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Veteran activists urge county to boost visibility and outreach for veteran services
Summary
Frank Nichols, a District 5 resident and disabled combat veteran, told the board that many veterans don't know how to contact the county veteran service officer and urged expanded outreach, online presence and volunteer support; supervisors agreed to pursue better communication and collaboration with state partners.
Frank Nichols, a District 5 resident and retired chief of police, told the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors during public comment that many local veterans cannot find or access the county veteran service office. "Do you know who the veteran service officer is at Oktibbeha County?" Nichols asked, saying a social‑media post on the issue drew more than 4,500 views and produced numerous accounts of veterans traveling to neighboring counties for help.
Nichols said his concern was not with any single employee but with "accessibility, visibility, communication, representation, and accountability," and urged the board to consider additional personnel, expanded outreach, volunteer assistance or better public information so veterans know where to go for benefits and services.
Board members and staff responded that the county already has a part‑time arrangement connected to Mississippi State and another county‑supported office, and several supervisors and staff pledged to improve online and social media information. One supervisor suggested creating a county‑owned web or Facebook page and posting office hours and outreach events so local information is easily discoverable.
The board accepted Nichols's comments and said staff would pursue straightforward steps — publishing contact information, coordinating with state partners and exploring volunteer or outreach options — to make veteran services more visible. The board did not take formal action to change staffing at the meeting but said it would evaluate options and report back.
Nichols closed by inviting supervisors to work with veterans' organizations to increase outreach and accountability: "We are asking for leadership, accessible service, meaningful outreach, and accountability."
