Jerry Short beginning work as the Veterans Services Officer for Clay and Jackson Counties.
The role helps veterans figure out what benefits they may qualify for. Short said his experience trying to file for his own benefits is what inspired him to pursue the role. He said the process is complicated, and it is easy to miss out on benefits.
“I think it’s paramount at least for myself in this position is to relay that,” Short said. “Even the guys or veterans that have already came and seen past service officers or relayed to somebody else, because your health conditions and the benefits are constantly changing.”
The position serves Clay County Monday and Tuesday and Jackson County on Wednesday and Thursday. Celina and Gainesboro each pay $3,000 of the VSO salary, while Jackson and Clay Counties each pay $7,000.
Short said he wants to make sure veterans use the resources provided by the government and other sources.
“Veterans we can be our worst enemies about taking these benefits ourselves,” Short said. “I think it takes family pressure from our loved ones and everything to really help give us that push to not be selfish that it really is for our best interest and also for our family.”
Celina froze $3,000 of the VSO $20,000 annual salary in September after a dispute with the former veterans service officer. A local veterans memorial in Clay County was at the heart of the issue.
“Everybody’s heart was in the right place,” Short said. “Everybody wanted it to be the absolute best product that Clay County and Celina could put out, but sometimes people’s views on what that may be differ. Sometimes you get the forest for the trees, and you lose sight of what the real idea was.”
If you need help with veterans benefits you can find Short at the Clay County or Jackson County UCHRA office.
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