Veterans’ $10K gift to support museum
This military gear including a hand grenade and a canteen are part of a small museum in the Anderson County Department of Veterans Services in Room 114 of Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton. The Anderson County Commission recently voted to accept a $10,018 donation for that museum raised by two veterans. (photo:Ben Pounds )
At its Monday, March 16, meeting, the Anderson County Commission voted to dissolve the Tennessee Veterans Museum nonprofit founded by the two veterans and transfer the funds to the Anderson County Department of Veterans Services and its museum. The museum is located in that office in Room 114 of the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton.
Anderson County Veterans Service Officer Scott Nation said the nonprofit had raised $10,018, although some of that amount will go toward the cost of dissolving the organization.
Years ago, Nation said, the two veterans created a 501(c)(3) to raise money to purchase a building or memorabilia for a military history museum in Anderson County.
He said one of the veterans has died and the other wanted to pass the funds along. As of press time, Nation had not disclosed their names when asked.
Nation said the museum will use the funds for additional memorabilia, display cases and other needed items. However, he said the Veterans Committee will need to approve those expenditures first.
“I don’t see many changes as we have worked hard to get it to this point and will be good stewards of these funds for items that have a high return on investment value,” he said of the museum as it currently exists.
Artifacts at the museum represent all branches of the armed services. They come from many eras and conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. Items range from flags and letters to uniforms and gear.
A binder on display includes names and photos of service members through the years with ties to Anderson County. The museum encourages veterans to add their own photos and names to the binder.
Anderson County Commissioner Tracy Wandell made the motion to dissolve the nonprofit and accept the funds, and Commissioner Robert McKamey seconded it.
For more information about the museum, call 865-463-6803 or email snation@andersoncountytn.gov.
