Veterans’ officer Tricia Stevens continues service to country

A Navy veteran, Stevens “enjoyed my time in the service,” she said. “I am drawn to this position because it is a unique opportunity to help a lot of people who have served before me and since my time. It makes me feel like I’m still making a contribution to the service.”

Stevens has been at the Veterans Office for a year. She started as a volunteer, then began training to become a VSO. In July, she was certified by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.

Since Veterans Service Officer Les Logsdon retired about a month or so ago (don’t worry — “he does intend to continue to be involved here,” she said), Stevens has been “flying solo” in the office, aided by three volunteers. She helps veterans answer questions, makes referrals for social services and resources such as Meals on Wheels or FISH Food Bank, and assists in filing claims.

“The claims process can be very frustrating, and having someone to help guide the veterans through the process is what I am here to do,” she said. “… Every VSO approaches claims with their own style, and most are veterans themselves, which makes relating to our veteran clients much easier.

“The laws that a VSO needs to understand in order to file claims on behalf of a veteran are pretty extensive. The resourcefulness required evolves every day. A VSO must wear many hats and hears both exciting and not so exciting stories.

“I would like all veterans to know that this office is a safe place to come tell your story,” she added.

The Hood River office currently serves veterans as young as 19 (Afghanistan) and as old as 94 (World War II).

“I would encourage every veteran to make an appointment to come in and meet the VSO, (and) explore benefits that may be available, such as National Park passes or compensation for service-related injuries,” she said. “I feel it is very important to know what benefits are available to you as a veteran — that way, if you need them, they can be there.”

Stevens is “always looking” for more volunteers to help at the veterans office on Mondays and Fridays. Typical tasks include making appointments, filing and paperwork, with the primary goal of “making the veterans who are waiting (be) as comfortable as possible” through talk or military stories.

“Our volunteers make a tremendous difference in our ability to be successful,” she said. “Volunteers are the foundation of our office.”

For those wishing to volunteer, Stevens encourages them to stop by the office to say hello, get an application and ask any questions pertaining to the job “and see if it’s a good fit.”

In addition to her VSO duties, Stevens serves as adjutant for the American Legion Post 22 of Hood River.

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For more information, contact Stevens at 541-386-1080, or email veterans@co.hood-river.or.us. The office also has a Facebook page: www.facebook. com/HRCVSO.

The Veterans Office is located in the county office building, 601 State Street.