County Manager Davin Madden announced that Joey Briggs has been named as the Veterans Service Director for Lincoln County effective December 1, 2023.
Briggs has been a resident of Lincoln County since 1991, having moved to Lincoln County at the age of five years old. He graduated from West Lincoln High School in 2004 and, demonstrated his commitment to service, signed his Army contract at the age of 17, even before completing high school. Briggs served in the military for four and a half years with the 82nd Airborne Infantry, fulfilling deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Following his military service, Briggs transitioned to a role as a Nuclear Security Officer at Duke Energy. However, driven by a passion to support fellow veterans, he founded Band of Brothers in 2019—a Veterans Connection and Support Group. Seeking to dedicate himself fully to assisting veterans, Briggs departed from Duke Energy and found a fulfilling role within the Lincoln County Veterans Services department, where he has been employed since the summer of 2021.
“I am honored by the opportunity to assume the role of the new Director of Lincoln County Veterans Services. To be able to continue the legacy of passion and dedicated service to our Veterans and their families is very fulfilling. In the recent years, I have gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of caring for our Veterans. As a Veteran myself, utilizing these benefits has provided me with a profound understanding of their significance. My goal is to share this knowledge more broadly and enhance the accessibility of these benefits for our Veterans. I am committed to expanding awareness and ensuring that our Veterans receive the full spectrum of benefits available to them. Whatever challenges our Veterans may encounter, I aspire to be a valuable advocate and resource for them, providing unwavering support and assistance in navigating any obstacles they may face”, states Briggs.
"County Manager Madden expresses confidence in Briggs, stating, 'With a wealth of training, extensive experience, and a rich set of qualifications and skills, Briggs is exceptionally well-prepared to connect with and serve the veterans of our community. His background and dedication uniquely position him to understand and address the diverse needs of our veterans, ensuring that they receive the support and assistance they rightfully deserve."
“It has been such an honor to serve my fellow Veterans these last seven years. I know Joey will work hard to maintain and build upon what we have been able to do as a team. I hired Joey with today in mind. I wanted my replacement to care as much about helping veterans as I do. Joey is that person. His combat experience, his experiences with the VA, and his heart for fellow vets will make him successful as the new Director of Lincoln County Veterans Services. He can and will be the face of Lincoln County Veterans Services for many years to come. I am excited for him, his family, and the Veterans of Lincoln County”, states Patton.
Briggs is set to assume the role of the new director following the retirement of the current director, Alex Patton, effective December 1, 2023.