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Local veterans urge Caswell County to restore VSO services; board to seek interlocal options
Summary
Veterans and community speakers told the board Caswell County lacks a Veteran Service Officer; they urged exploring an interlocal agreement with neighboring counties (Alamance suggested) to provide part‑time VSO coverage twice monthly.
Mr. Newcomer and other veterans addressed the board on May 18 to call attention to what they described as a service gap: Caswell County does not currently have a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to assist veterans with disability claims, benefits, and VA paperwork.
“We are one of only three counties in the state that does not have a VSO,” Mr. Newcomer said, and he recommended exploring an interlocal agreement with Alamance County to provide part‑time coverage. He said that county lists show about 1,316 veterans and that FY24 benefits for local veterans totaled $24.6 million; he also cited that 465 veterans were receiving disability payments that amount to about $9.9 million. The speakers argued that local access matters because travel to neighboring counties creates practical barriers for veterans.
Fred Smith, a local veteran and VFW leader, described prior services and community efforts and urged twice‑monthly coverage as a reasonable starting point. The county manager and commissioners discussed cost-sharing options with the towns and the feasibility of hosting a visiting VSO at the senior center. Board members asked staff to contact Alamance County and report back on likely fees and logistics.
No appropriation or formal interlocal agreement was approved at the meeting; the board asked staff to obtain cost estimates and return with options.
