NEWPORT-At the invitation of the Cocke County Democratic Party, the Democratic Women of Cocke County and state Rep. Eddie Yokley, local veterans were treated to a 'Valentines for Veterans' program at the Community Center last Saturday to honor their service and sacrifice because, according to the local party, "Without our veterans, we would not have liberty of freedom."
    Rep. Yokley began the program by first applauding the efforts of Marjorie Ramsey and the Democratic Women. "I thought this was really special," said Yokley, (the party) doing this for the veterans." Yokley also had the pleasure of introducing John A. Keys, the current Tennessee Commissioner of Veteran's Affairs under the administration of Gov. Phil Bredesen.
    "He's a true gentleman," said Yokley, when introducing Keys, an Army veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam. As head of the Tennessee Department of Veteran's Affairs, Keys and his staff are responsible for veterans benefits programs in the state. The commissioner is appointed by the governor and is a member of the governor's Cabinet, which meets at least once per month.
    Keys told the Cocke County Democrats and veterans gathered that he is responsible for veterans work programs in 23 West Tennessee counties. A graduate from Memphis State University, Keys serves on 13 major boards representing veterans.
    The son of a minister, Keys said, "I'm committed to what I'm doing. On behalf of our governor, I would like to say I appreciate all the work you do and the support from Rep. Yokley. He is a gentleman and a legislator."
    Keys said his responsibility for helping returning and older veterans has never been more important than now. "I've never seen the economic times like we have now," said Keys, who displayed faith in his boss, Gov. Bredesen, by saying, "He works well in these conditions."
    The commissioner said there are 560,000 veterans in Tennessee. "We're here to serve the veterans," said Keys. He continued that several soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom experience brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "We help them make the transition to civilian life," said Keys, who noted that in today's military, "A large portion of our active military is female."
    Though some Americans might switch the TV channel to "turn off" the war in Iraq, Keys reminded his fellow veterans and those in attendance of the Valentine's Day program, "As we sit her and enjoy this Freedom, we are at war. America is at war."
    According to the commissioner, "Guard units and reserve units are being activated like never before. There is no such thing anymore as 'the weekend warrior.'"
    Although Keys' office is in Nashville, he admitted, "I cannot do my job behind a desk." The commissioner, along with his brother, traveled more than 400-miles from Memphis to visit Cocke County veterans this past Valentine's Day. "This is a beautiful state," said Keys, who "enjoys making contact with people."
    Keys told the veterans, "I feel that as commissioner, I'm not here to be served. I'm here to serve you. Thank you for allowing me to be here this morning." Keys said that in his humble opinion, "I've got the best job in state government." And although his visit fell on St. Valentine's Day, Keys said, "To me, everyday is Veteran's Day. Everyday I say thank you (because) I love all of you."