[Knoxville, TN – 2/16/26] — Weigel’s partnered with Smoky Mountain Service Dogs to honor Chief Shawn during a recent Passing of the Leash Ceremony, recognizing more than two decades of distinguished service in the United States Coast Guard and celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for him and his family.

Chief Shawn served over 24 years on active duty, building a career defined by leadership, technical expertise, and a steadfast commitment to protecting others. Beginning as a deck seaman and rescue swimmer, he went on to serve in demanding operational roles including boat crewman, helicopter crewman, boarding team member, and coxswain. His service took him across the Caribbean, Alaska, the Persian Gulf, and the Eastern Seaboard, and included support operations in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Later in his career, Chief Shawn specialized in telecommunications and information systems, where he advanced into increasingly complex and high-responsibility positions. He was selected as a Chief Petty Officer and later as a Chief Warrant Officer of Information Systems, overseeing critical communications infrastructure and classified operational systems at Coast Guard Headquarters. His work also supported national response efforts during the 2010 Gulf oil spill.

The Passing of the Leash Ceremony represents the formal placement of a specially trained service dog with a veteran or first responder. During the ceremony, the leash is symbolically passed from the puppy raisers and trainers to the recipient, signifying trust, partnership, and the beginning of a working bond. The service dog is trained to assist with challenges related to trauma, anxiety, and daily independence, while also supporting stability and quality of life for the entire family.

Based in East Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that trains and provides mobility and psychiatric service dogs to veterans and first responders living with service-related disabilities. Recipients receive their dogs, equipment, and training at no cost, made possible through community support, volunteers, and local partnerships.
Weigel’s participation reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who serve and supporting organizations that provide long-term assistance after active duty ends. The event also recognized the sacrifices of military families, whose resilience and support remain essential throughout both service and transition to civilian life.

As Chief Shawn begins this next chapter with his service dog, Weigel’s expresses its gratitude for his lifelong dedication to protecting others and its appreciation to Smoky Mountain Service Dogs for the life-changing work they provide to veterans and first responders in our community.

For more information about Smoky Mountain Service Dogs and their mission, visit www.smokymountainservicedogs.org

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About Weigel’s:

Established in 1931, Weigel’s is a family-owned and operated East Tennessee business. Weigel’s is a trusted name in the convenience store industry, known for its commitment to providing top-quality products and exceptional customer service. Weigel’s operates 85 convenience stores, a dairy, and a bakery. The bright, spacious stores represent state-of-the-art convenience retailing, premium customer service, and locally sourced products. Weigel’s is dedicated to enhancing the convenience store experience for its valued customers.