Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery Association

The Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery Association (UCSVCA) is a U.S. nonprofit organization based in Cookeville, Tennessee. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) effective since January 2018, with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 81-4882837.

Purpose and Activities

The association is involved in efforts to support the establishment of a state veterans cemetery in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. This initiative aligns with broader state goals to provide veterans with access to burial sites within a reasonable distance from their communities.

Context and Significance

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services aims to locate state veterans cemeteries within 75 miles of the state's veteran population. As part of this strategy, the Upper Cumberland region has been identified as a potential site for a new cemetery. The UCSVCA plays a role in supporting this project by promoting community engagement and awareness about the need for such facilities.

Challenges

The association faces challenges such as securing funding for land acquisition, as federal funding primarily covers design and construction. Local support, including donations and municipal funding, is essential for the project's advancement. Additionally, issues related to federal recognition of the number of veterans in the area have impacted the project's progress. As of recent developments, federal officials have not officially recognized the eligible veteran population, which affects project funding and recognition.

Organizational Structure

While specific details about the internal structure of the UCSVCA are not widely documented, it operates in coordination with community members and government entities to achieve its goals. The association is part of broader community efforts to honor and support veterans in the Upper Cumberland region.