Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 10/2/2008

By Greg Troutman

Of the nation's 25 million living veterans, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population - approximately 70 million people - are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.

The Georgetown County Veterans' Affairs Office, located at 301 N. Hazard St. in Georgetown, assists the county's estimated 6,843 veterans and their dependents in filing applications to determine their basic eligibility and conditions of benefits entitlement as administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes research, preparation, development, presentation and prosecution of claims submitted to the VA Regional Office in Columbia or the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C. Additional services provided include:

* Maintaining records of more than 14,738 veterans dating back to the 1920's and the Spanish-American War.

* Assisting veterans with filing applications for the review of discharge or the correction of military records

* Coordination with other local and state agencies to render advice and assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors

* Visitation at VA hospitals and nursing homes as well as veterans' homes to explain where to go and who to contact when applying for pension or benefit entitlement

* Assistance with filing annuity applications for surviving spouses of military and civil service retirees.

* Providing veterans with information about how to obtain a VA home loan

* Providing veterans and their dependents with information about education benefits

* Scheduling hospital appointments and providing assistance with ordering prescriptions

* Scheduling transportation to VA Medical Center, Charleston, for appointments and compensation and pension (C&P) examinations

Veterans' benefits have an enormous economic impact on Georgetown County. It is estimated that, annually, the county's veterans receive $9,054,000 in compensation and pensions, $392,000 in vocational rehabilitation and education benefits, $430,000 in insurance and indemnities and $7,854 in medical benefits.

In 1945, the South Carolina General Assembly established Veterans' Affairs Offices in each of the 46 counties. The state provides about $8,000 annually for the operation of the local office. While that funding would be adequate to provide part-time assistance one or two days each week, Georgetown County Council provides office space and an additional $80,000 annually for operating expenses.

This additional funding allows the Georgetown County Office to be staffed with a part-time Veterans' Affairs Officer, Betty Georges, a full time assistant, Sarah Haynes, and a part-time clerk, Katherine Matthews.

While Ms. Georges' office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday through Wednesday, the office is staffed with at least two employees during those same hours Monday through Friday.

Ms. Georges, having served as Georgetown County's Veterans' Affairs Officer for over 27 years, and Ms. Haynes, who has almost 25 years of experience, are among the most knowledgeable and highly regarded County VA staff members in the state. Both are excellent examples of employees who exceed the goals set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They provide excellence in customer satisfaction, and high quality service to our local veterans. Both continue to offer their dedication and commitment to helping veterans get the services they have earned.

While Ms. Haynes is in the office five days each week and can provide most requested assistance, it is recommended that those desiring to meet with Ms. Georges call the office at 545-3330 to make an appointment to meet with her Monday through Wednesday.

*

Mr. Troutman is director of administrative services and human resources for Georgetown County.