Union County Veterans Gather for Breakfast and Community Update

After a hearty breakfast, NJROTC cadet Mia Tamayo opened the meeting by leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adjutant Norman Gillen recognized the various branches of military service represented at the gathering. As a Navy veteran, he reminded everyone that Oct. 13 marked the 251st anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy. The group then observed a moment of silence to remember those who have fallen in service to our country.

An individual, rather than a company, sponsored the breakfast. Union County Mayor Jason Bailey wanted to thank Union County veterans by personally paying for the meal. No county funds were used! Bailey has served as mayor since 2018 and ran unopposed in the most recent election. He told the group that if they ever decided to run for office, the best way to do so was unopposed. Community service is in his blood; he is a third-generation politician in his family.

Mayor Bailey Provides County Update
Mayor Bailey quickly updated the community on several ongoing projects and developments.

The new middle school has opened, and the community had a significant need for the facility. The project cost $42 million, with $13 million contributed by the school system.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) is operating on the high school campus, offering several areas of study:

Welding, manufacturing and nuclear technology: Hands-on training includes certifications through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training, and 3D printing. These programs target local and regional employment opportunities, including jobs in Oak Ridge.
Allied health and nursing: Programs include patient care technology, medical assisting, nursing aide, phlebotomy, central sterile processing, basic life support and CPR. Certified nursing assistant and licensed practical nursing tracks are planned, with transfer pathways to Walters State Community College.
Construction: Training includes heavy equipment operation and safety credentials through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Adult education: Students can prepare for high school equivalency exams.
These classes are available to everyone, including current high school students, graduates and adults.

Union County is one of only two counties in Tennessee offering excavating classes. The county is purchasing skid steers, a bulldozer and Bobcat equipment. Land behind the high school will serve as the classroom for this program.

Road Improvements and Economic Development
Completing the four-lane expansion of Route 33 will help open Union County to new businesses. Once the road is widened, businesses will have direct access to the interstate for receiving supplies and shipping goods. Expanding fiber-optic internet access will make Union County even more attractive for commerce.

Another major but badly needed project is a new jail. The existing jail is more than 50 years old and has faced infrastructure strain, staffing pressures and safety concerns. Inmates are currently being housed in other facilities.

The county has purchased 22 acres on Prospect Road for a new justice center. The facility will house the jail, a courtroom, the clerk's offices, the district attorney's office and the sheriff's office.

Mayor Bailey said construction will take at least two years. In the meantime, it is imperative to bring the existing jail up to code and obtain certification so inmates can return.

“I would hate to tell you that we will have to raise taxes to pay for this,” Bailey said. “But the reality is that we will.”

He explained that taxes will have to increase, although not substantially. The current tax rate is 1.89.

The mayor also emphasized that the county is in sound economic condition. Union County has received multiple grants and used those funds, rather than tax revenue, to pay for various projects. This approach has helped increase the county's capital fund balance.

New Businesses Coming to Union County
Weigel's is expected to open within the next couple of months and will feature a Weigel's Auto Spa car wash.

Waffle House will soon begin construction between O'Reilly Auto Parts and Union Court. An apartment complex under construction at Maynardville Highway and Oak Street may be called Tuscan Flats.

Sheriff's Office Update
Several members of the Union County Sheriff's Office attended the breakfast. Mayor Bailey introduced Sgt. Chris Irrick, who has served in the department for more than 27 years and works under newly elected Sheriff Rick Carter.

Sheriff Carter is overseeing ongoing repairs and staffing adjustments at the existing Union County Jail. Sgt. Irrick expressed confidence in Carter's leadership, saying that, in his opinion, the sheriff is guiding the department toward higher standards for the community.

Veterans Recognized
Veteran James Meltabarger celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 3. Congratulations, Mr. Meltabarger!

The Tri-County Honor Guard has welcomed a new member. Army veteran Jackie Benham joined a few months ago. She shared that during all her years in the Army, she never fired a gun. Now, as a member of the Honor Guard, she serves on the firing squad for the final salute.

Congratulations, Jackie, and thank you for your service!

Food Pantry Update
The American Legion Post 212 Food Pantry chest freezer is currently stocked with 3-pound packages of chicken. The pantry is open to anyone who needs assistance, not just veterans.

Chicken is available for pickup at the following times:

First Monday of the month: 6-8 p.m.
Second Saturday of the month: 8-9:30 a.m.
Third Thursday of the month: 3-7 p.m.
For other pickup arrangements, email Adjutant Norman Gillen at adjutant@altnpost212.org.

The Paulette Community Building also hosts a food pantry on the third Saturday of each month, beginning at 9 a.m. Distribution continues until the food runs out.

Upcoming Veterans Events
Approximately 1,200 U.S. military veterans live in Union County, and the community wants to honor and celebrate them.

The Third Annual Veterans Appreciation Day celebration will take place Saturday, Nov. 7. A free dinner will be served from noon to 4 p.m. A motorcycle ride to the Veterans Overlook is also planned, and all riders are welcome.

UCHS Navy Junior ROTC Commanding Officer Adelina Montoya announced that Union County High School and NJROTC invite all veterans and community members to the school on Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m. for the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The event will honor and recognize veterans for their service, dedication and sacrifice. NJROTC will serve food and drinks following the ceremony. Community members are encouraged to attend.

On Nov. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., Navy Junior ROTC will host a Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction to support the UCHS NJROTC program. Tickets are $5 per person.

Door Prizes
Door prizes included a beautifully painted patriotic rock paperweight, a pocketknife, a T-shirt, a car care bucket, and gift cards for Lowe's and Food City.