Veterans press commissioners as Fayette County appoints new veteran service officer

Fayette County commissioners voted to appoint Chuck Whan as the county veteran service officer after a public discussion and comments from local veterans who urged the board to prioritize experience and state certification.

Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to appoint Chuck Whan to the position. The motion was called and passed by voice vote.

Several veterans told the board the VSO role requires deep knowledge of VA and state procedures and that the county should ensure the appointee is fully trained and able to navigate federal and state processes on veterans' behalf. Steven Stout, speaking as a disabled veteran and representing the VFW, urged commissioners to choose someone certified and experienced rather than a candidate who had not previously managed the role.

"In the past...we've had a few veteran service officers that...were either ineffective or just didn't do the job. We do need someone that's...certified by the state and by the federal government to do this job," Stout said.

James Thomas, who described spending a weekend observing Ron Stevens—the prior PSO—on an honor flight, said the county lost "a highly qualified person who was dedicated to veterans." Thomas said he witnessed Stevens working long hours and assisting veterans firsthand and urged commissioners to remember Stevens' service when selecting the next officer.

Commissioners did not record an extended rebuttal to those comments in the meeting transcript; after public comment the motion to appoint Chuck Whan carried. The record shows commissioners approved the appointment by voice vote.

What happens next: The newly appointed veteran service officer is expected to assume duties at the direction of county administration; the meeting record does not specify training, certification status or a start date for the appointee.