VETERANS’ CORNER: Office working to establish funds for transportation, vets’ other needs

By CHRIS SNELL, guest columnist

Welcome to June! We’re already halfway through the year. It’s been going by fast at our office.

June is PTSD Awareness Month and our office desires to be a place of comfort for your needs. If you are struggling and would like mental health assistance, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

The mission of the Brown County Veterans Services Office is to serve the veterans, veterans’ dependents and veterans’ survivors of Brown County by offering assistance with filing claims for Veterans Affairs federal benefits, obtaining military records, accessing VA services and conducting education and outreach services.

Our vision is fostering thankfulness to our veterans and their families.

Recently I have submitted a proposal to the Brown County Commissioners to develop ordinances for two newly established non-reverting funds for a Veterans Transportation Network and an “Unmet Needs Fund.” These two new funds were approved at the county commissioners meeting on May 18. The process for those ordinances is in development of a write up and will be presented at the next meeting of the Brown County Council for approval.

These funds are not taxpayer funds and cannot be reverted to a general fund at the end of the year. Money in the funds will be from community donations. By having these non-reverting funds it opens up the office to apply for future grants in support of veterans needs in the community.

Partnerships in action

We have been collaborating with Access Brown County for transportation of our veterans to VA clinics in Bloomington and Camp Atterbury.

Due to geographic limitations per the guidelines from the state, Access Brown County applied for a local grant through Brown County Community Foundation with the assistance of our office and was awarded a $6,000 grant. The grant would enhance the geographic territory and enable veterans to be transported to Bloomington VA Clinic, Martinsville VA Clinic, Wakeman VA Clinic at Camp Atterbury and Indianapolis VA Medical Center.

The access to transportation in rural communities is at great risk and this grant is a confirmation of the support from Brown County Community Foundation and Access Brown County to ensure our veterans have the support they truly deserve and can get to the VA medical appointments.

I personally want to thank Brown County Community Foundation and its board members for their support, Access Brown County for their logistical support and all the donors who assisted us in getting this grant. It’s heartwarming and very special to know we have such a delightful community that supports our veterans 100%.

If you are a veteran and need transportation assistance to your appointments, contact Access Brown County at 812-988-0185.

If you are interested in becoming a paid driver for Access Brown County? Please apply at the Brown County Community YMCA building in person or call 812-988-0185 for more information on how to become a driver.

Need help? Want to volunteer?

If you need help with filing veterans disability claims, schedule an appointment with me by calling the office at 812-988-5600, emailing me at [email protected] or calling and texting the work cell at 812-322-9086.

Want to become a community partner or volunteer with the Brown County Veterans Service Office? Call us at 812-988-5600 or email [email protected] for more information.

If you are a community resource of any type, I would love the opportunity to travel to your location in support of educating veterans and their beneficiaries of their benefits. Requests can be submitted to [email protected].

Ways to connect

Office Phone: 812-988-5600

Cell Phone for call or text: 812-322-9086

Staff Email:Chris Snell, Veteran Service Officer: [email protected]

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bcvso

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BC_VSO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCVSOIN/

Have a great June!

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