News & Press

Plans for new Ionia County veteran's office in the works

Plans for new Ionia County veteran's office in the works

May 18, 2016

Plans for new Ionia County veteran's office in the works

 

By Nicholas Grenke
ngrenke@sentinel-standard.com


Posted May. 18, 2016 at 7:42 PM

IONIA

There are plans in place for a new office to help veterans in Ionia County access their benefits.

On Tuesday The Right Door's Chief Executive Officer Bob Lathers said the organization will help create a veteran's service office available to the public at its building. Lathers and Tim Loney, the regional coordinator for the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency, talked to the Ionia County Board of Commissioners about the proposal.

“There are so many folks who have a family member that has served in the military or who has served themselves,” Lathers said.

Ionia County Administrator Stephanie Fox said a state grant would help pay for an veteran's affairs officer to run the office.

“This is our version of a county veteran's office that won't cost the county any money,” Fox said.

Loney said it can be difficult for a returning veteran to know where to turn after they leave the military. One of the goals of the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency is make sure veterans aren't scammed.

“I retired in 2014 and one of the things many veterans need to know is who's there to help you,”” Loney said. “Some people just want to have their hand in your pocket.”

Ionia County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jack Shattuck said the board plans to approve the plan at next week's meeting and asked to make sure it was on the agenda.

“We wish you well," Shattuck said to Loney. "It seems to be that this is a very well needed service the veterans in our county deserve."