David Smith has been named Warren County’s new veteran service officer. 

He replaces Ernest Brewington, who tendered his resignation with the county and his last day was Wednesday.

“I appreciate this opportunity to serve Warren County, especially veterans and their families,” said Smith. “That has always been something that’s close to my heart, as a veteran. I don’t think we can do enough for them. If there is anything I can do to help them here, that’s what I’m going to do.” 

Veteran service officers are trained and accredited to provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. This includes: 1) answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, and county resources; 2) assisting eligible persons in filing the necessary claims; 3) representing individuals and presenting claims in VA hearings. 

Smith was raised in Red Bank, Tenn.

“I graduated from Red Bank High School on a Thursday, I’m pretty sure it was, and I left for foot camp on Saturday. That was in 1981. I spent until 1988 in the Marine Corps. I met my wife in the Marine Corps. She was in the Marine Corps, too. In April, it will 36 year we’ve been married.”

After an honorable discharge as a Sargent E5, he worked for GTE selling mobile subscriber equipment to Army bases, then MCI in its Network Management Center in North Carolina, and then AT&T for the last 18 years until June 2018.

The couple relocated to Warren County in December 2011.

“Both my maternal grandparents had lived here a couple times throughout their life,” said Smith. “My grandfather was born in Dibrell. We really liked the farm area here and the nursery area. It’s a quiet, peaceful area. We love it. It grew on my son. He lives here now.”

Brewington served as veteran service officer since early 2014. 

“What a journey and a trip I have been on,” Brewington said. “When I came up here, I knew zero about what I was getting into. I’ve learned as time went on. I’ve met some of the most outstanding people that I could ever imagine. The veterans are out there, but getting them in here sometimes takes an act of congress. I’ve been to their homes and to nursing homes. I have truly enjoyed serving veterans.”

The first sergeant worked 23 years as an instructor at Warren County High School’s JROTC program, and had a 43-year military career that included two tours in Vietnam. 

The Veteran Service Office is located at 201 Locust Street inside Warren County Administrative Offices and can be reached at 473-6920. It is opened on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.