Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Hardee County veteran service officer describes expanded one-stop office, outreach and advocacy
Loading...
Summary
Sarah Hagar, Hardee Countys veteran service officer, told commissioners the CVSO office moved to full-time last October, described services (benefits counseling, claims assistance, VA health access) and detailed recent office remodel and outreach efforts.
Sarah Hagar, the county veteran service officer, presented an overview of the countys CVSO program and told the board she has expanded the office from part time to full time and completed a recent remodel to create a veteran workstation and meeting space.
"Fighting for benefits shouldn't be another war for a veteran," Hagar said, describing the CVSOs role as a county-based advocate that helps veterans file claims, obtain medical records and access VA benefits at no cost to clients.
Hagar walked commissioners through the range of services provided locally: benefits counseling, assistance filing claims for VA compensation and health care, help obtaining military records, referral information to community partners, and targeted support for surviving spouses. She said the office works under state law and with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs training and testing requirements.
Commissioners praised Hagars outreach and examples of successful advocacy, and one commissioner highlighted a case Hagar described in which a veteran moved from no benefits to 100% service-connected status after sustained advocacy. Hagar said the office is intended as a hub and meeting place for veterans to access multiple services and receive informal peer support.
The board thanked Hagar for her work and noted the county will continue to support the CVSOs expanded operation; no board action was required.
