Veterans living in Orleans County had an opportunity to learn more about the services and benefits provided to them during an open house held Monday, June 27, at the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency, 13996 Route 31 in Albion.
The open house was hosted by Earl Schmidt, who serves as director of the Orleans County Veterans Service Agency, and Mary Jo Syck, his administrative assistant. Volunteers from the Joint Veterans Council Veterans’ Van Transportation Service also attended.
The open house additionally enabled the public to see recent renovations to the building, which make it easier for veterans who visit.
Schmidt said the event was a way of, “getting veterans informed of the benefits to which they are entitled.” He explained that the Veterans Service Agency is not the VA (Veterans’ Administration), but that as the director, he, “advocates for veterans and their dependents.” The Agency is, “mandated by law,” Schmidt said. “Every county has at least one officer.”
The Veterans Service Agency strives to make sure that all veterans and their dependents have access to benefits as a result of active duty, military or naval services, Schmidt said.
The lengthy list of benefits/services includes widow/dependent pension/DIC; vocational rehabilitation, remote access claim tracking and submission process, VA healthcare, VA home loan guaranty and VA life insurance; NYS property tax exemptions; New York State Exempt Parks Pass, NYS hunting licenses and permits, and burial benefits, which name only a few.
Schmidt began as director of the Orleans Veterans Service Agency in December 2015. He is passionate about obtaining the maximum benefit for veterans and their dependents in the shortest amount of time. Schmidt says he is dual accredited through the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and maintains ties with many veterans advocacy groups.
Additionally, he works in conjunction with Genesee Community College, the Department of Labor and, “anyone who is a stakeholder in veterans affairs,” he says.
The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council Medical Van Service is housed at the Agency office in Albion and provides transportation for veterans to VA medical appointments.
The Orleans County Veterans Service Agency office underwent extensive renovations recently and is now handicapped accessible, Schmidt says. The bathroom is handicapped accessible and veterans are welcome to use the Dedicated Veteran Resource Room with a computer to access E-benefits, navigate VA healthcare and prescriptions.
Summer office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans should call ahead to make an appointment for state and federal benefit counseling and application services by calling 589-3219.
