Cook County Personnel Director Janet Simonen reported to the county board that she met with representatives of the Veterans Administration about finding a replacement for Veteran Services Officer Richard Mackenzie, who recently resigned because of an extended illness. TheVA reps encouraged Simonen not only to proceed with a replacement but to increase the hours he or she would be available to assist Cook County veterans.
Simonen told the board the last three veteran services officers (VSOs) – Dave Hilton, Dale Tormondsen, and Richard MacKenzie – had assured her that 15 hours
week was sufficient to meet the needs of local vets. Hilton had successfully lobbied to increase the hours from 12 to 15. TheVA reps told Simonen, however, that increasing the hours of the VSO would result in vets receiving more services. More outreach would bring more business.
Theboard unanimously passed a motion authorizing Simonen to advertise for the position at 15 hours a week. They decided they could expand the position in the future as needed.
Clarence Everson, who works full-time as the Grand Portage veteran services officer, continues to serve vets countywide while the other position is vacant.
In 2008, the latest statistics available, Cook County veterans received $1,577,917 in federal and state veteran benefits. That was an average of $2,739.44 among the county’s 576 vets.
Leave a Reply