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Joe Davis retires from Veterans Affair Office

Cleveland Daily Banner - 12/31/2017

Bradley County is looking for a new Veterans Affairs Officer.

Joe Davis, who has helped veterans throughout the Ocoee Region for more than 10 years, is retiring today. Davis said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family as the new year begins.

Davis was recognized Friday with a reception at the Courthouse Annex, in Bradley County Mayor Gary D. Davis' conference room. The event was sponsored by the Veterans Office and Director Larry McDaris.

McDaris had words of appreciation for his longtime associate and presented him a plaque calling attention to his contributions to veterans during more than 10 years in the Veterans Affairs Office. He also served for the past several years as secretary of the Veterans Home Council.

Attending the event with Davis was his wife, Judy; son, Brad; daughter, T.J. Nicodemus; and his extended family. They included daughter-in-law, Candi; son-in-law, Pete Nicodemus; and grandsons, Nick Nicodemus, and Jack and Zane Davis.

Joining McDaris from the Veterans Affairs office was certified assistant Cherie' Nations. There is one other person in the office, part-timer Kim Lyle.

In addition to presenting Davis with the plaque, McDaris praised his associate's dedication to his job, and the things the office has accomplished in recent years.

The Veterans Affairs director said when he and Davis began local assistance to area veterans, they had around 100 inquiries. He said the number has grown to more than 200, and often approaches 300.

McDaris called attention to Davis' effort in getting the flags placed at the front of the Bradley County Courthouse, obtaining improvements for the Veterans' section of the city's Fort Hill Cemetery, his service to the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Home Council, and other projects.

"I took this job, working for Mayor Davis, and I told him I would try to make him look good," said Davis in accepting Friday's accolades. "I think we have done that."

McDaris and Mayor Davis said they will begin a search in the near future for a replacement for Joe Davis in the Veterans Affairs Office.

McDaris said he would open the process by soliciting applications, although he feels it will be a slim possibility they can find someone with previous certification for the job.

He will review applications, then make recommendations to Mayor Davis. The mayor will make the decision on the new hire.

If the person selected is not certified, they will be required to attend a 10-day training session in Nashville to learn the details and responsibilities of serving local veterans.

In the interim, the office appears to be in good hands with McDaris and Nations, who are both certified.