NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County has officially renamed its veteran affairs office. Now called the Office of Veteran Services, the change effective May 2, 2024, marks a new chapter for an institution that has served the community’s veterans for nearly a century.
Dennis Miller, the Administrator of the newly named Office of Veteran Services, expressed enthusiasm about the change. “This transition reflects our unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support and advocacy for our veterans and their families,” he stated, emphasizing the office’s steadfast commitment to those who have served the nation.
Originally founded under the Administrative Code of 1929, the office was tasked with the preservation, care, and marking of veteran graves, among other responsibilities. However, its integration into the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2016 marked a significant expansion of its mandate. Since then, the office has adopted a “wraparound” care approach, offering holistic support to veterans through advocacy and referrals to partner agencies.
The name change to the Office of Veteran Services signifies a reinvigorated focus on mission-driven advocacy and collaborative efforts. It aims to more accurately represent the broad array of services the office now provides, moving beyond mere claims processing to encompass comprehensive support for veterans and their families.
With Montgomery County home to the third-largest population of veterans in the state, the Office of Veteran Services plays a crucial role in the community. Processing over 1,700 claims annually with a remarkable 79% success rate, the office’s accreditation by both the State Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the federal Department of Veteran Affairs ensures its effectiveness and reliability. The name change is expected to dispel any confusion regarding the office’s functions and reaffirm its dedication to serving the veteran community.
Veterans, their spouses, and children in Montgomery County are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Veteran Services for assistance. The office prioritizes calls based on severity to ensure that urgent needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
This renaming initiative highlights the importance of adapting public services to better meet the needs of those they intend to serve, particularly veterans who have sacrificed so much for their country.
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