Tammy James is known in the community as “The Veteran Lady.” She is a combat veteran who served in the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, and is a registered nurse with a degree in counseling.

She is also an accredited VA claims agent and the founder of Voice4Vets, a group of agents dedicated to ensuring veterans and their families get all the benefits they are entitled to from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Established in 2012, the local organization is preparing to celebrate the “re-grand opening” at its new location on Saturday, November 12.

Her inspiration to start Voice4Vets began with her own personal experience of navigating the VA system. James recalled the process of applying for benefits and being continually told to “just send additional paperwork,” which left her with the impression that no one truly cared. Eventually she was provided with an agent who she initially believed was an advocate for her, but that would turn out to not be true.

“When I got to Atlanta for my hearing…I had to go in there alone,” James said in regards to her experience. “But by me knowing the knowledge and having the knowledge to present my case, I actually ended up winning my benefits. That’s when I found out that having the knowledge (and obtaining) that background helped a lot. A lot of veterans don’t know (that).”

From there, James set out to equip former servicemembers with the same knowledge she acquired to win her case. She mentioned that when it comes to their benefits, many veterans do not know they can receive more than they are given. Staying up to date daily with changes in the VA, as well as thoroughly reading each page of medical documentation, are two skills James and her team use frequently to maximize success on behalf of their clients.

Communication is another important one. James said veterans are so accustomed to being mission ready, that they struggle to voice when something is wrong or that they have a need. So when they come to Voice4Vets, one of James’s objectives is to get them to open up.

“Once you build that relationship to open the door, they will talk to you about the things that will help you with their case,” she said. “You have to communicate and have an open door policy”.

Voice4Vets’s original location was on Elma G. Miles Parkway. James pointed out the new building, located on West Oglethorpe Highway across from the Cherokee Rose Country Club, is much more spacious. Many aspects of the center’s new home were handmade by local veterans in the area, such as the wall logo to the right of the entrance and the decorative wreath containing the emblems of all the military branches. With the extra room, James’ goal is to make more resources, such as men’s and women’s support groups and resiliency training, readily available.

The celebration of Voice4Vets’s new location taking place Saturday will have activities and food for all in attendance to enjoy. James noted that selecting this particular day was intentional. She noticed that on Veterans Day many places honor the veteran, but forget about the veteran’s family. James wanted to be sure that everyone was included.

“I noticed in the community there aren’t many things for veterans anymore,” she pointed out. “Normally, people go out to restaurants…I decided to do something on a Saturday because more people who may not have the opportunity to come out can; they’re off, and they’re able to come out and enjoy.”

The 12th of November will also mark five years since the passing of her husband, Staff Sgt. Keyunte’ Gordon Sr. He served in the Army, as well as the Reserves, for 15 years, beginning as a petroleum supply specialist before crossing over to be a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist. His favorite quote was “I am my Family Keeper.”

James is passionate about what she does, which is ensuring her clients get everything that belongs to them from the VA and arming them with knowledge. Also, like her late husband, she is passionate about family. That’s why she ensures clients, whether it be on her website or in person, that at Voice4Vets they don’t have to go to battle alone.

“I believe in family, because the family plays a key role in anything the veteran does,” James said. “Including myself.”