Benjamin Eley has been named director of Bedford County Veterans Service Office by County Mayor Chad Graham, succeeding Mike Ruess, who has relocated out of state.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the veterans of Bedford and Moore counties,” said Eley. “As a veteran, I know the difficulties of navigating through the Veterans Affairs, whether it be to file a claim for compensation or pension for yourself or a surviving family member, or filing for burial benefits for your loved one who served this nation.”
Eley has been working in the office as a veterans service officer for the past year and a half. He is retired from the U.S. Army, where he was a jump master instructor and a certified sexual assault response coordinator.
A native of Shelbyville, he’s a graduate of Hillwood High School in Nashville and has an associate’s degree in general education from American Military University.
Eley is married to Marie Eley and has a stepdaughter and three sons, the youngest of whom is a rising high school senior. He is a member of Victory Baptist Church in Shelbyville.
Karah Cox, who is herself a decorated veteran, will join the Veterans Service Office later this month as an administrative assistant.
“This is an evolving and ever learning journey within this position,” said Eley, “and I pray for the strength to educate and assist as many veterans and families as possible. A goal for this office is to improve what was left by my predecessors and to further advance the capabilities of assisting veterans.”
The office is located in the Bedford County Courthouse basement; A wheelchair ramp is accessible from the southeast corner of the courthouse. Appointments are preferred; call 931-685-4838.
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