Kimball VSO boosts benefits by 100 percent

During last week’s commissioner’s meeting, County Veteran’s Service Officer (V.S.O.), Austin Garner addressed the board with an update on his ongoing progress concerning Kimball County’s 444 veterans.

According to Garner, within this past month while starting the new position, he has received more than 40 visits and more than 50 phone calls to his office. Garner is pleased with the increasing amount of veterans who have made inquiries of his time and talents in the new position.

The VSO states that since his arrival in the position, he has filed three Nebraska Veteran’s Day Fund claims totaling more than $5,000.00.

He also added that filing these specific claims for said veterans increased from last year’s claims that were filed by 100 percent, since there were no claims filed on the behalf of any veterans last year in this position.

Garner continued that he filed a request to the utility company for a debt forgiveness on the behalf of one of the county’s veterans in the amount of $350, stating the vet did not qualify for the Nebraska Veteran’s Day fund but the debt forgiveness request was accepted.

“We are seeing some revenue coming back to our veterans,” explained Garner, “from the work that we are doing.”

He has also been very busy with public relations regarding his position in the county. Garner explained to the board that within the short time he has been employed, that he has visited both schools in the Kimball area, the Kimball County Manor, had a booth at the Fall Festival that was held on Halloween, and attended, of course, the Veteran’s Day program at the high school. Garner has attended two funerals for area vets, as well.

Garner has stated that his office can provide too many services to name. He can connect veterans with military and public services for a wide range of needs. Garner can also assist with much of the lengthy paperwork involved in obtaining medical and educational services for veterans of any age.

He encourages any veteran in the Kimball County area to stop by his office, get acquainted and express any concerns or needs they may have.