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Story County Veterans Commission approves minutes, discusses staffing, outreach and grave marker project
Summary
At its March 9, 2026 meeting in Ames, the Story County Commission of Veterans approved previous minutes, reviewed steady assistance metrics, learned supervisors denied a request for a part‑time hire so staff will pursue volunteers, was told the administrative assistant is leaving, and set outreach plans including a May grave marker project.
The Story County Commission of Veterans Affairs met March 9, 2026, in Ames and approved the previous meeting minutes, heard a director’s report on steady client demand, reviewed a staffing decision by county supervisors, and discussed upcoming outreach and training.
Zach Skelton, director, told the commission that general assistance and rent assistance caseloads are steady to slightly above recent months and that the office has seen "more general assistance and rent assistance" activity, indicating continued demand for services to veterans. He said there were no burial, rent, or utility claims last month and noted the office does not provide flags for Memorial Day events (the American Legion supplies those).
On operations, Skelton described plans to implement HIRTA transportation software to better track van usage and volunteer hours and said a grave marker project is planned for May. He also outlined outreach efforts: registration for a May Senior Expo, coordination with Iowa State University veteran leadership on a potential ISU MASC event, and planning for the "Franks 4 Service" event in the second half of June; the board asked Skelton to begin work on those items.
Skelton reported that county supervisors declined to approve adding a part‑time staff member to expand services. As a result, the commission agreed to rely more on volunteers to maintain service levels. Skelton warned that he will be away for about three weeks at the end of May for an out‑of‑office conference, which may create short‑term service challenges, and that Erin Rewerts, CVSO, will attend spring training in April and May.
Under new business commissioners encouraged veterans to conduct "Battle Buddy" checks and to use the 988 crisis line for mental‑health emergencies. The commission also noted that grants are available to assist families of wounded service members with travel; interested parties were directed to contact Skelton for details.
The commission learned that Administrative Assistant Addie is leaving and that interviews to fill the position will begin soon. Commissioner Frank Sposeto III asked about ways to keep the Home Base Iowa program active and improve services; the commission did not record a formal decision on that item.
Commissioner Nic Briseño moved to approve the previous minutes; Commissioner Jeremy Thede seconded and the motion carried. Vice Chair Doug Sargent moved to adjourn at 4:30 p.m.; Nic Briseño seconded and the motion carried. The commission scheduled its next meeting for April 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at 126 S. Kellogg, Suite 001 in Ames.
