The Department of Veteran Services mission is to assist St. Lucie County veterans and their dependents by providing counseling and assistance in order to establish VA benefits under federal and state laws which may result in monetary gain and medical care. Our primary goal is to provide services and information in the most efficient and professional and compassionate manner possible.

During fiscal year2000, staff counseled over 9,000 veterans and their dependents. As a result, over $922,385 per month is received in monetary VA benefits by St. Lucie County veterans. In addition, over 29,000 phone inquires were addressed.

One of the greatest benefits to St. Lucie County veterans is transportation. Disabled veterans are provided transportation to and from their medical appointments scheduled at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. During fiscal year 2000 the number of disabled veterans using our transportation continued to increase to over 3,500. By providing two vans to make the daily round trip to WPB VA Medical Center, we are enabling them to receive medical care they might otherwise not have access to. Staff implemented administrative changes to the scheduling process for van passengers - resulting in better appointment times and dates for our veterans.

There is no charge to veterans and the county owns and maintains both vans. Our medical transportation coordinator drives one van and oversees the operation and a pool of volunteer drivers who alternate to drive the second van.

Veteran Services is able to provide a high level of professional service by employing a staff of seven employees as well as office support from the Veterans Education Work Study Program. The VA Work/Study Program students assist staff with answering phones, maintaining files and scheduling transportation for disabled veterans. Students are paid by the Veterans Administration as part of their education benefits and work an average of 20 hours per week in addition to attending local colleges.

Paul Hiott Veterans Services Director

Veteran Service Officers attend semi-annual training conferences conducted by the Florida Department of Veterans'' Affairs and are required to maintain annual re-certification to be eligible to perform duties as a City/County Veteran Service Officer in the State of Florida. Certification training enables our staff to keep current with the changes in VA benefits, both from the State and Federal Government.

Veteran Service Officers provide counseling and assistance to homebound veterans, as well as those in assisted living facilities and/or nursing homes in the county. Continued outreach to veterans and civic groups have increased awareness of veteran benefits and just how our department can help. Our close involvement with the staff from the WPB VA Medical Center has been a productive tool in bringing more medical benefits to veterans in the county. Active participation with the Council of Social Agencies, Transportation Disadvantaged Board, Va Medical Center Volunteer Services and the County Veteran Services Association.

Staff works closely with the St. Lucie County Veterans Advisory Council. The Council acts as a collection agency for all veterans groups within St. Lucie County. The Council acts in the best interest of all veterans and serves in an advisory role, making recommendations to the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners concerning veteran affairs.

Veterans in St. Lucie County number over 40,000. By keeping our office staff well trained, enthusiastic and involved, the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners is providing the best possible service to our veteran community.