Local resident alleges mishandling by county’s veteran service officer during public comment

During general public comment at the April 15 meeting, Ensign Township resident Gary Gustafson raised concerns about the county’s handling of Veterans Affairs matters and criticized the conduct of the county’s veteran service officer, identified in the comment as Dave Dwyer.

Gustafson alleged Mr. Dwyer provided incorrect advice while helping establish the veteran service office, handwrote bylaws and played a central role in applicant selection. He said that, in his view, the officer’s actions may have violated laws and accreditation requirements for veteran service officers and that Mr. Dwyer had not publicly acknowledged errors. Gustafson also said protected information relating to his interactions with the veteran service office was disclosed improperly.

Administrator Young responded during the meeting that scheduling conflicts between the veterans affairs committee and administration had contributed to delays in application review. Young said the administration had asked the current veteran service officer for input on setup and had received recommendations that were presented to committees and the board.

Commissioners noted that Veterans Affairs applications will be brought back to the board at the first meeting in May for further review. No formal action or vote on employment or discipline was taken at the April 15 meeting.

Quote "He knew the law from the beginning...he knew that what was going on wasn't okay, but he went along with it anyways," Gary Gustafson said in public comment about the veteran service officer.

Context The public comment raised allegations that could lead to follow-up by the administration or legal counsel. Commissioner discussion referenced returning all Veterans Affairs applications for board review at the May meeting.