Marines honor Tennessee first lady with leadership award

“The Marines are so strong and confident and so giving in all that they do,” Conte said in a statement Tuesday. “For them to recognize me in this way, it’s truly humbling.”

The leadership award is presented annually to a Tennessean whose leadership in the community, professional achievements and personal standards reflect the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment.

Past recipients of the award include Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher.

The first lady recently completed a 600-mile walk across Tennessee, raising funds for Tennessee child advocacy centers.

Conte’s work includes serving as co-chairwoman of the First Families Council, a national effort to promote the advocacy centers. She also founded and is president of You Have the Power … Know How to Use It, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and information about preventable crimes.

“Mrs. Conte conducts herself with honor at all times, setting an example for those around her,” said Maj. Steven Wolf, commanding officer of the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Nashville. “We respect and applaud her leadership and contributions to the community.”