Jefferson County Veteran Services

07/23/2026

Ladies and gentlemen,
I want to take a moment to share something that's important to me before I post anything further.
I am not a political person. I'm about as interested in politics as I am in counting the hairs on the lip of a venomous snake--- which is to say, NOT AT ALL!
Please don't misunderstand me. I care deeply about our leaders--- ALL of them. I care about our community. And most of all, I care about our veterans.

If I'm invited to stand before a group and explain what our wonderful VSO office can do for the veterans and their families in our community, you can bet I'll be there. It truly hurts my heart when very elderly veterans come into my office, wishing they had known years earlier about the benefits they earned through their service. I wish we could have helped them sooner.

Our office has worked incredibly hard to make sure veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve. My goal is to see every veteran in this county walk through our doors and learn what assistance may be available to them. Some veterans may not know what the VSO office does, or they may believe we can't help. Please, give us the opportunity to try.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, help spread the word. If you know a veteran, encourage them to come to our office. They served our country, and they deserve to know what benefits and resources are available to them.

I do not stand behind or beside any one politician. I stand beside everyone who serves and works to make our county a better place!

My mission is simply to support our leaders, strengthen our community, and serve our veterans.

The VSO office is 100% nonpartisan. We are here to serve every veteran with respect, dignity, and compassion---- regardless of politics.

Let's put the UNITY BACK IN OUR COMMUNITY!

thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to serving all of you.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Easton

06/26/2026

Join us as Jefferson City Health and Rehabilitation Center celebrates a very special milestone — 50 Years of Caring alongside America’s 250 Years of Freedom!

We are excited to welcome our residents, families, friends, and community members for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and fun.

🎶 Live Music
🍔 Great Food
🎉 Family-Friendly Fun
❤️ Community Fellowship

📅 June 26, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Jefferson City Health and Rehabilitation Center
283 West Broadway Blvd
Jefferson City, TN 37760

For 50 years, we have been honored to serve our community with compassion and care. We invite you to come celebrate this incredible milestone with us as we reflect on our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us for one unforgettable celebration!

06/25/2026

Dear Veterans of the Community,

Please know that I will be resigning from my position as Director of Veterans Services for Jefferson County, effective July 15th, 2026.

Serving the veterans, service members, and families of Jefferson County has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Over the course of my tenure, I have worked diligently to improve access to benefits, expand outreach efforts, advocate for those who served our nation, and strengthen the services provided through this office. I am proud of the accomplishments achieved and the positive impact made on the veteran community.

This decision has not been made lightly. However, after careful consideration, I have concluded that it is in my best interest to step away from my position. While I remain deeply committed to the mission of serving veterans, I believe it is time for me to pursue other opportunities and focus on the next chapter of my professional and personal journey.

I am grateful to the veterans who placed their trust in me, the community partners who supported our mission, and the many individuals who worked alongside me to improve the lives of those who have served. I am especially proud of the progress made in expanding services, increasing awareness of veteran resources, and advocating for the needs of our local veteran population.

I am especially thankful to Robert Rutherford with Fielden Funeral Home, Jefferson City Health and Rehabilitation Center, Kathleen Van-Orsdell, Ed Franklin, Dale Allen, the local VFW, the local American Legion, Marcus Reed, Sheila Evans, the Martha Dandridge Garden Club, Leslie Purser, Pat Bivens, Westcare, Judith Cureton, Amber King, Lisa Hoyt, Dan Napier, Austin Brooks, Jim Snodgrass, Mike and Janet Norton, Craig Knierman, Doug Sayers, Norma and Lauren with Regency, MATS, and Jeff Gale for helping me assimilate into my role and fighting for veterans and what they deserve.

To facilitate a smooth transition, I have trained Rebecca Easton to assume the responsibilities of the Director position. She has been thoroughly familiarized with office operations, veteran advocacy procedures, claims development, outreach programs, and administrative requirements. Furthermore, all necessary clearances for the position have been obtained, enabling her to transition into the role immediately and ensuring uninterrupted service to Jefferson County's veterans.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve Jefferson County and its veterans. I wish the county, the Veterans Service Office, and the veteran community continued success in the years ahead.

Respectfully,
Marissa Gilliam-King

Director of Veterans Services
Jefferson County, Tennessee

"The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude." – Jeff Miller

06/20/2026

If your in the area, COME ON DOWN TO THE JUNE JUBILEE in Dandridge tn!!! Get some great crafts, AMAZING FOOD, and wonderful music!!!! Stop on by the VFW grab a soda and some popcorn!!!

06/15/2026

Marissa will be out next week for her Dad's surgery. Rebecca will be in office and can handle all of your concerns!

06/13/2026

Today, our community came together to honor and send off a fellow veteran, EJ Hornung, a proud United States Navy veteran. It was a powerful reminder that while a veteran's service may end, the bond between those who have worn the uniform never does.

We extend our deepest gratitude to EJ's family, who traveled more than 10 hours to bring him home. Their dedication and love were evident to everyone present, and it was an honor to stand beside them during this difficult time.

This reunion would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of several dedicated individuals. A special thank you goes to Rebecca Easton, family friend Wayne, and Robert with Fielden Funeral Home, who spent countless hours making phone calls, following leads, and working diligently to locate EJ's family. Their determination ensured that EJ would not be forgotten and that his family would have the opportunity to bring him home with the dignity and honor he deserved.

We would also like to recognize Brad and Robert of Fielden Funeral Home for the compassion, professionalism, and care they showed throughout the process. Their commitment to preserving EJ's dignity and supporting his loved ones during this difficult time reflects the very best of our community.

Thank you to Commissioner Marcus Reed, a retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, for attending and paying his respects, as well as the many veterans and community members who stood in solidarity to honor one of our own.

Today was not just about saying goodbye to EJ, it was about ensuring that a veteran was never forgotten. The presence of so many veterans from different branches and generations demonstrated what makes this community special: when one of our own needs us, we answer the call.

Fair winds and following seas, EJ. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your legacy. Rest easy, shipmate. ⚓🇺🇸

No veteran should ever be forgotten, and today we proved that together, we can ensure they never are. Video in comments.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Please help us honor and send home one of our veterans. EJ Hornung has sadly passed and we will be sending him home with his brother this Friday at 1PM at my office. More info about Mr. Hornung is soon to follow.