By CHRIS SNELL, guest columnist

HONORING OUR DECEASED VETERANS: Starting off, this month’s column comes with much somberness as January brought multiple veterans passing from health issues outside of COVID-19. There is a dark reality that death is near, and to those families suffering from those deaths, the Veterans Service Office sends its condolences to you. Because of these deaths of veterans within the community, it is important to inform our community that if you have a veteran who has passed, there are benefits from the VA available to you. Please contact our office for more information.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS: We have received several calls this month with regards to the COVID-19 vaccination rollout for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care. They are being issued by priority following the CDC guidelines. Appointments for vaccines will be initiated by the VA. Veterans should not call in to schedule an appointment for the vaccine at this time. If you have any questions about the vaccine, please call 317-988-4899.

VA HEALTH CARE COVERAGE: Available to all veterans. Please contact our office for more information.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM: Sam Banter joined the Brown County Veterans Service Office as our new veteran support liaison on Jan. 5. Sam will be working part-time to help the Veterans Service Office with outreach efforts, event requests and other administrative duties. Sam is a Marine Corps veteran and retired Army National Guard veteran, earning the rank of major before retiring. Sam brings invaluable experience to our team and we are excited to have him on board. Please help me in welcoming him to the team. You can reach Sam by email at [email protected].

SENATE BILL 316 and HOUSE BILL 1264: Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) recently took to the legislative table a proposal to enhance the Military Family Relief Fund for Indiana veterans. This proposal focused on three main aspects: 1) the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF), 2) an avenue for IDVA to access more funds to assist in managing the MFRF program, and 3) expansion of eligibility for the MFRF. For more information on SB316 and HB1264, you can visit www.iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/senate/316.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: If you are a veteran and interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in the community, please contact us at the office at 812-988-5600.

WAYS TO CONNECT/COMMUNICATE WITH US:

Office phone: 812-988-5600

Cell phone (call or text): 812-322-9086

Email:

Veteran service officer: [email protected]

Veteran support liaison: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bcvso

Twitter: twitter.com/BC_VSO

Wishing you a safe February!

Chris Snell is the Veterans Service officer for Brown County. He can be reached at 812-988-5600 or [email protected].