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VFW, American Legion urge Jefferson County to retain Veterans Service Officer after resignation
Summary
Veterans groups told the Jefferson County commissioners that Veterans Service Officer Amy Johnson resigned amid workplace issues and urged the county to reverse that resignation or quickly hire a qualified replacement, stressing the role’s importance for obtaining VA benefits.
Brian Bloss, commander of VFW Post 1004, told the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners that the county’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Amy Johnson, had tendered her resignation and that local veterans were deeply concerned about losing the position’s expertise. "The loss of Amy Johnson would be a huge detriment to our community," Bloss said, describing Johnson’s role in helping veterans navigate complex VA claims and citing examples in which her intervention secured timely health care and large disability awards.
Bloss and other veterans’ organization leaders urged the commissioners to use "every power within your means to allow Amy to stay and recall her resignation," or if she does not remain, to move quickly to find a "qualified and competent replacement." The speakers said the county VSO helps veterans obtain benefits that can translate into millions of dollars in federal disability compensation flowing into the local economy.
In response, the commissioners acknowledged the importance of the VSO post but said personnel matters are confidential. "We are working with Amy," an official said during the meeting, adding that the board had heard from multiple veterans praising her work. Commissioners and attendees discussed expanding outreach and considering a full‑time VSO in future budgets to serve underserved areas such as West Jefferson, Terrington and Mud Lake.
The public comment included detailed descriptions of the VSO’s work: gathering DD214s and medical records, preparing claims, and advocating directly with the VA so applications move to the front of the queue. Veterans’ representatives described individual cases in which Johnson’s help reportedly made the difference between a claim’s approval or long delay.
The board did not announce a personnel decision on the record; the chairman described the issue as a personnel matter the board could not discuss openly but said the county recognizes the position’s importance and is "working with Amy." The board received the public comment and did not take immediate action at the meeting.
