MVAA hosts second annual statewide Veteran Service Officer Conference

MVAA hosts second annual statewide Veteran Service Officer Conference

More than 100 veteran service officers from around the state gather to learn how to best support Michigan's veterans and their families

ACME, Mich.  – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) hosted the second Veteran Service Officer (VSO) conference from Tuesday, Feb. 11 though 13, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. The goal of this event is to bring together VSOs from around the state to learn how to best impact the lives of veterans and their families in their communities. More than 100 attendees from across the state joined speakers, fellow support organizations and the MVAA to learn how best to serve those who served our country.

A VSO is a subject matter expert trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that guides veterans and their families through the process of applying for VA benefits. These specially trained professionals also provide veterans and their families with additional information for available federal, state and local resources.

"It is critical to the well being of Michigan's more than 516,000 veterans that we bring the VSOs together," says Stefanie MacDonald, MVAA VSO manager. "Whether the VSO works for the state, the county, or a veteran service organization, it is important that they all have the latest information and training to best support the veterans they come in contact with on a daily basis. VSOs are the lifeline for many veterans and their families to get them connected to the benefits they earned."

VSOs play a critical role in supporting veterans and their families. Veterans often face mountains of paperwork and VSOs are knowledgeable about veterans' benefits and services and can navigate the sometimes complicated systems. These veteran advocates work to ensure that every veteran they connect with receives the benefits they earned while proudly serving our country.

To find a VSO in your area, visit Michigan.gov/VSO. 

If you are a service member or veteran or the family member and need support, please contact the Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to learn more about veteran benefits and resources.