Motlow Student Receives Coin of Commendation

November 26, 2024

Motlow State Community College student and army veteran Sergeant Walter Torres is one of 40 students in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) System who received special recognition for his military service to defend freedom, the Constitution, and democracy as part of the system’s Veterans Day recognition program.

In Appreciation – Motlow State President Dr. Michael Torrence (right) presents Army Veteran Sergeant Walter Torres with the 2024 Chancellor’s Coin of Commendation for Military Service. Torres, a Motlow student, was selected for the esteemed honor for his exemplary service to the military, leadership, and unwavering commitment to completing his computer science degree.

Presenting Torres with the Chancellor’s Coin of Commendation for Military Veterans, one of the system’s highest honors, was Dr. Michael Torrence, President of Motlow State. The Chancellor’s Coin of Commendation is conferred based on nominations by each college’s president. Nominees may be a student, member of the faculty and staff, alumnus of the college, or member of the community who are veterans or active-service members and exemplify characteristics of service, honor, courage, commitment, and integrity.

“It is an honor to recognize and pay homage to the veterans who have served and continue to serve our country so that we can enjoy the freedoms we experience today,” Torrence said. “To have veterans among the Motlow State community as students, faculty, and staff adds depth and breadth to the college, especially in the classroom. For many veterans, they become leaders, mentors, and role models to other students.”

Torres, a computer science major, now in his third semester at Motlow, attributes the horrific tragedies of 9-11 for his desire to join the military. Only 11 years old at the time, the California resident saw the world change before his eyes, and the desire for a better, safer life ensued. After completing high school, Torres joined the Army, relocating to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for basic training. Enlisting for four years, he earned the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the 82nd Air Assault Division and a cartographer (mapmaker). He was later deployed to Afghanistan, serving one year.

During his service, he was an exemplar, earning numerous awards and medals for leadership and bravery, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Campaign Star, Army Commendation Medal, NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and Parachutist Badge.

“Our college communities are strengthened by the veterans and active-duty personnel on campus. The experiences and perspectives they bring are an important part of the broad diversity of people and backgrounds on our campuses that benefits everyone,” said Dr. Flora Tydings, Chancellor of the TBR.

To further strengthen Motlow’s commitment to veterans, the College was certified as a VETS Campus in 2022 under the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The certification validates that Motlow creates programs to support Veterans as they transition from military service to college students and working professionals.

The presentation was made on the Motlow State Smyrna campus on November 7th.  The tradition of presenting the Chancellor’s Coin of Commendation for Military Service began in 2020 under Dr. Tydings’ leadership and continues across the system’s 13 community colleges and 24 colleges of applied technology.