PROFILE: Scott Nation, Anderson County’s new Veterans Service Officer
SCOTT NATION
A graduate of Oliver Springs High School, Nation began his military career as a recruiter in Clinton from 1996 to 2000.
He served 29 years with the Tennessee National Guard. In addition to recruiting, he served as an informational technology specialist, unit administrative specialist and entrance processing station counselor.
He retired as a first sergeant after serving in Knoxville, Nashville and Johnson City.
Before becoming the Anderson County service officer, Nation worked for a short time in the concrete business.
He sees his new job as an opportunity to help veterans gain the benefits they deserve and may not be aware of.
One of the things Nation is concerned about is the growing number of veteran suicides.
He plans to contact 22 veterans a day to check up on them and see how he can help them.
The number 22 was chosen because on average, 22 veterans a day commit suicide.
While doing all he can to help older veterans, one of Nation’s goals is to work with younger veterans to get them involved with the VA programs and service organizations they may not know about. He would also like to start a military museum.
Because Anderson County has no honor guard to perform military honors at funerals, funeral directors have to call on honor guards from adjoining counties. For that reason, Nation would like to establish an Anderson County Honor Guard. Any veteran wishing to serve on an honor guard should contact his office, he said.
Any veteran, widow or dependent who needs assistance with such things as health benefits, educational benefits, death benefits, disability, vocational training, insurance or home loans should contact his office in the Anderson County Courthouse.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 865-463-6803, and the email is snation@andersoncountytn.gov.
Nation is a member of American Legion Legion Post 112 in Oliver Springs. He is married and has two grown sons.