EDITOR:

This letter is to call your attention to the Delta County Veteran’s Affairs mileage proposal. The County Veteran’s Affairs Office currently has just one certified Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO). From my personal experience, I can say that he has done a great job under difficult circumstances. There are a large number of veterans in Delta County, many of whom are eligible for service through the VA. They or their spouses can sometimes wait for an extended period to get in for service due to the demand. In order to serve these veterans effectively and in a timely fashion additional help is needed which would significantly increase the number of Veterans seen. The VA provides a tremendous number of services for our veterans. A VSO can significantly impact the ease of entry into this system and is particularly vital for the veteran to submit a successful disability claim.

The Delta County Veterans affairs mileage proposal, if passed, will have a profound effect on Delta County’s veteran population. More veterans will have access to the VA benefits they have earned. More veterans will have disability benefits for injuries, both physical and mental, suffered in the service of their country. Finally, a positive vote on the Delta County Veterans Affairs Mileage Proposal will be a way of giving the words “thanks for your service” some very real meaning. I strongly urge all voters to support this modest mileage proposal. Show Delta County’s veterans that you really do care about their sacrifice for our country.

Stephen R. Messimer, PA-C

Medical Corpsman, SP-5, 82nd Airborne Division

1973-1975

Escanaba