Jaquet honored
Director of veterans services says ‘aloha’ to Anderson County
Anderson County Director of Veterans Services Leon Jaquet, right, accepts a resolution from County Commissioner Tracy Wandell. (photo:Ben Pounds )
Jaquet said his last day in Aderson County would be March 22.
He will start work in April in Honolulu as veterans services officer for the Hawaii Department of Veterans Services.
Jaquet has held the Anderson County position since Sept. 17, 2007.
“I’ve already started thinking about things I could do there that they may not have in place,” he said about his future job in Honolulu. He said he would be working near Tripler Army Medical Center.
“I’ll have all kinds of young soldiers and sailors to talk to,” he said.
The Anderson County Commission honored Jaquet at its Feb. 22 meeting with a resolution and standing applause.
“For me, one of the best things that’s ever happened in my career is seeing this fellow come into our county,” Commissioner Tracy Wandell said at the meeting.
Wandell voted to bring him in full time in 2007.
“He is looked upon with respect across the state.”
As a coincidence, Wandell worked on the flight line at Naval Air Station Glenview (Illinois) while Jaquet worked at the officers’ barracks there. However, they did not know each other then.
“I don’t do it for this recognition; I do it for the veterans,” Jaquet said after receiving a copy of the resolution. I do this job because I am a veteran, I am a disabled veteran, and I want to ensure our veterans of Anderson County get their utmost benefits.”
The resolution outlined his career in the Navy from February 1979 until May 2003. He served three tours in the Persian Gulf, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Serving as director, he helped to more than triple the amount of benefits paid to the veterans of Anderson County. al benefits increased from $16 million in 2007 to more than $59 million in fiscal year 2021-22.
The commission’s resolution called him “instrumental” in developing and organizing the county’s Memorial Day and Veterans Day program. He’s also been a member of the American Legion Post 172 in Clinton, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6494 in Rocky Top, Disabled Veterans Chapter 26 in Oliver Springs, and Alpha Lodge 376 in Clinton.
“Leon’s dedication and service to the veterans and their families has been nothing short of exemplary,” the resolution stated.
“His personal motto has always been to excel beyond what is expected and do his absolute best for everyone who can help. He has definitely excelled far above and beyond while acting as director for [the] Anderson County Veterans Services Office.”
