Jackson Exchange Club honors ‘Man of the Year’ during ceremony

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local organization took the evening to celebrate almost 80 years of awarding the “Man of the Year” award.

Although it comes as no surprise that this year’s recipient was awarded “Man of the Year,” it was, however, a shock for the recipient who thought he was there to support a friend.

“I was coming here for a friend to be named Man of the Year. I drove from Nashville this afternoon. I said I have to cut my day short so I have to leave here by 3 o’clock so I can be here for a good friend that was going to be named ‘Man of the year.’ I would want to be there to support him,” said Tennessee Senator Jackson.

Jackson, a retiree of the U.S National Guard, an American businessman and politician, and a servant to those in Tennessee was awarded Man of the Year.

“It was a team effort for everything that I was involved with and I appreciate everybody that helped me with things to get things for jackson madison county and all of west tennessee,” said Jackson.

Jackson says that this is one of his greatest recognitions and he thanks his late mentor for his help, along with his wife, family and friends.

“I want to do a lot more things to help us here in West Tennessee and there’s so many other things that need to be done. So, I thank the lord every day, every night for letting me be able to do what I do,” said Jackson.

There is a process to be awarded this title. It begins with being nominated by the community, then a group of judges and a former Man of the Year all decide on which man should be awarded.

“It’s always important to recognize community members and I feel like giving this award as Jackson Man of the Year does exactly that. It recognizes somebody who is important to us,” said Melanie Luckey, past president of the Jackson Exchange Club.

Jackson Exchange Club members begin by reading the recipient’s bio without mentioning their name. Senator Jackson shares at what moment he realized he was the man of the year.

“They said July 21 and I thought, that’s my birthday. I know the guy I came to congratulate — that’s not his birthday. Because I know his birthday too. Then I thought, then they went on a little bit and I said ‘They’re talking about me,'” said Jackson.

Senator Jackson shared that he doesn’t do it for recognition. In fact, he says he tries not to shine the limelight on himself but onto others.

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