East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries Recognized by VA

KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries at John Sevier and Lyons View were presented with the prestigious Operational Excellence Award by the Honorable Matthew T. Quinn, VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding performance demonstrated during the triennial compliance review conducted in March 2023, elevating them to an elite tier of the 122 state and tribal cemeteries evaluated by the National Cemetery Administration.

Under Secretary Quinn, who oversees 155 VA national cemeteries and 122 VA grant-funded state andtribal Veteran cemeteries, expressed his admiration for the dedication and achievement of the East Tennessee cemeteries. This accolade underscores the exceptional commitment of the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries to provide a dignified and honorable resting place for our Veterans and their eligible family members within our national shrines. The East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries at John Sevier and Lyons View are the second and third Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries to receive Operational Excellence Awards in the last year. Previously, the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parker’s Crossroads was given the award last December.

"To have one of our cemeteries acknowledged by the National Cemetery Administration for their dedication and hard work is a remarkable honor. To have three of our cemeteries recognized fills mewith immense pride for our team and our state," said Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) Commissioner Tommy Baker. "While we deeply appreciate this recognition, our primarycommitment remains providing an honorable final resting place for Veterans and their family members, and I am grateful to see that we are succeeding in this mission."

"Achieving eligibility for this award is not an easy task, and the responsibility does not fall on onemember of our team. Dozens of members of our team from across the state have worked hard tomake this possible," said TDVS Assistant Commissioner of Cemetery Operations, Patrick Rice. "I hope this award communicates to Veterans and family members across Tennessee that Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries take great care to ensure those Tennesseans who have served are treated with the utmost respect.

"The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services’ mission is to serve veterans of all eras through passionate advocacy, informative outreach, and an honorable final resting place. If you or loved oneis looking for resources, assistance, or interested in preregistering for internment at one of five state Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries, please visit TN.gov/Veteran.

###