The TDS Hometown Hero program honors residents and organizations making a difference in our communities—and it especially aims to recognize our unsung heroes.
Our two most recent winners were honored for their tireless efforts to help our veterans—including a nonprofit in Montana and a U.S. Army vet in Utah.
On Aug. 25, we presented the Hometown Hero Award to Montana Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 3 in Helena, Montana.
DAV works to ensure veterans have important resources for their day-to-day lives, including connecting them with meaningful employment, providing rides to VA appointments, helping homeless veterans with food and shelter, and much more.
We honored them with the award at our Helena retail store, and as part of the presentation, we made a $1,000 donation to help the organization continue its important mission.
The DAV has over 1 million members and operates nearly 1,300 chapters across the country. Each year, it assists hundreds of thousands of veterans in accessing their benefits and provides vital support services, making a significant impact on the lives of disabled veterans and their families.
“We are truly grateful for everything DAV does for veterans in Helena and beyond. This organization perfectly encapsulates the type of group we want to honor with the Hometown Hero Award,” said Jamie Burbank, coordinator of Field Marketing, who presented DAV with the award.
We presented another Hometown Hero Award to Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army Ret. Jayme Turner, in an on-field ceremony at the Sept. 20 Utah Tech Trailblazers football game in St. George.
Turner is a dedicated advocate for mental health, recovery, and community support who served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2012. He now works as an ambassador for PGA HOPE’s (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Utah chapter, a charitable foundation of the PGA of America. This program introduces the game of golf to veterans and active-duty military members to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Turner generates program awareness through public speaking and his relationships with community leaders.
Turner is also actively engaged in various other community initiatives aimed at supporting veterans and their families, particularly in the area of suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. His work with the Department of Veterans Affairs has allowed him to connect with countless veterans, offering them guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of post-military life. Turner’s efforts have not only provided immediate assistance but have also fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging among veterans in Southern Utah.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized by TDS as their Hometown Hero,” Turner said. “There are so many others out there who deserve this honor, and many Veterans continue to lead their communities after taking off the uniform.”
Cindy Powell, associate manager of Field Marketing in Southern Utah, praised Turner for his resilience and dedication.
“Jayme embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication. His selflessness and commitment to mental health advocacy and community support are truly inspiring. We are proud to name him our Hometown Hero,” she said.
In addition to the award presentation, TDS made a $1,000 donation to the Utah PGA Jr. Foundation through PGA HOPE. TDS also presented Turner with a gift basket valued at $200, filled with various swag items and gift cards to local establishments. This contribution aims to support the foundation’s efforts in enhancing the lives of veterans and active-duty military members through the game of golf.
The TDS Hometown Hero program continues to shine a light on the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference in our communities. Through their dedication and selflessness, these heroes inspire us all to contribute to the well-being of our society.
