Dear Editor:
I want to sincerely thank the Hamilton Council Council for approving a part-time position to help the Hamilton County Veteran’s Services Office (HC VSO). I know the HC VSO could use a full-time position, and the part-time position will help. With aging Veterans, and the expansion of wars and conflicts, the needs of the Hamilton County VSO will only increase.
I was one of the Veterans at the budget meeting on Thursday morning, and was there to support Lynn Epperson’s work in the HC VSO. As an Air Force and Vietnam Veteran, and victim of Agent Orange spraying, Lynn’s office has been very helpful in assisting me with the VA on my disability. In fact, when follow up assistance was required her office was very helpful, along with my doctors, to get me assistance.
As Hamilton County grows, and the Vets get older, the HC VSO’s needs will only increase. And one must keep in mind that some of the cost to fund the HC VSO office is spent on getting Vets monetary assistance from the VA. This monetary assistance will get spent on Hamilton County services by the assisted Veteran. Monies will be spent on medications and other living expenses. A lot of this spent money will then be taxed by governments from the companies selling their products and services to the Veteran.
Another reason for the HC VSO needing help is the fact that not only were Vietnam Vets hurt by the Agent Orange spraying, but now Afghanistan Vets are suffering physical disabilities from the open burn pits used there. An A-10 fighter pilot friend of mine is currently suffering because of fumes from these open burn pits. This only adds to the needed work of the HC VSO.
Keep in mind that the HC VSO not only helps Vets with disabilities, but also other claims or problems, as well as handling death benefits when a Vet passes away. As Vets age this death benefit need also increases.
The Council’s approval for any/all increased help is appreciated.
A final thought … Are there any federal assistance programs available that can assist with this cost to run Veteran Service Offices in states and counties? Our current federal administration seems to be very pro-military and pro-VA at the moment. Could they assist in these costs to run VSO operations, if they aren’t already?
Sincerely,
Jake Doll
Noblesville