Tennessee County Veterans Service Officers Association

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Quarterly Training Schedule Click Here!

  

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Below is a TV interview of Blount Co. VSO, Nate Weinbaum!
Making us PROUD!

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Click 6 year history below

Click here for 6 yr history By County report

Many-Bears Grinder
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Named Veterans Affairs Commissioner

Many-Bears Grinder Named Veterans Affairs Commissioner

News release from Haslam camp:
NASHVILLE - Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Haslam named COL Many-Bears Grinder with the Tennessee Army National Guard as Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.

Grinder was the Director of Logistics for the Tennessee Army National Guard in Nashville. She served previously as the Director of Personnel, overseeing actions from the time that an individual enlists in the National Guard to the retirement process.

"I'm thankful that Many-Bears Grinder agreed to come aboard our team because she adds great experience to what I believe is an already outstanding group," Haslam said. "Her thorough knowledge of the issues facing veterans in our state will directly benefit those who served."

Grinder is a member of several military and veterans associations, including the Military Officers' Association, American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America.

As Director of Logistics, Grinder supervised more than 340 personnel across the state in service activities, facilities, equipment and support mission requirements. She was responsible for a more than $35 million budget and is a certified Defense Financial Manager, the Defense equivalent of a certified public accountant.

"I am honored to serve Gov.-elect Haslam as well as the men and women who have served their country in the Armed Forces in this capacity," Grinder said. "Although I will miss wearing the uniform, I will be able to continue my bond with service members, their families and survivors."

Grinder has master's in Strategic Studies from Army War College and a master's in Human Resource Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a Bronze Star Medal recipient, and she is an Operation Enduring Freedom combat veteran.

Grinder's first name was originally a nickname that stuck, so she legally changed her name. She is married to Ernie, a Vietnam veteran and military retiree. They have two grown step-sons and four grandchildren. She is an active member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church in Gallatin.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                               CONTACT: Gary Johnson
Friday, April 8, 2011                                                                                        Office: 615-741-4951

 VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs (TDVA) Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced a new executive leadership team to head up the department. 

 “These new assignments are a result of a careful search of strong local leaders with military backgrounds who genuinely care about veterans,” Commissioner Grinder said.  “I am pleased that these talented and compassionate leaders have joined our team.

Wendell Cheek has been named Deputy Commissioner and will have direct oversight in the Middle Tennessee area.  Cheek retired from active duty with the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2001.  He has since been working for Humana Military Healthcare Services in several positions culminating as the regional director for the Guard and Reserve programs for the TRICARE South Region.  Cheek also served Operation Stand Down in several posts, including president of the board of directors in 1999.  Cheek holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cumberland University.  He is the father of four children, and he and his wife, Lenae, live in Murfreesboro.

 

It is not only an honor but a privilege to serve the veterans of this great state as well as all veterans of the United States Armed Forces,” Cheek said.  “These brave men and women, their families and their survivors have made tremendous sacrifices, and we owe them the same level of commitment that they gave to their country.”

Don Smith has been named Assistant Commissioner with direct oversight of East Tennessee.  Smith has been a veterans’ benefits representative for the department in Cookeville since 2001 and has served as the Department Service Officer for the Veterans of Foreign War since 2004.  He was previously assigned as a County Veterans Service Officer in Hillsborough County, FL.  He retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer from the Navy with service in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm.  He was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for USS Guadalcanal, LPH-7.     Smith holds an associate’s degree in business administration and lives in Spring City with his wife, Mary.  Of his new post, Smith stated, 

 “Our veterans are our greatest national treasure, and I consider it a great privilege to be able to serve them, their dependents and survivors,” Smith said.

 Mark Breece has been named Assistant Commissioner overseeing West Tennessee.  Breece is retiring as a Command Sergeant Major after serving over 33 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard.  He has deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.   Breece’s career culminated with his assignment as the Senior Enlisted Leader, the highest ranking NCO in the Tennessee National Guard.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Bethel College.  He and his wife, Vicky, live in Dyersburg. 

“The driving force behind my 33 years in the military has been my ability to serve the men and women in uniform, and now I get the honor and privilege to continue in a similar capacity of serving those who have served,” Breece said.

     “Tennessee has over 500,000 veterans who will be better served by having a senior official assigned to each Grand Division,” Commissioner Grinder said.  “These men are great leaders; their skills and background will make them tremendous assets to the TDVA team.” 

Responsibilities within each region will include supervision of TDVA field offices and state cemeteries as well as providing close coordination with U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Veterans Service Organizations, County Service Officers, civic leaders and state Veterans Homes.

 

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Check out
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Click Here For The Latest VA News

Go to Training Page for more pics
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Nasvhville, TN 2008 SOTS Training

Having Trouble With Nashville?
  As you know, the TDVA folks are always available to help the CSO in TN. 
CSOs should know to call if
 they have a case that requires our help, 
please ask them to call our main number 615-695-6385 and
request to talk to a claims examiner.  Be prepared to give the claim
number of the veteran you are working with or on.  The request will
go to the claim examiner who has that terminal digit.  Please let all
know not to call direct to a specific claims examiner.


Mike Fielder, TDVA

Tina Huff with TCVSOA Vice President Kevin Walden
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This was taken at a Veteran Program in Nashville, TN 13 Apr 08



State of Tennessee Benefits
  • State Veterans Cemeteries Click for Burial Eligibility
  • State Veterans Homes
  • Free license plates for 100% service connected disabled veterans, Ex-POW's, and recipients of MOH, DSC, NC or AFC
  • Property tax relief for combat related 100% totally disabled veterans and/or their surviving spouses. For additional information, go to: www.comptroller.state.tn.us/pa/patxrvet.htm
  • Free hunting and fishing licenses for Veterans with 30% or more war service connected disabilities, after an initial one time fee of $10.
  • Parking privileges for free license plate holders
  • Veterans preference in State employment
  • Credit for military service in State employment
  • Scholarships for eligible dependent children (Special Qualifications) contact office
  • Motor vehicle privilege tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans
  • Special/Memorial license plates for certain veterans
  • Reemployment rights of public employees
  • Registration of discharges by county registrar at no fee

  • State Veterans Cemeteries Click for Burial Eligibility
  • State Veterans Homes
  • Free license plates for 100% service connected disabled veterans, Ex-POW's, and recipients of MOH, DSC, NC or AFC
  • Property tax relief for combat related 100% totally disabled veterans and/or their surviving spouses. For additional information, go to: www.comptroller.state.tn.us/pa/patxrvet.htm
  • Free hunting and fishing licenses for Veterans with 30% or more war service connected disabilities, after an initial one time fee of $10.
  • Parking privileges for free license plate holders
  • Veterans preference in State employment
  • Credit for military service in State employment
  • Scholarships for eligible dependent children (Special Qualifications) contact office
  • Motor vehicle privilege tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans
  • Special/Memorial license plates for certain veterans
  • Reemployment rights of public employees
  • Registration of discharges by county registrar at no fee

Federal Government Benefits
    • Compensation for service connected disabilities
    • Death and indemnity compensation for dependents and survivors
    • Burial Benefits
    • Servicemen's/Veterans Group Life Insurance
    • Disability and Death Pension
    • Medical and hospital care
    • Nursing home care
    • Drug and alcohol dependence treatment
    • Education benefits
    • Employment benefits
    • Vocational rehabilitation
    • Dependents educational assistance
    • Special adapted motor vehicles
    • Adaptive equipment for motor vehicles
    • Grants for specially adapted homes
    • Home loans
    • Upgrading of military discharges
    • Services and aids for blind veterans
    • Assistance to homeless veterans
    • Small and disadvantaged business utilization
    • Disabled Veterans Outreach
    • Re-employment rights
    • Clothing allowance for prosthetic or orthopedic appliance users

TOLL FREE NUMBERS FOR CONTACTING VA

The VA provides toll-free 800 phone service for
Veterans to obtain information about benefits.

  • VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000
    • Burial
    • Civilian Health and Medical Program of the

           Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)

    • Death Pension
    • Dependency Indemnity Compensation
    • Direct Deposit
    • Directions to VA benefits Regional Offices
    • Disability Compensation
    • Disability Pension
    • Education
    • Home Loan Guaranty
    • Life Insurance
    • Medical Care
    • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
  • Education (GI Bill): 1-888-442-4551
  • Health Care Benefits: 1-877-222-8387
  • Income Verification and Means Testing: 1-800-929-8387
  • Life Insurance: 1-800-669-8477
  • Mammography Helpline: 1-888-492-7844
  • Special Issues - Gulf War/Agent Orange/Project Shad/
  • Mustard Agents and Lewisite/Ionizing Radiation:
  • 1-800-749-8387
  • Status of Headstones and Markers: 1-800-697-6947
  • Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833



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