Former Veterans Service Officer Explains Job Duties, Position Still Open

Posted on June 14, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The Starke County Commissioners are still looking to fill the vacant Veterans Service Officer position. Mark Gourley recently took the information technology director job with the county. The VSO helps veterans and their families obtain benefits from the VA, get copies of records and handle other matters related to their military service.“The key elements are being able to work independently and be organized, Gourley said. “That’s key to not letting any one vet slip through the cracks.”

Gourley adds patience is also a critical when it comes to dealing with the VA, both as a service officer and as a consumer.

“The VA timelines are months and years instead of days or weeks. You might file a claim in March and not hear anything until November, and you’ve got to be able to remember what that veteran needs when he comes back six months later.”

Gourley says computer literacy skills are also essential, as many of the VA’s internal documents are stored online. However, a lot of the claim forms for benefits are still filled out by hand and faxed to a regional processing center.

The Starke County Commissioners have extended the deadline for applications. Resumes and cover letters for the Veterans Service Officer job can be sent to the Starke County Commissioners in care of Starke County Auditor Kay Chaffins, 53 East Mound Street, Knox, IN 46534.