vets.muskingumcounty.orgMuskingum County Veterans' Services - Active Duty - Armed Forces

Muskingum County, Ohio Muskingum County Ohio Home Offices Auditor’s Office Commissioner’s Office Engineer’s Office Recorder’s Office Sheriff’s Office Treasurer’s Office Agencies Board of Developmental Disabilities Board of Elections Building Department Community Development Center for Seniors EMA / LEPC Dog Warden & Adoption Center Health Department Housing Department Human Resources Job & Family Services Land Bank Park District Planning Commission Rambo Health Center Recycling Center Soil & Water Title Office Utilities Office (Water & Sewer) Veterans Services Courts Clerk of Courts Common Pleas Court County Court Domestic Relations Court Probate Court Public Public Notices Calendar Of Events Employment Contacts Offices & Agencies Townships Villages Veteran’s Services Veteran’s Services Mission Statement Our mission is to serve our county’s veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and be their advocate in ensuring that they receive appropriate services, benefits and entitlement under Title 59 (Ohio Revised Code) in recognition of their service to this Nation. Who We Are In 1886, the Ohio Legislature passed an act establishing the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Commission for the purpose of assisting Honorably Discharged Veterans And their minor children, spouses, and widows who have met with an unexpected hardship resulting from lack of employment, illness, or injury. On May 19, 1986 the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Commission was renamed the Veterans Service Commission (VSC). Each of the 88 counties in Ohio has a VSC and each consists of a board of five honorably discharged veterans who are appointed by the judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Their main objective is to administer programs for their veterans within the county. In Muskingum County, the Commission meets on the last Thursday of the month. Each Board member holds the position on the board for five years. The Muskingum County Department of Veterans Services is legislated by the State of Ohio under the Ohio Revised Code, ORC 5901 and is funded by Muskingum County property taxes. We have three accredited Veterans Services Officers and a Transportation Coordinator who are all veterans of active duty service. The Muskingum County Department of Veterans Services is NOT a branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not approve or deny VA claims. Board Of Commissioners Terry Khune, Board President Veterans of Foreign Wars Wayne France, Board Vice President Disabled American Veterans Richard Bowers II, Board Secretary Marine Corps League Donald Covert AMVETS Kurt Agin American Legion Office Staff Larry Daniels CVSO / Director Colton Touvell CVSO / Assistant Director Lance Hambrick CVSO Darrin Spragg Office Manager / CVSO In Training Shawn Teter Transportation Coordinator Information County Services State Services VA Benefits Contacts & Links The Muskingum County Department of Veterans Services is a county agency dedicated to helping veterans, active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States, and their dependents. There are several distinct services our agency provides. Who is Eligible Benefits are available to veterans discharged under honorable conditions, full-time service members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Current and former members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard may be eligible for certain benefits if they meet the criteria. We Provide Three Basic Services Temporary emergency financial aid and assistance to eligible veterans and family members who have demonstrated a need as set forth by the commission. Assist veterans, family members and survivors when applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits. Transportation to and from VA Medical Centers or contracted facilities in Columbus, Chillicothe and Mt Vernon. Financial Aid Program The Muskingum County Veterans Service Commission (VSC) provides EMERGENCY financial assistance on a TEMPORARY basis to eligible veterans and their dependents for basic living expenses such as: Rent or mortgage Utility bills Food Prescriptions The program is not intended to be used on a month to month or extended basis and is provided to those who make a conscientious effort to find a permanent solution to their financial problems. You may be asked and required to seek assistance from other agencies and may be denied assistance if you fail to do so. While you may request help for a specific need, the Muskingum County Veterans Service Commission will determine what assistance may be granted: the VSC is the sole and final decider. Each application shall be determined on its own merits in accordance with the intent of Chapter 5901 of the Ohio Revised Code and pursuant to the policies and procedures as established by the Muskingum County Veterans Service Commission. ELIGIBILITY The veteran is required to have active federal service for other than training purposes and to have been discharged under honorable conditions. Proof of service (DD 214) is required. The applicant must have 3 months of residency in Muskingum County immediately preceding the date of application. Proof of residency is required. A definite financial need must be demonstrated. The Muskingum County Veterans Service Commission considers many factors when determining financial need including but not limited to, income, living expenses, and liquid assets. Indigent Burial Financial assistance may be available for the burial of a veteran and eligible family members if the individual or individuals responsible for the last expenses of the deceased veteran can not defray the cost of burial. Transportation Services We provide transportation services for veterans who have appointments at VA medical facilities in Columbus and Chillicothe, Ohio. Space on our van can be reserved by calling our office in advance. Veterans must be ambulatory and able to get in and get out of the van without the assistance of the driver. Medical appointments are to be made no later than 1130 a.m. to minimize waiting time. The van goes to: Columbus VA Medical Center Monday — Friday (By Appointment) Chillicothe By Appointment License Tags and Drivers License Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles has many military/veteran license plates available to eligible veterans. Please visit the below sites to review what is available and how to obtain them. Special License Plates Disability License Plates Drivers License fees are waived for veterans determined to be 100% total and permanently disabled. Hunting & Fishing Licenses The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers the following benefits to qualifying veterans: Free Hunting License 100% disabled veterans (most benefits apply if veteran is permanently & totally disabled per the VA) & former POW are eligible. For more information call (800) 945-3543 Download Free Fishing License 100% disabled veterans (most benefits apply if veteran is permanently & totally disabled per the VA) & former POW are eligible. For more information call (800) 945-3543 . Download Free Registration of Watercraft 100% disabled veterans (most benefits apply if veteran is permanently & totally disabled per the VA) & former POW and Medal of Honor Recipients are eligible. For more information call (877) 426-2837 . Free Camping at Ohio State Parks 100% disabled veterans (most benefits apply if veteran is permanently & totally disabled per the VA) & former POW are eligible. For more information call (877) 426-2837 . Learn More State Veterans Home The State of Ohio operates two veterans facilities, a home located in Sandusky, Ohio (approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland) and a home located in Georgetown, Ohio (approximately 45 miles east of Cincinnati). The Georgetown Home is a licensed nursing home providing two levels of nursing care – standard care and special care (Alzheimer/ Dementia). The Sandusky Home, in addition to offering standard care and special...