Veterans, there is a free service dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of veterans’ benefits and services. Every county in Wisconsin, as well as the tribes, has a Veterans Service Office (VSO) staffed by professionals whose mission is to help you with a wide range of needs.

Del Volpel, Veterans Service Officer from the Winnebago County VSO, explains that one of their biggest challenges is making people aware of who they are and what they do. The VSO is mandated by the State of Wisconsin but funded by each county.  They are county employees, and most are veterans themselves. Their job is to assist veterans with almost anything.

When a veteran visits the office, the staff will verify your status with a DD214 and confirm honorable service. Then they review your military history to determine eligibility for various benefits. Certain wartime periods may qualify veterans for different benefits, but the office strives to help all veterans, regardless of when you served. Many veterans are unaware of the opportunities available to them, and the VSO aims to bridge that gap by providing information and support.

The VSO’s assistance goes beyond disability claims. They help veterans access housing, healthcare, and other services. For example, they can connect veterans to the HUD-VASH program for low-income housing, which is especially important as many aging veterans face rising housing costs on fixed incomes. Volpel also encourages veterans to attend events and meetings at organizations like the American Legion, DAV, and VFW, as these are valuable sources of information and community.

Outreach and education are key focuses for the VSO. They work closely with the Veterans Administration (VA) for mental health support and can refer veterans to other county services, such as the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and food banks.

Volpel stressed the importance of outreach saying the PACT Act, which expanded benefits for Gulf War veterans exposed to burn pits, is still not widely understood.

Navigating government paperwork and understanding eligibility for benefits can be daunting. The VSO team is knowledgeable about other agencies like Social Security, Medicare, and ADRC, and can help veterans understand and access these services. While each county may have a slightly different approach, the benefits and application processes are consistent across Wisconsin.

A common misconception among veterans is that receiving benefits takes away from others who may need them more. The VSO emphasizes that benefits are not limited; every eligible veteran can receive what they have earned without depriving others. This is especially important for older veterans who may feel reluctant to seek help. The office encourages all veterans to educate themselves and reach out, as timely assistance can make a significant difference, even for surviving spouses.

Appointments are encouraged, and in-person meetings are preferred, as they allow for more effective communication and discovery of needs. The VSO acts as a conduit, helping veterans prepare claims that are ultimately adjudicated by the VA. Even if a veteran chooses to complete forms online, the office is available to assist at no charge.

Volpel’s message for you: “This is not charity.  This is a service you earned.  You served your country, peacetime or war, you did it.  Our office will do everything we can to help a veteran.  Just call us and come in. Discover the opportunities available to you.”

Local Veterans Service Office Contact Information:

Winnebago County Veterans Service Office – Oshkosh 920-232-3400

Neenah Office: 920-729-4820

Outagamie County Veterans Service Office  920-832-5697

Calumet County Veterans Service Office   920-849-1452

Waupaca County Veterans Service Office  715-258-6477

For other counties in Wisconsin, you can find your local Veterans Service Office at www.WICVSO.org/locate-your-cvso-tvso