Commendation is conferred in the form of a specially designed Challenge Coin. Challenge coins are a tradition in all branches of the military, signifying special achievement, excellence, hard work, unit pride, respect and esprit de corps.
“You will never know what you can achieve unless you try to achieve it,” Evangelista said.
“We are happy to honor Sal for his sacrificial service to his country,” said TCAT Dickson President Arrita Summers. “His work ethic, code of conduct, and knowledge are an asset to his students and to our college.”