Everett Wiler served in the United States Air Force for 21 years.
That experience served him well the past three years while he’s worked in Madison County in the veterans’ assistance office.
County officials were among those who gathered on Tuesday, June 18, to wish Wiler well as he’s moving to another state to be closer to family.
Reggie Sims is the director of the department.
“Everett has done such a great job, not just at knowing how to help veterans who come into our offices each day, but showing that he truly cares about them,” Sims said. “And I think that’s why he really connects with them, because people can tell if you care for them – especially veterans.
“And Everett – without fail – always showed he cared.”
Mayor A.J. Massey was on hand for the celebration, and he said Wiler’s work helped people beyond Madison County’s borders.
“I have mayors all over West Tennessee who tell me thanks because veterans in their county will come here because they’re taken care of here,” Massey said. “Veterans in Shelby County will leave their home county and drive through Fayette, Haywood and Crockett counties to come here because Everett and Reggie and everyone here will get them taken care of.”
County Commissioner Carl Alexander had a story of Wiler’s help.
“My wife’s uncle is a veteran and had trouble getting help,” Alexander said. “But he went and sat down with Everett, and Everett knew where to look to help him out, and he got him fixed up with what he needed.
“Reggie does a great job with our veterans’ services department, but Everett is a big part of that, and Madison County and veterans all over West Tennessee will miss him.”
Wiler said he will miss working in Madison County.
“This has been a stress-free three years working here,” Wiler said. “We all worked together with no drama whatsoever.
“We just came in each day, did our jobs, tried to help some veterans and then came back the next day and did it again.”
Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news