Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and other city officials gathered along Highway 76 in Clarksville Monday, October 6 to honor Wounded Warrior and Paralympic athlete, Heath Calhoun. The unveiling of the sign for Calhoun was on Highway 76 near Exit 11 on I-24. This and other planned signs will be visible as motorists enter the city.
The sign reads, “Home of SSG (R) Heath Calhoun, Wounded Warrior from the 101st Airborne Division and 2014 Paralympic Silver Medalist”. In June, Councilwoman Deanna McLaughlin proposed a resolution to the Clarksville City Council asking for the signs to be placed to recognize Calhoun.
Calhoun lost both of his legs while serving with the 101st in Iraq in 2003, but moved past his injury to achieve the dream of becoming an Olympian. He won the silver medal in super combined sit-skiing at the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia.
When asked about receiving the signs, Calhoun talked about the tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of Clarksville residents like Wilma Rudolph and Rachel Smith. “I think it’s great. I appreciate it and I’m thankful for it. I’m glad to see that Clarksville is doing it and carrying on the tradition,” said Calhoun.
Mayor McMillan presented Calhoun with his own personal sign just like the one unveiled along Highway 76. Other signs will be placed at major roadways entering Clarksville on U.S. 41-A North, Highway 12, Highway 48/13 and Highway 79.