Local VA offers variety of services

Veterans Affairs’ goal is simple: get the word out and help the people who put their lives on the line for their country.

It’s been the mission of Gary Gelhaye’s role as Union County VA director since he took on the position in 2024. After reporting growth during a previous Union County Board of Supervisors meeting, Gelhaye still says he’s looking for more clients.

“I’m looking to start organizing and create a decent effort,” Gelhaye said. “A lot of veterans don’t know what’s available, and we want them to take advantage of it. We can help if they want VA healthcare or help filing a claim for disability. First, you’ve got to get in front of people.”

Gelhaye, a Marine Corps veteran himself, knows the struggles veterans go through years after they return and completed their service. As part of his duties as VA director, his job is to communicate with veterans all the options available to them.

To assist as many veterans as possible, Gelhaye is accredited with several veterans organizations. Even if a veteran is not a client yet at Union County Veterans Affairs, these accreditations can streamline the process.

His accreditations include the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans’ Voice of America and Vietnam Veterans of America.

A common story Gelhaye hears are veterans who are suffering from the long-term effects of exposure, such as Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange or Iraq veterans exposed to burn pits. Although not always successful, Gelhaye says there’s most likely a way for these veterans to receive medical assistance.

“It takes a lot of pressure off of paying for doctor’s bills,” Gelhaye said. “If you get enrolled, they will take care of you. You won’t know unless you try.”

Union County Veterans Affairs is looking for a board member after a previous commissioner has resigned. For veterans interested in assisting fellow veterans, applicants can submit to the Union County VA Office at 300 N. Pine St. by 3 p.m. on Oct. 17.

Honoring veterans and continuing to support them for their service will continue to be Gelhaye’s goal as he reaches out to veterans in Union County.

“They earned it,” Gelhaye said. “They put their lives on the line for this country. We can work through all the red tape and point them in the right direction.”

Gelhaye can be contacted in a variety of ways, from emailing unioncova@unioncountyiowa.gov or gary.gelhaye@va.gov, calling (641) 782-1723 or walking in to the VA office at the Union County Courthouse. As a face for assisting veterans, Gelhaye is always looking for new clients.

In other Union County news...

Following delays due to weather, Union County Roads will officially begin construction on Osage Street. Until construction is complete, the road will be one lane and recommended only for local traffic. The work will involve patching a road frequently traveled by heavy vehicles.

A detour has already been planned for those who regularly use Osage. Commerce Road is recommended for those wishing to reach Adams Street off Highway 34, and vice versa.