Credit: Montgomery County Commissioners
(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)
After nearly a century of dedicated service, the Montgomery County Office of Veteran Affairs is proud to announce a significant milestone in its evolution, its renaming to "Office of Veteran Services."
"We are excited to embark on this new chapter as the Office of Veteran Services," said Dennis Miller, administrator of the Montgomery County Office of Veteran Services. "This transition underscores our unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive support and advocacy for our veterans and their families. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving those who have served our nation."
Since its inception 95 years ago, the Office of Veteran Affairs has played a vital role in the community, initially established under the Administrative Code of 1929 to standardize county functions. Over the years, the office has diligently fulfilled its responsibilities, including the preservation, care, and marking of veteran graves, as well as the processing of county, state, and federal claims.
In 2016, the Office of Veteran Affairs underwent a transformative integration into the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This transition marked a pivotal moment, expanding the office's scope from processing specific claims to providing comprehensive support services for veterans. Through advocacy and collaborative efforts, the office has embraced a "wraparound" care approach, facilitating referrals to partner agencies and ensuring veterans receive the holistic support they deserve.
This name change to Office of Veteran Services reflects the office's continued commitment to serving veterans of the past and present with a renewed focus on mission-driven advocacy and collaboration.
Montgomery County has the third-largest population of veterans among counties in the state, with the Office of Veteran Services processing over 1,700 claims annually, boasting an impressive 79% success rate. While accredited by both the State Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the federal Department of Veteran Affairs, the office anticipates that the name change will eliminate any potential confusion and reaffirm its commitment to serving the veteran community.
Residents who are part of the veteran community, including veterans, spouses, and children, are encouraged to contact the Office of Veteran Services for assistance. Please note that all calls are triaged in order of severity to ensure prompt and effective support.
For more information, please visit https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/Veteran
