?Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue, based in Thompson's Station, TN, began over 10 years ago as a grass roots organization when founder Shawn South-Aswad and her husband began taking in a few dogs here and there who found themselves in need of a place to lay their head until they could find their own home. As time passed they developed a love and special touch with seniors and medical needs dogs that needed more one on one attention and were being overlooked by the general rescue population.
?"I can't think of anyone who embodies the qualities of a hero more than Jennifer," shared Gail Horton, a dear friend of Jennifer's and her inspiration for exploring foster parenting. "She is a champion for the least of these, the children who are medically fragile and in foster care. Jennifer advocates for these children as if her life depends on it! She is a champion for the children that are in her care. There are some weeks where she spends more time talking to doctors, taking kids to therapy than she is at home…
Michael Fletcher is a well known public servant in Williamson County. A decorated US Army Veteran, Michael has served as a Lieutenant with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, a paramedic for Williamson Medical Center EMS and currently serves as the Director of Safety and Security for Williamson County Schools. ? "'Fletch' has an extremely rare combination of subject matter knowledge, wisdom and empathy," said Jason Golden, Deputy Superintendent, Williamson County Schools.
Michael Fletcher is a well known public servant in Williamson County. A decorated US Army Veteran, Michael has served as a Lieutenant with the Williamson County Sheriff's Department, a paramedic for Williamson Medical Center EMS and currently serves as the Director of Safety and Security for Williamson County Schools. ? "'Fletch' has an extremely rare combination of subject matter knowledge, wisdom and empathy," said Jason Golden, Deputy Superintendent, Williamson County Schools.
What started in Kindergarten as a desire to win a class pizza party has turned into a true passion for high school freshman Luke Jenkins. In nine years Luke collected over $3,800, 75% in pennies, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a part of their Pennies for Patients program. ? "Our next door neighbors, the Riveras, lost their teenage daughter, Dariana, to cancer when Luke was in the 3rd grade," shared Luke's mother Michelle Jenkins.
?Jonathan Boye grew up struggling with dyslexia and ADHD and with the "faith of a mustard seed" he found himself helping thousands of people with similar struggles. Jon has been a visionary for providing mental health services first to our children in Williamson county but now to all ages in all of middle Tennessee," shared Margaret Owens, Chief Operations Officer at Mercy, in her nomination of Boye. "He came to work at Mercy in June of 2006."
A huge part of what keeps St. Jude Children's Hospital going is the efforts of people like Jess Wright. Several years ago Jess committed to walking a local 5K in her hometown of Frederick, Maryland which benefited St. Jude. At the time she wanted to encourage people who never thought they could do an endurance race to join her and walk rather than run and most importantly she wanted to raise funds for St. Jude. What better way to do this than to start her own team.
Roger McDaniel is a wonderful example of what it looks like to serve your community well. When not spending time at the office or with his family Roger McDaniel fills up his time mentoring and helping veterans in need get back on their feet, managing and tending a local giving garden and preserving local historical landmarks. ? Tim Gregath, Executive Director of the Building Lives Foundation, a local non-profit committed to assisting veterans in the process of rebuilding their lives, sung Roger's praises in his DWAG Hometown Hero Nomination.
?Joe Bradford, or Papa Joe as he's known to many, grew up in poverty and after facing time in prison for computer hacking and fighting kidney disease he and his wife Denise were forced to move into one of Nashville's project communities. After seeing needs of the children within this community they were inspired to create Elijah's Heart, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to show love to underprivileged children and assist them with practical needs. One of the many ways they show love is through their Walks of Love.
?In March of 2012 Ty and Nancy Osman faced the unthinkable when they lost their son Ty. Ty Osman II had a heart for helping others and was a light to everyone around him. Even in his passing he was a gift to many as an organ donor. "After he passed we heard so many stories about how just his regular kindness effected people," shared Ty Jr.'s mother Nancy. "How his smiling and everyday manor made people feel special, and feel loved and seen.
