Veterans affairs office reports accreditation, outreach events and burial assistance

The Story County Veterans Affairs office reported to the board on Aug. 5 that it has completed required accreditations for full access to veterans’ VA files, expanded outreach and launched a new summertime event. The veterans director said both county veterans staff members hold required accreditations that allow visibility into VA records. The office ran a pilot outreach event, “Franks for Service,” that drew 31 veterans, and staff said they plan to make it a recurring offering complementary to the November veterans supermarket. The office reported about $3,975 in burial and rent assistance provided in the past three months and noted growing demand for benefits assistance as the Vietnam-era population ages. The director said the office is updating its web presence, improving newsletter frequency and auditing records retention to comply with state code; staff also described plans to increase outreach to other Story County communities while pacing intake to avoid long wait times. No action was taken; supervisors received the report for information.