Federal cuts not yet affecting Adair County veterans

Adair County Veterans Affairs Administrator Gwen Johnston said that when it comes to connecting veterans and their spouses to the benefits they’ve earned in order to enhance their quality of life, things are going very well for the organization she leads.

The administrator gave an end-of-fiscal-year recap to the board of supervisors Wednesday, July 30, with several pieces of information on the past year’s activities.

Adair County has 428 veterans who have received a total of $7.8 million annually in federal benefits and medical expenses.

In the last fiscal year:

• Sixteen veterans and their families received assistance for housing, food or utility support due to unexpected financial hardship

• Five veterans and their families were directly impacted by the May 21, 2024 Greenfield tornado

• Veterans were screened to meet specific qualifications set by the local VA commissioners

• Forty-eight veterans were transported to medical appointments totaling 6,017 miles and there were 266.75 volunteer hours given

• Johnston took part in virtual training this year, helps oversee the VA Virtual Medical Mobile visits, which happen about five times per year, helps veterans apply for honor flights and takes part in mental health and training opportunities.

Johnston talked about 342 veterans or spouses who Veterans Affairs helped submit 103 requests for programs and benefits.

Adair County Veterans Affairs was also very active in the community, taking part in various community events such as hosting a Senior/Veterans Day at the Adair County Fair, holding a yearly Veterans Resource Fair and a monthly Coffee with Comrades event that has been very popular among about 30 participants and their spouses. The next Coffee with Comrades event is 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the ACVA office.

Johnston said that she has received several inquiries about federal funding cuts that could impact Veterans Affairs; however, she clarified that no veterans in Adair County have been negatively impacted thus far.

Steven Jorgensen was introduced as a new commissioner after Lucas Queck recently retired.