Coleen White Choate
On Veterans Day, Monroe County Schools is proud to recognize Coleen (White) Choate, a 1982 graduate of Vonore High School, whose life has been define
d by service to her country and others. From serving in the United States Army to supporting law enforcement officers and first responders, Coleen has dedicated much of her life to making a difference.
At just 17 years old, Coleen left Monroe County to begin basic training in the U.S. Army. She served four years on active duty, followed by six additional years in the Army Reserves and National Guard, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). Her first duty station took her halfway around the world to South Korea, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for travel and a special connection to the Korean people.
Although she is proud of her military accomplishments, Coleen believes the Army's greatest gift to her was confidence. "The reason I consider this an accomplishment is not because of any great thing that I did, but because of the confidence that it gave me in pursuing other dreams and goals in my life."
Her connection to South Korea continues today. As a member of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), Coleen returned to South Korea in 2024 through a special Re-Visit program. She now hopes to establish a KDVA chapter in Tennessee to bring American and Korean defense veterans together.
In 2015, Coleen began another meaningful chapter of service when she became a chaplain with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office. She earned Senior Credentials through the International Conference of Professional Chaplains and later served as both an officer and chaplain in Lenoir City. She also served on the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Strike Team, helping first responders process the emotional impact of disasters and critical incidents.
In September 2026, Coleen's journey came full circle when she returned to Monroe County to serve with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. For someone who has spent a lifetime helping others, the opportunity to serve the community she still calls home is especially meaningful.
Coleen grew up in the Hopewell community of Madisonville, the daughter of Frank and Nancy White. She attended several Monroe County schools before graduating from Vonore High School in 1982. One teacher who made a lasting impression was English teacher Randy Hendricks. Coleen credits him with teaching her to look beyond the words on a page and discover deeper meaning in literature. His lessons helped develop a love of reading that has stayed with her throughout her life.
Beyond her military and professional accomplishments, Coleen considers her family one of her greatest blessings. She and her husband, David Choate, have been married for 39 years. They have two sons and four grandchildren. We are proud that Coleen has carried the value of service wherever life has taken her. She is a true American patriot and forever Monroe Made!