State Chaplain's Award: Recognizing those councils within the state of Tennessee that have provided significant assistance to their parish, the clergy and continue to be involved in activities that enhance the council’s spiritual growth. A minimum of nine (9) qualifying activities and a letter from the parish pastor are required to qualify for consideration.
In the words of Father John:
“I most strongly endorse Knights of Columbus Father Hugh A. Swift Council 3431 for the State Chaplain’s Award. …They are the backbone of every volunteer effort in the parish and support any and every project that I request. Council 3431’s manpower, material contributions and moral support for our Parish allow our social, academic and religious programs to succeed. …Our Knights of Good Shepherd Parish embody the preaching of the Gospel through generous deeds and help make our parish the charitable institution I am so proud of!”
Family Service Program Award: Recognizing one council within the state of Tennessee for establishing a program that significantly benefited the families of the parish.
Council 3431 realized that there was a need in the parish to provide for our widows and retired clergy. Forming “Project Helping Hand”, individual Knights were assigned to perform minor maintenance activities on an as-needed basis for nine (9) widows and one clergyman. Tasks undertaken during the year included minor repairs (re-hanging a curtain rod, hanging a new American flag, changing light bulbs) and some major projects involving work parties: removing downed trees and providing to clergy for winter heat; clearing and burning brush on large tracts of acreage.
Tennessee Knight of the Year Award: This award is given to recognize the outstanding contributions of one Knight in the state of Tennessee to his council, parish, community, state, and nation.
Major General (Retired) Mike Wiedemer continues to make significant contributions in all areas. He is a consistent example of the charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism that the Knights of Columbus espouse. Mike unfailingly supports his council, community, church, and nation. He is recognized as an effective and dependable leader who continues to encourage both by words and deeds, other like-minded Catholic gentlemen to join the ranks of the Knights of Columbus. Mike commits his time, talent and treasure to the charitable projects of the council to help the sick, homebound and unfortunate with visits, meals, and communion. He has helped the community by leading efforts to secure an ultrasound machine for the only pregnancy support center in Franklin County, raising almost $15,000. He has assisted his church as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Communion, Lector, and as administrator of the Adrian Gonsolin Scholarship Program for high school seniors. In addition, Mike is a Board Member of the Arnold Air Force Base Community Council; Board Member, Governor’s Aerospace and Defense Advisory Committee; Chairman of the Board of University of Tennessee Space Institute Center for Advanced Science and Systems Engineering Technology Center; Member of the University of Tennessee Aerospace Masters in Business Administration Board of Advisors; Arnold Fellow - advisor to Senior Leadership of Arnold Engineering Development Complex. He is also a member of Senator Corker’s Military Academy Nomination Board, and advocates in the State Capitol, Pentagon and U.S. Congress for programs that support Arnold AFB, Tennessee and the Nation. Mike’s contributions to Columbian, Community, Church and Country initiatives are premier examples of a Knight in action!
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