A special seminar just before Veterans Day is scheduled to help veterans better understand the benefits they are entitled to, and one of the keynote speakers will be James Cripps from Ashland City.

Cripps founded the U.S. Veterans Alliance where he still holds the position as president. He was the first U.S. veteran to be exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide and defoliant used to clear jungle canopies during the Vietnam War.

Cripps started the Veterans Alliance more than 15 years ago with eight veterans, and today, it has nearly 150 members, most of whom reside in the Ashland City area of Cheatham County.

The organization’s web page has helped more than 500 veterans receive benefits they so rightly deserve. Cripps has also achieved a rating of R2 which is the highest disability rating a veteran can receive. On more than one occasion, he peeked over the fence and looked at the other side of life, according to Ray Cobb, commander of American Legion Post 44 which is sponsoring the event.

Cripps helps veterans to win their cases without any charge or commitment. He does ask for them to share any information they learn with other veterans.

Cobb expressed his gratitude for being able to have Cripps on the agenda.

“We are fortunate that James has agreed to come to Winchester and participate in this veterans conference,” he said.

The seminar will be held on Nov. 8 at First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Jefferson St., in Winchester from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with discussion taking place over coffee and donuts.

In addition to Cripps, featured speakers will include:

— Commissioner Gen. Tommy Baker of the Tennessee Veterans Affairs Office. 

— Alex Graham, a Veterans Affairs attorney with more than 30 years of experience who has never lost a VA appeal.

—  Bethanie Spangenberg, a physician assistant who previously worked as a compensation and pension examiner for Veterans Affairs and has personnel assisting in writing support letters for veterans.

— John Stacy, a talk show host on ExposedVet Radio with more than 20 years’ experience in helping veterans with their claims.

Cobb said the seminar will be a worthwhile experience for veterans.

“We have some outstanding veterans attorneys who will speak at this seminar,” he said.

Cobb said this is the first conference of its type to be held in Tennessee.

Due to space considerations, reservations will be required.  Veterans need to contact Cobb at 931-308-8914 before Nov. 1 to reserve their seat.

Veteran caregivers are welcome, Cobb said.