In a small office tucked inside the Grainger County Veteran’s Affairs office, a man who has dedicated most of his life to service continues that mission each day, this time, serving those who once stood in uniform.
Eric Stephens, Grainger County’s Veterans Service Officer, has worn many titles over the years. U.S. Air Force veteran, retired Florida deputy, husband, father, and now, advocate. But his current role, he says, is one that allows him to give back to the very people who once defended the freedoms many take for granted.
“I spent 21 years in the Air Force and later retired from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida,” Stephens said. “When we moved up here to Tennessee, I wanted something to occupy my time, something meaningful. I saw the Veterans Service Office sign at the courthouse, and I knew this was my next calling. The biggest thing for me was being able to help some vets out.”
Stephens says serving local veterans is not just a job, it’s personal. With a long family history of military service, including his father and uncles, he believes in carrying on a legacy of duty, honor and compassion.
“My dad was in the military. My uncles were in the military,” he said. “I thought it was my duty to the country to join. It goes back to the way I was raised, you help everybody you can. They may not ask for it, but you offer the help.”
Since stepping into his role, Stephens has learned that many veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam era, still carry silent burdens.
“When I came into the job, I knew I was going to have to break down a few barriers,” he said. “The older generation felt it was their duty to serve, but when they came home, they didn’t feel like they should ask for anything. They did it out of honor. Getting them to open up, to share their stories, and letting them know it’s okay to ask for help, that’s been one of my main goals.”
For Stephens, those moments of connection are among the most meaningful parts of his work.
“Sometimes they just want to talk,” he said. “I love hearing their stories. I share mine with them, too. Sometimes that’s all they need, someone who understands.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about Stephens’ job, he said, is that he works for the VA.
“I actually work for Grainger County,” he explained. “I’m an affiliate through the VA after state training. Most of the funding for compensation and pensions comes from the federal government, but I help veterans apply, make sure they qualify, and get that process started.”
According to state data, roughly 1,200 Grainger County veterans are enrolled for VA services, together receiving about $1.4 million in monthly benefits.
“Veterans contribute a lot to this community, more than most people realize,” Stephens said. “Between VA expenditures, TriCare, and home loans, that money goes right back into our local economy.”
Still, he acknowledges that accessing those benefits can be a challenge.
“Starting compensation or pension claims can be tough,” he said. “You have to justify the disability or injury, and that can take time. I’ve seen cases resolved in two weeks, and others take six months or more. It’s a process, and for spouses after a veteran has passed, it can feel like fighting the machine.”
When asked what kind of funding or support he’d most like to see locally, Stephens’ answer wasn’t about money, it was about people.
“I’d love to see more support for veterans’ groups to get together,” he said. “Just a place where they can have coffee, talk and check in on each other. Sometimes, just talking is the best remedy.”
He believes community members can play a big role in that kind of support.
“Offer somewhere for vets to meet,” Stephens said. “Find out if a veteran needs help, and help them. Talk to them. There’s a lot of history these men and women carry that kids today don’t know. Many of them would be more than willing to share if someone just asked.”
Stephens’ mission is simple: to be there for every veteran who needs help and to remind the community that gratitude shouldn’t just come around once a year.
“My goal is to help every veteran I can,” he said. “It’s not just about paperwork. It’s about making sure they know they’re appreciated. A simple ‘thank you’ might not mean much to some people, but to a veteran, it can mean the world.”
He recalled advice from an older veteran that stuck with him.
“I always say thank you to veterans,” Stephens said. “And one told me once, ‘Don’t say you’re welcome, say you were worth it.’ Because that’s what it’s all for, every citizen in this country. When we serve, we write a blank check to this nation, payable with our lives if necessary. Some served in combat, some in peace, but all served for the freedoms we enjoy.”
Stephens is now preparing for the upcoming Veterans Day Ceremony, set for Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Overlook on Clinch Mountain.
The event will feature the Grainger High School JROTC, the VFW Post 5266 Honor Guard, bagpiper Arie Brown, Civil War reenactors, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Tennessee Army National Guard, which will display an armored vehicle. Heather Stratton will sing the national anthem, and Lt. Col. Patrick Ellis, a Grainger County native, will serve as guest speaker.
“It’s an honor to see people come out and support our veterans,” Stephens said. “To remember the ones who sacrificed their lives for this country, that’s what it’s all about.”
Stephens also believes events like this are vital for younger generations.
“It’s about putting the phone down, talking to a veteran, and seeing the pride they feel for having served,” he said. “It might just inspire someone to serve, too. We did it for duty and honor, to be part of something much bigger than ourselves.”
As the Veterans Day ceremony approaches, Stephens hopes locals will not only attend but also take part in helping sustain these events.
“The funding for my office isn’t much,” he admitted. “Most of what we do is supported by donations from the community and elected officials. Anyone who wants to help, with setting up, donating, or volunteering, can reach out to my office.”
And as for his message to Grainger County’s veterans?
“You have our greatest support in anything you need,” he said. “We appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made throughout your life. I hope every veteran, and their families, come out to this ceremony to be thanked and honored.”
For Stephens, that’s what it all comes down to: gratitude, remembrance, and service.
“We wouldn’t have the country we do without them,” he said. “Every freedom we have was paid for by someone’s sacrifice. And the least we can do is never forget.”