Saline Co. Veterans Service Office here to assist veterans
With Veterans Day approaching, the spotlight on the nation’s servicemen and their sacrifices comes to the forefront.
Ensuring that veterans are cared for after returning home is a top priority.
In Saline County, several people are helping to provide this assistance at the Veterans Service Office of Saline County, led by the County’s Veteran’s Service Officer, Greg Campbell.
Recent data from the United States Census Bureau reveals that approximately seven percent of the adult population are veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces, spanning from 18 to over 100 years old. In 2022, 7.6 percent of Arkansas’s adult population, totaling 178,677 people, were considered veterans.
Campbell explains, “A lot of veterans don’t know we exist to help them at no charge because there are a lot of lawyers out there who charge veterans to do what we do for free, and a lot of them don’t know what they are entitled to or what they may be entitled to. We help them with that.”
The office’s mission revolves around helping veterans apply for VA benefits, disability claims, educational support, and various other forms of assistance. They also assist in locating vital medical and service records.
In the current year, the Veterans Service Office of Saline County has assisted 290 veterans with their claims. The office is located at 209 North Main Street and operates from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Veterans seeking help can either walk-in or schedule an appointment by calling 501-303-5646. Campbell emphasizes that their doors are now open, and they are readily available to provide support.
The Veterans Service Office of Saline County wasn’t as accessible in the past. County Judge Matt Brumley recognized the need for expanded services and hired Campbell on July 31,
2023, to staff the office five days a week.
When Campbell began, the office was open only two days a week as new employees were being trained. Even during this limited timeframe, they saw at least 25 veterans per day.
Campbell also highlighted the economic impact veterans have on the Saline County community, contributing
$85.4 million annually. Ensuring the well-being of veterans is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for the county’s economy.
One common issue they’ve encountered is veterans not receiving follow-ups on previously submitted claims. Campbell explains, “The most common thing we were seeing was veterans weren’t receiving a follow-up on claims they had already submitted and needed an update.” However, resolving these problems is a lengthy process, often taking six months to a year when working with the VA.