Veterans Services (Department 670)
Ric Morgan, Veterans Services Officer
Description and Mission
The Elbert County Veterans Services Office was created as a funded department in 2019. Previously it had been staffed by unpaid volunteers. The Office provides assistance to veterans and their families in accessing veterans rights or benefits to which they are entitled. The Office acts as an advocate for veterans by assisting in filing Veteran's Administration (VA) claims, coordinating with state and federal agencies, assisting with appeals when necessary, and providing information about benefits to the community.
Accomplishments, Goals, and Objectives
Accomplishments 2022:
As reported November of 2022, the Veteran's Service Officer (VSO) serves 2088 County veterans. These veterans and their families receive $17.7 million in VA benefits much of which flows into the local economy. This is $1.1 million more than reported in 2021. The VSO currently is working 493 open files for veterans with claims to the VA. Nearly 750 calls, visits, or other outreach was conducted throughout the year in support of 243 veterans.
Goals and Objectives 2023:
The veteran population is projected to remain relatively constant in the coming year. The CSO will focus on continuing to provide the high level of dedicated service that has come to be expected and is definitely appreciated by our County's veterans and their families.