I would like to see if I can clear up a few misunderstandings in our community about veterans’ assistance.

In the State of Ohio we have chosen to have a state law that in each county there shall be a commission known as the “Veterans Service Commission.” These county agencies are organized by the Ohio Revised Code under RC 5901.

Our Clinton County Veterans Service Commission is a county agency and is not controlled by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Clinton County Veterans Services Commission is composed of five county residents, appointed to five-year terms by the Clinton County Common Pleas judge. Each County Veterans Service Commissioner must be an honorably discharged veteran and be appointed from a list that is provided from one of the following organizations: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Military Order of Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Korean War Veterans Association.

If an organization has no post or chapter located in the county, the Common Pleas judge can appoint a veteran from a post or chapter in the county that had submitted a list Veterans.

The Clinton County Veterans Services Commission appoints its executive director, investigators/veterans service officers and clerks. The duties of the Veterans Service Commission are to establish programs of outreach and coordination with other agencies to enhance available services to veterans within Clinton County.

The Clinton County Veterans Service Commission also schedules transportation for veterans to and from the VA medical centers and also participates in memorial activities to promote patriotism and veterans services.

The Clinton County Veterans Services Commission is funded by a 0.5-mill property levy. The Commission’s funding supports the staff, office, and also assists bonafide residents of the county with financial assistance.

This financial assistance is done with the veteran completing a Statement of Household Income. The Clinton County Veterans Service Commission then conducts a meeting to determine the financial assistance aid for the veteran.

The Clinton County Veterans Services Commission also assists veterans and their family members with a large range of other services; a few of these are: veterans’ claims for disability compensations, education benefits, pension benefits, vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits and burials.

So, if you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran and are requiring assistance with claims or benefits — or even questions about old rumors of benefits that you might have earned — the Clinton County Veterans Service Commission is a great place to start. The Commission and its staff are well-trained and professional.

The Clinton County Veterans Service Commission is located at 43 S. Walnut St. (the old jail), Wilmington, OH 45177.

You can also call for an appointment at 937-382-3233 or find them on Facebook at Clinton County Ohio Veterans Service Commission Office.

Kelly Hopkins of Wilmington is Past Post Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6710.