The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Veterans Service Commission honored
American Legion 9th District Commander William Dittebrand and 1st Vice Commander William Keller presented Certificates of Recognition to three individuals from the Lake County Veterans Service Commission for their participation in a revitalization program.
Keller explained that the mission of the revitalization program is to help veterans get placed in a “home post” so they can become active members in the organization. Many veterans join the American Legion Department of Ohio through the DMS 888 program, however they are not assigned to a local post. Through the revitalization efforts, over 90 members from the DMS list were connected to area posts.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission helped make that possible.
Lake County Veterans Service Officer Gini Geffert said it is nice to be acknowledged by National Commander Charles Schmidt.
“This is what we do every day,” said Geffert, who also serves as the assistant director. “We help veterans get what they need.”
The Mission of the Lake County Veterans Service Commission is to provide eligible veterans and their dependents with benefits to which they may be entitled under federal, state and local law.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission also provides temporary financial assistance to those veterans or their dependents who have demonstrated a financial need due to illness, injury, lack of employment, or an unexpected hardship.
Bill Hinde and Michael Hatton said that they are happy that they can make a difference in the lives of other veterans.
“To get a job like this and actually make a difference in veterans lives means a lot and to be recognized for that really means a lot,” Hinde said.
“It gives us that sense of accomplishment that we had when we were in the military.”
Hatton agrees that being a Veterans Service Officer is very rewarding.
“You will get a veteran that have been fighting for stuff for years and you finally get that 100 percent permanent and total and you literally just changed his life,” he said. “It’s a tremendous feeling when you can do that.”
The American Legion and the Lake County Veterans Commission significantly impacts the community in various ways.
“It’s all about helping veterans,” Keller said.
“To get a job like this and actually make a difference in veterans lives means a lot and to be recognized for that really means a lot.” — Bill Hinde