A life of service
Neal Vaughn honored for his heart of a (Clinton) Lion
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Clinton Lion Neal Vaughn holds a plaque for his latest recognition for his service to others. - Michael Vudravich
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Clinton Lion Neal Vaughn’s service garnered a $1,000 donation to the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank Special Services Fund. - Michael Vudravich
Neal Vaughn is not your usual “good neighbor.”
Well, he is, but it sounds more dramatic to say it that way.
Because Neal Vaughn is not dramatic.
He’s steady. He’s reliable.
He is, truly, one of the good guys you never hear about, never notice, never think about, but when push comes to shove, he’s there.
He’ll have your back.
His work, his “service” as a member of the Clinton Lions Club, impacts so many through the organization that he has become synonymous with the orginization and he has garnered recognition.
Quietly, as usual.
Vaughn was recognized Aug. 27 as the “Volunteer of the Year” by the United Way of Greater Knoxville when it conducted its fifth-annual East Tennessee Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony.
“Neal is a force,” editor of The Courier News Ken Leinart said. “I know the Clinton Lions would not be as strong as they are without him.
“I’ve seen him move mountains and smile while doing so.”
Volunteer East Tennessee is a program of the United Way of Greater Knoxville created to inspire service by equipping organizations and mobilizing volunteers to connect with one another and strengthen their communities.
Of the 102 finalists from 14 different counties in East Tennessee, this is what the official press release said:
“Neal Vaughan was selected as the Adult Volunteer of the Year.”
But that misses the point.
We’re talking about Neal Vaughn, a man who believes in “service to others.”
It’s not a cliché.
It’s how you’re supposed to live your life.
Neal has spent his entire life serving others.
In his 37 years with the Lions Club of Clinton, he has tirelessly served in all of the group’s programs supporting healthy vision, preventing blindness and funding research to cure diseases that cause blindness.
He was instrumental in working with the city of Clinton, the Norris Lions Club and Milly’s Wings to create the first all-inclusive playground in Anderson County.
He is also a board member of the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank and has worked for many years in vision screening of schoolchildren.
He also interviews people who are in need of eye exams and glasses and has helped several get cataract surgeries.
In recognition of this honor, a check for $1,000 was donated to the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank Special Services Fund.