The mission of the Michigan
Association of County Veterans Counselors is to assist
veterans and their families in obtaining any and all county, state,
and federal benefits to which they are entitled.
This
service is best provided through a local
veterans office where the
veterans programs and assistance is consolidated into an
easily accessible “one-stop shopping” location.
Trained
and accredited
county counselors develop and represent veterans disability
and other claims. We utilize and coordinate emergency assistance
from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and county Veterans Relief
Fund. We manage the county veterans burial allowance program,
as well as file for V.A. insurance, burial markers, and other
death benefits for veterans survivors. Such offices are an integral
part of the community and its human services network, and can
also refer veterans into other appropriate programs, as well as
represent veterans
to the community. We may host part-time service from related agencies,
such as a Disabled Veterans Outreach Worker from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, or a mental health counselor for veterans from the V.A.
Vet Centers or from Community Mental Health.
Because we believe the local
county veterans office is so important for the veterans of Michigan to receive the assistance they deserve, our goal is to seek legislation mandating the existence and funding of such a consolidated County Department of Veterans Affairs in each county, based upon the veteran and dependent population and need.
Finally, the goal of the Michigan Association of County Veterans Counselors is to codify all existing laws into one viable law.
