You may already know him as the School Resource Officer at Horace Maynard Middle School, now DJ Taylor has added to that role by accepting Mayor Bailey’s invitation to serve as Union County’s Veteran Services Officer (VSO). Taylor took on this role on June 1, 2021, and is eager to help connect our veterans with the various federal and state veterans’ benefits they have earned through their military service. Taylor has a list of all veterans residing in Union County and is seeking ways to inform them about the benefits available to service personnel and their spouses and caregivers. A veteran himself who has experienced the need for help in the past, Taylor is passionate about helping others get everything they deserve from a grateful nation, grateful for their service and personal sacrifices as they proudly served their country. Taylor came to Union County in 2016, attracted by the low cost of living, the beautiful landscape, and the friendly people. He has lived all over the world but finds our county as “tops, everyone is nice, everyone knows everyone, this is a very welcoming community.”

A quick review of the VSO website (http://www.unioncountytn.gov/veterans-service-officer/) will show that Taylor has an impressive military resume, including a variety of combat deployments spanning a decade. However, he warns that the website is still under construction but it does already have a link to apply to be commemorated on the Union County Veterans Wall.

It may surprise you to learn more than 2700 veterans are residing in our county of fewer than 20,000 people. That is 13.5% of our population! According to pewresearch.org, only 7% of the US population consisted of veterans in 2018, so we are double the national average. Taylor feels the most significant gap in the military provision for personnel after completing their tour of duty is the lack of education for those whose separation of service was not due to medical necessity. Those who are injured and go through the VA get a caseworker who educates them about the benefits they are entitled to; that is why he is so passionate about reaching out to fill that gap.

Another major issue affecting many servicemen and women is suicide prevention. After the intense camaraderie and sense of family that comes from the experience of serving together, especially in armed conflict, our returning service members face the difficulties of readjusting to civilian life. I confess, it hit me like a ton of bricks when Taylor stated, “Afghanistan can still kill you, even after you make it home.” Unfortunately, 69% of veteran suicides are Iraq/Afghanistan soldiers and under the age of 49. They come back changed, may have difficulty reconnecting with family and friends, have lost the connection with their brothers and sisters in arms, and they need our help. Thus, Taylor is seeking ways to help these service members to feel part of a group and feel accepted. One idea he hopes to implement is hosting cookouts for the service members of our community. This will provide an opportunity for them to get to know each other, swap stories, and restore that sense of connection with brothers and sisters in arms as they help each other reintegrate into civilian life. Being new to the VSO position, Taylor is still working out the details, but he has a clear vision of goals to work toward.

Taylor states that 99% of veterans are unaware of all the resources available to help them live as comfortably as possible. He adds that most people know that veterans are entitled to help with education and buying their first home, but there are many more services available to help with the quality of life and show appreciation for their services. Some examples range from major projects such as home improvements for the disabled like wheelchair ramps or lifts, to assistance with disability claims, to “perks” such as free hunting and fishing licenses for life or free admission into state or national parks. Taylor’s position as the VSO is to act as the liaison between the service members and the Veterans Administration (VA).

Taylor shares that while Vietnam vets are generally retired, many who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are still working, so he wants to be proactive in adjusting his schedule to accommodate them. Office hours are currently Friday 9 am – 5 pm, and Saturday 8 am – 12 noon, but Taylor will adjust those hours this Fall as he interacts with our local veterans and learns what works best for them. His office is located at 1001 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807 in the old State Bank Building beside the courthouse, which is also shared with the Chamber of Commerce.