Artifacts from multiple branches are on display at Room 114 at Anderson County Courthouse.
A small military service museum is now open inside the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton, giving visitors a chance to view items from past wars, and to honor local veterans.
The display, located in Room 114 near the courthouse waiting area, includes uniforms, gear and other military memorabilia from the Iraq War, Vietnam War and World War II.
The exhibit is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Anderson County Veterans Service Officer Scott Nation, who discussed the collection during the Oct. 13 Operations Committee meeting.
“The museum is important, as it keeps alive the spirit and memories of what service members used and went through during their time in service,” Nation said. “As veterans tell their stories to their families, it gives those families a place to see some of the things they’ve only heard about.”
Nation said he created the museum so residents could view the memorabilia without interrupting his office’s regular operations.
In addition to overseeing the museum, Nation helps veterans navigate the Veterans Affairs system, including assistance with paperwork, claims and appeals. His office also works with other local organizations to help veterans with rent, bills and other needs.
Nation reported to the committee that during the first quarter of the fiscal year, his office served more than 459 veterans, widows or dependents. Staff made more than 655 phone calls, participated in 14 training and community events, and made 12 home visits to help residents file for benefits from their homes or nursing facilities.
He said veterans and their dependents received more than $533,000 in benefits.
For the first time in four years, the county also saw an increase in the number of veterans moving into the area, with 104 new arrivals.
The Veterans Services Office is open to all military veterans with honorable discharges.
The city of Oak Ridge will host a Touch-a-Truck event from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Oak Ridge Public Library parking lot near the Secret City Commemorative Walk.
The event is free and open to the public.
Weather-related updates will be posted on the city’s website and social media channels.
Ronald Sidney Bridgeman, 75, died in the early morning hours of Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at home in Jefferson, Georgia. He had been diagnosed with Progressive supranuclear Palsy, a rare neurodegenerative disease that affects movement, balance, and cognitive function, in December 2023.
He was a fierce defender of a free press, open government and open records; a basketball fan and dog rescuer; a son and brother, sweet patootie, stepdad and PopPop; mentor and friend.
Ron was born July 16, 1950, in Elizabethton to Edith (Weisner) and Ernest Bridgeman.
The family moved to Knoxville when he was 6 months old. He grew up in Knoxville, attending Oakwood Elementary and Christenberry Junior High schools, and graduating from Fulton High School in 1968.
His abiding love of the Great Smoky Mountains was fostered as a member of Boy Scout Troop 49 at Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church. He earned his Eagle Scout rank as a 14-year-old ninth-grader and was Student Council president and a member of the basketball team, according to a newspaper clipping at the time.
The cities of Clinton and Rocky Top, the Oak Ridge Fire Department, and Anderson County Government are coming together for a friendly softball showdown.
The tournament will be in Lakefront Park, 150 South Charles G. Sievers Blvd. in Clinton on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Entry is by donation — bring snack foods, Capri Suns, hygiene products, or monetary contributions.
All donations will directly benefit Isaiah House 117, helping provide essential care and comfort to children in need.
Photo submitted
Jerry Cloyd, 89, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in New York City, Long Island and Japan, poses with Jessica Bray and Denise Wrasman during the Anderson County Veterans Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Clinton Community Center.
