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Wilson County veterans service office reports $4.04 million in returned benefits, outlines growth and new grant
Summary
County veterans service officer reported $4,035,542.83 in fiscal-year recoveries, described expanded outreach and a new $215,000 grant to support local services.
Ray, the county veterans service officer, told the Wilson County Commissioners Court on Sept. 22 that the office secured $4,035,542.83 in benefits and other economic returns for veterans in fiscal year 2024–25.
The report, delivered during the court’s regular meeting, said the veterans service office closed more than 554 cases carried over from the prior fiscal year, opened 448 new constituent cases this year and recorded 2,273 claims filed in the current fiscal year. Ray said the office logged 4,143 total constituent contacts in the year and 2,011 phone interactions.
“That 6‑figure back pay for a veteran” came via remote work and consistent follow-up, Ray said, introducing a testimonial from Dr. Scott Jurica, whose father received two years of back pay. Dr. Jurica told the court the office made filing and remote signatures easy and consistent: “Ray treated my dad like his own dad,” Jurica said.
Sandy Yao, admissions coordinator at the Frank DeJeda Texas State Veterans Home, told commissioners that monthly office visits and outreach to shut‑in veterans have made county services more accessible. “This is a great benefit for our veterans,” Yao said.
Ray outlined operational metrics the office set for the coming year: a target of roughly 500 constituents resulting in action annually, 2,500 total constituent contacts and a projected return on investment target of $2 million. He also described a county‑led grant program called “Wilco GY6,” noting a $215,000 check received to expand nonmonetary assistance and utility support for veterans.
The report described staffing constraints — the office is operated by one full‑time service officer — and a plan to add a grant administrator aligned to the new funding. Ray said the office plans continuing remote services when needed and cited one case handled with a son participating remotely from Austin as an example of that capacity.
Commissioners did not take formal action on the report; it was presented for information. The veterans office said it will return with updates as grant activities and staffing change.
