It is with great pride and profound respect that I nominate Tammy McClanahan for this distinguished award, in recognition of their unwavering dedication, exemplary service, and enduring commitment to our nation. Tammy was a college student when I first met her and fell under my care receiving VA educational benefits. She then became my VA work-study, and then my Veterans Club President, and then started working for LifeBridge AmeriCorps as the Veterans representative and spent her four-year contract under my care at BridgeValley Community & Technical College. Tammy was then offered a full-time job at BridgeValley where she currently works. Tammy wears multiple hats at our college where she still works with our Veteran students, but also as an Institutional Advisor. Tammy can also give proctored exams and accuplacer testing. She is also part of the Team that administers the SAT testing to high school students. Tammy is also on the Safety team at BridgeValley and coordinates emergencies with other members making sure our students remain safe during events like fire, active shooter, storm and tornado warnings. At one point, Tammy was a single mother, a full-time college student and working a full-time job all at the same time. Nothing ever faltered - her grades remained high, and she never missed work.
The biggest influence in my life has always been my friends and my family, especially my father. Growing up with him in the military was the reason I had the interest in joining the military. My father taught me how to be strong and independent while my mother taught me patience and understanding. Together they gave me the drive and ambition to be the best person I am today. Another big part of who I am is my daughter McKenna, who herself is a gift from heaven, she has given me the fight and will to live, to get up every day and being the very best person that I can. Also the friends that I have made over the years have become like family to me who allows me to be myself and support me for who I am and the struggles I battle.
I joined the Army straight out of High School and have always had a heart for the military. I have dedicated my life and time to giving of myself to others. After my military service, I decided to return to school, where I graduated with multiple degrees in Cyber Security, and wish to continue my education as a doctoral candidate in Cyber Security. I have dedicated the last 9 years to helping Veterans, service members, and their dependents receive their education benefits in higher education as a school certifying official. I also dedicate my time to my local fire department as a Volunteer Firefighter, having served for four years with the WV LifeBridge AmeriCorps as a liaison to our veterans. Additionally, I give to my church and community whenever I can.
