Shiawassee County
A Mid-Michigan agency that helps military veterans and their families is expanding its hours and staff. The Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs office says there’s an increasing need for their services.
It’s estimated there are 6,000 veterans in Shiawassee County. They have rights and benefits, but are having trouble gaining access to the system.
“They’re dealing with such items as post-traumatic stress disorder. They have brain injuries. They’re finding out there’s domestic abuse occurring in the homes,” said Jerilyn Strein, director of the Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs office.
For years, this office was only open part time. But the demands of veterans was so great that Shiawassee County commissioners found the funding to staff this office full time.
“We’ve got veterans coming back from the two wars. They have needs. We also have many of our World War II veterans passing away,” said Ron Elder, Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs committee member and county commissioner.
Plus, vets from the wars in Korea and Vietnam. To meet the need, the office will be open 40 hours a week, starting next Monday. The three staff members can help in a variety of ways, like unemployment issues.
“Businesses are closed up. They’re having a hard time find jobs,” Strein said.
Or homelessness.
“We are trying to find places, establishments where they can stay right here in the county or we do work with surrounding counties,” Strein said.
And the agency can link them with mental health experts who can help vets deal with PTSD.
“Because they don’t even realize they have it. They don’t even know what they’re dealing with,” Strein added.
“We help them file the paperwork, get their claims developed and submit it,” said Chuck Ross, benefit counselor.
“No question is too small. If we can’t get the questions answered, we’ll find out the answer for you,” Strein said.
The phone number for the Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs office is 989-743–2231.
For more information on the Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs office, http://www.shiawassee.net/Departments/Veterans-Affairs