TCU Reagan Day Dinner, October 28, 2008

The Annual Reagan Day Dinner, hosted by the Tennessee Conservative Union, was held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 in the banquet room of the Crown Plaza Hotel in Downtown, Knoxville.
After a buffet meal which consisted of Southern fried chicken, biscuits, grits, dumplings, mac and cheese, iced tea and banana pudding, the meeting began with a prayer and the pledge.
Lloyd Daughtery, president of TCU took to the microphone to read a letter he had just received from Senator John McCain congratulating him on the annual event.
Next, Daughtery explained that the agenda for the evening was going to include honors to noted Republicans who had passed away and also awards for local individuals.
Former Judge Brenda Wagoner presented a short speech about Criminal Court Clerk, Martha Phillips. "Martha was a good person and an excellent clerk," she said. "She served in the courthouse for sixty-two years, and we miss her greatly."
Sheriff Jimmy Jones was given the responsibility of introducing all former and current office holders and all candidates.
Senator Jesse Helms and William F. Buckley were honored in a short film presented in a power point production provided by Kelvin Moxley and by stories told by Daughtery.
Those receiving awards for their most recent work in upholding conservative principles and in the fight against corruption were: The Libertarian Party of Tennessee, Victoria Defreese, Elaine Davis, Paul Pinkston, Susan Williams, and Congressman Jimmy Duncan. Congressman Duncan's son, John III, was on hand to accept the honor for his father. The young Duncan III, pleased the crowd with a humorous list of 10 Ways You Know You Are an East Tennessee Conservative.
The highest honor of the evening was given to State Representative Bill Dunn who was named the TCU Conservative of the Year.
"We selected Representative Dunn for this award for two reasons," said Daughtery. "His stand against the Pre-K Program when it was determined by testing data that the plan did not work, and his fight for the rights of the unborn."
"I am blessed with a wonderful family," said Representative Dunn. "I wished my wife was here to see this tonight, but as you know we have five children and it is a school night. They say behind every great man is a shocked mother-in-law, and I can't wait to call my wife's mother and tell her about this." Rep. Dunn received a standing ovation.
Another award and standing ovation was given to Kelvin Moxley, who along with Daughtery has often been referred to as "two men and a fax machine." Moxley was given a pocket watch for his twenty-two years of service to the conservative movement. "I thank you," said Moxley, "but usually a person only gets a gold watch when he is retiring. Are you trying to tell me something?"
Daughtery also thanked Keitha Kelley who served as the event planner.
The evening ended with an inspirational film about Ronald Reagan and his home near Santa Barbara. California known as Rancho del Cielo (ranch in the sky).
Each guest was given a colorful 2009 Ronald Reagan Calendar as a memento of the dinner. The calendar not only contains photos of the former president but also some of his famous quotes.
"Live each day to the fullest. Live each day with enthusiasm, optimism and hope. If you do, I am convinced that your contribution to this wonderful experiment we call America will be profound." Reagan 1992

Caption: Representative Bill Dunn, (left photo) and his two guests :"I had a wonderful time. The food was amazing and it has been a honor coming." said David Benton.(center photo) "I had a great time. The food was good but the mac and cheese was the best. I am here to represent Bill Dunn," said Derek A. Hall (right photo)







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