34th Annual CAVC Awards Banquet
Friday, 13 March 2026
Chattanooga Convention Center
Social Hour: 6:00 pm • Program Begins: 7:00 pm
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Join us for the 34th Annual Chattanooga Area Veterans Council Awards Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing exceptional service, leadership, and commitment within our veteran and local communities. This signature event brings together veterans, families, community partners, and supporters for a night of reflection, celebration, and gratitude.
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We are honored to welcome General B. B. Bell, U.S. Army (Retired) as our keynote speaker.
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General B. B. Bell, US Army (Retired)
General B. B. Bell is a retired United States Army four star general. He was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where his father worked for the Manhattan (atomic bomb) Project. General Bell received his Army commission in 1969 through the University of Chattanooga’s Army ROTC program. His officer specialty was armor and tank operations. He is a former Commander of all U.S. and Allied Forces in Korea; as well as the United States Army in Europe; and NATO’s Land Component Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. General Bell was deployed overseas for fifteen of his thirty-nine years of active service in both peace and war. Among his campaigns, he is a veteran of the Iraq Desert Storm Campaign where he served as General Norman Schwarzkopf’s personal Executive Officer (Executive Assistant). He holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and has been awarded three honorary doctorate degrees. General Bell was named the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2003, and he is the Chair of the Advisory Board for the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. His wife of 54 years, Katie Fields Bell, passed away in May of 2023, following an extraordinary 14 years as a double lung transplant recipient. General Bell resides in Alexian Village on Signal Mountain, remains committed to community activities, and is an avid hunter and fisherman. ​
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Reservations
Individual Dinner: $50
Table for Eight: $400
Dinner Menu
Guests will enjoy a beautifully prepared meal featuring:
Seasonal salad
Boneless chicken with basil, tomato, mozzarella, and sundried tomato cream sauce
Sautéed green beans
Rosemary herb roasted potatoes
Double chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream and mixed berries
A cash bar will be available during the social hour.
Join Us
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Your participation helps honor the achievements of our veterans and strengthens the mission of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council. Reserve your seat today and be part of an evening that celebrates service, sacrifice, and community.
