TDS presents Hurricane U.S. Army veteran with Hometown Hero Award
TDS presents Hometown Hero Award at Utah Tech Football game on Military Appreciation Night
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) presented a local veteran and community advocate with a Hometown Hero Award on Saturday evening.
Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Army (Ret.) Jayme Turner, TDS’ Hometown Hero, is a dedicated champion for mental health, recovery, and community support. Turner served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army from 2003-2012.
“I am very grateful that I survived my time overseas serving in the Army,” said Turner. “I try to live a life of service and gratitude to honor the sacrifices made by my friends who did not make it home to their families.”
Two years ago, Turner discovered PGA HOPE’s (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Utah chapter—a charitable foundation of the PGA of America that introduces the game of golf to veterans and active-duty military members to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
“I discovered the program while I was working as a medic at the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Turner. “PGA HOPE has had a great impact on my mental health, physical health, and social wellbeing. I’ve enjoyed the relationships and connections I’ve made through my involvement and am eager to continue giving back.”
Turner is an ambassador for PGA HOPE in Utah and generates program awareness through public speaking and his relationships with community leaders. Additionally, Turner is passionate about suicide prevention and is a strong mental health advocate in his community. 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,” said Turner. “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, TDS associate manager of Field Marketing in Southern Utah, expressed her admiration for Turner, saying, “Jayme Turner 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.”
As part of the presentation at the Utah Tech Football game, TDS made a $1,000 donation to Southern Utah’s PGA HOPE program through the Utah PGA Jr. Foundation. For more information on the organization, visit pga.com/pga-hope/utah.
TDS serves Southern Utah communities with high-speed internet, phone, mobile, and TV solutions, including Cedar City, Dammeron Valley, Diamond Valley, Hurricane, Ivins, LaVerkin, Leeds, Santa Clara, St. George, Toquerville, Washington, Washington County, and Winchester Hills. For information on TDS, visit tdstelecom.com.