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.

Starke County Veterans Service Officer Provides Range of Services

Published: January 16, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Veterans who are having issues with Medicare, Social Security, VA or other types of federal programs can enlist help from Starke County Veterans Service Officer Terry Turner.

“If they come talk to me, I can help them fix that. It’s been several times where they’ve had hospital bills that run up to about $6,000, and I’ve been able to get them hardships,” Turner said. “I got one call that the bill was $700 and they cut it to $20. If you’ve got problems with the hospital or doctors as far as money, give me a call. I might be able to help you.”

Starke County veterans can contact Turner at 574-772-9132 or 574-249-0415. He’s in his office at the Starke County Annex from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. CST Monday through Wednesday but is available by appointment during other times.