Hamilton County VSC reports staff and program expansion, readies second annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Day

Director Sanza of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission gave a midyear update to the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 12, 2025, summarizing program expansion, new benefit services and plans for the commission’s second annual Veterans and Military Appreciation Day.

Sanza told commissioners that the commission grew from six full‑time employees to 18 over the previous 15 months, and said the office now serves a population the director cited as more than 38,000 veterans in Hamilton County. Sanza reported new or expanded services, including dental and vision assistance programs, a financial‑literacy initiative and expanded transportation including a van that takes veterans to and from VA medical appointments. Sanza also said the sign‑up for the upcoming Veterans and Military Appreciation Day had reached about 1,200 veterans "as of yesterday" and encouraged veterans to register; the presentation emphasized that this year the event will include on‑site veteran service officers who can take claims assistance in person.

Commissioners and staff praised the VSC’s outreach. A commissioner noted that the first year’s event drew roughly 3,000 veterans and families and that the Aug. 23, 2025, event will include partnership with other veteran organizations and on‑site claims assistance from the VA, Disabled American Veterans and other partners. Sanza said the commission’s interim director will be Lehi Welling, who will take the interim role when his resignation as commissioner is effective.

The commission update was informational; no formal board action or vote was recorded on programmatic changes at the Aug. 12 meeting. Commissioners thanked Sanza for the work and encouraged veterans and military service members to register for the Aug. 23 event, which the VSC described as free and family‑friendly and intended to provide immediate, on‑site assistance with benefit claims and referrals.