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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:CONTACT: Gary Johnson Friday, April 8, 2011Office: 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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Go to Training Page for more pics
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
This was taken at a Veteran Program in Nashville, TN 13 Apr 08
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
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
