When Leanna Lynch organized an informational training day for Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at Bedford VA, her goal was to equip these advocates with the knowledge to better serve Veterans and their families.
As an Army Veteran and Community Relations Specialist at Bedford VA, Lynch understands the importance of connecting Veterans with the benefits they’ve earned.
“We wanted to give VSOs an in-depth look at our programs and services so they can easily navigate resources with the Veterans they assist,” Lynch shared.
The event drew VSOs from over 50 miles away, making it clear there was demand for this kind of specialized training. Attendees learned about critical programs like health care eligibility, suicide prevention, minority Veteran support and more.
“Exceptional and enlightening”
“Hearing directly from VA staff who run these programs was so valuable,” said Patrick George, Marine Veteran and president of the Massachusetts Veterans Service Officer Association. “It gives me more tools in my toolbox when I’m advising Veterans on their options.”
Lynch ensured VA health care and services were the topics of the day, collaborating with Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration staff to present as well rounded an education as possible.
“Exceptional and enlightening,” is how Veteran Al Yee described it.
Now in its second year, Bedford VA’s VSO training initiative continues under Lynch’s dedicated leadership. By keeping local VSOs up-to-date on resources and equipping them to serve as guides, she is empowering advocates and establishing meaningful connections with Veterans.
She will be hosting the training for the third year next month.
“My job is to help Veterans make informed decisions about their health and future,” George said. “Trainings like this one make all the difference.”
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This is a good article but for me dealing with a VSO was horrible talked to her ones when I emailed her she didn’t remember me had me mixed up with someone else every time I called she was to busy or in a meeting and she’s supposed to be the best for MST….I’ll pass hopefully the training that you all go through will teach you not to ignore people it’s been over 5 months not and still no reply or call. Thanks but no thanks maybe that’s just how indiana works. Sorry if anyone gets affected
im a disabled veteran who just lost his daughter—-im in the process of taking care of her son and going thru probate to get full custody of him———–am i entitled to any addtl benefits for him???? as he just turned 16 thanx so much len
VSO training is critical to the necessary tools needed to assist veterans and their families. A simple query by a VSO, in a ordinary
conversation, led to a family member securing a DD Form 214 for their veteran father. They were aware of his entitlement to be
buried in a veterans cemetery but lacked the proper documentation proving his service. Knowing what the veteran is entitled to
is one thing. How to submit the proper documentation can be a REAL challenge. A trained VSO or Chapter Service Officer can
alleviate most of the confusion when submitting requests for benefits.
Just got your text and I was Wondering if you can send me your hand outs on your classes for vso training. Thanks..