DeKalb County was recognized last week for its outstanding service to veterans in the community. Major General Tommy Baker, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, made a visit to the DeKalb Courthouse on December 7, to present County Mayor Tim Stribling and DeKalb County Veteran Service Officer Bill Rutherford a certificate of appreciation from the State Capitol, signed by Governor Bill Lee.
“We just wanted to come down and spend some time with Mayor Stribling and Veteran Service Officer Mr. Bill Rutherford and tell them how much we appreciate them supporting the veterans here in DeKalb County. They do a great job,” said Commissioner Baker.
“They have renovated the office here, they’ve got some [veteran] parking signage outside, space reserved just for veterans. The mayor’s increased the budget for the department and we just want to say thank you because that’s who makes a difference in veteran’s lives every day, people at the local level. We consider DeKalb County one of our partners across the state helping serve veterans and I just wanted to come say thank you,” Baker concluded.
County Mayor Stribling said he was humbled and honored to receive the certificate. “Our new Veteran Service Officer Bill Rutherford does a great job. Of course, Paul Cantrell was our Veteran Service Officer for many years until his untimely death. We had to find another one, and I talked to Bill on several occasions, and he stepped up and said he would do it. We appreciate him doing that. We thank the commissioner for coming and recognizing the county for what we do for veterans.”
Veteran Service Officer Bill Rutherford said his office is open to help veterans with their needs, and improvements to the office makes it easier than ever. “We’ve gone digital now with the computers, so we can file all the forms now with the state when you come in. We help with DIC, compensations, pensions, funeral costs if they qualify, and DD214s for medals. I can help them get into the veteran’s home down in Murfreesboro. If you need any help, I’m here Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
The Veteran Service Office is located on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Appointments are encouraged. You can contact the office at 615-597-3003.
