AMVETS NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICER WORK TO HELP OREGON VETERANS

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2008—Bill Talley, a new AMVETS National Service Officer in Portland, Ore., is working to make a difference for local veterans. Like all AMVETS service officers, Talley works pro-bono for any veteran that needs assistance.

“We don’t turn anyone away,” Talley said. “If you’re a veteran and you need help with your claim, we’ll be here for you. We can cut through the boloney and find what’s really going on.”

Though he has only been on the job for two months, Talley has seen the difference that AMVETS National Service Officers can make. He is currently working on a claim for World War II veteran Alex Kirnak, who has struggled to receive treatment from the VA for hearing loss.

“After going through the labyrinth of the VA, being told I didn’t qualify—I had just about given up,” Kirnak said. “Someone suggested I go to AMVETS; they opened the door after years of trying to do it on my own. When I needed help, I got a man who knew the language.”

Kirnak, now a life member of AMVETS, went on to say that Talley’s knowledge of the system helped him receive his first hearing aide from the VA and adjusted his compensation accordingly. Talley is happy to help veterans like Kirnak earn their long-overdue compensation and treatment.

“Many times, veterans have well-documented service connected conditions, but they don’t seek compensation,” Talley said. “It’s not the military way. They’re used to serving silently—never complaining, never asking for anything. We’re here to help them get the care that they need.”

AMVETS takes pride in all 53 of its National Service Officers at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities around the country, working tirelessly to ensure all veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Last year alone, AMVETS service officers processed more than 65,000 benefits claims with the VA, resulting in more than $324 million in compensation.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation’s citizens. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, representing all branches of the military. To learn more about AMVETS National Service Officers, visit www.amvets.org.  

Media Contact:

National
Publications Editor
Jay Agg
(301)-683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org