CLARK CO. CVSO STEPPING DOWN
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 -- 12:22 PM
This will be the last Veterans Day on the job for Don Lander.The Navy veteran served as Clark County?s Veterans Service Officer for the past 11 years, but will be leaving the post in early January.
Clark County has over 2,600 veterans.
"It's so rewarding to see a veteran get justice," Lander says of his job, "It's hard to get a veteran to apply, a lot of times, because we're proud and we're taught to suck things up and not complain. But, things happen to veterans, both mentally and physically, that we're not often ready to admit."
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Lander thinks many fellow soldiers still refuse to come forward.
"A lot of times, there's a bitter taste. They don't want anything to do with government. That's a shame," Lander says, "I highly encourage them to join the Legion, join the VFW. Get involved. Get over that hump. Get into the office to take a look at the benefits that you've earned."
He says the VA is considering dropping benefits for soldiers who were exposed to Agent Orange, and he encourages vets that haven?t come in for their problems to do so quickly.
Neillsville graduate Clinton Langreck will replace Lander on January 9th. He?s already in the office learning the ropes.
Clark County ranks 4th in the state in the amount of benefits received per veteran.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.