Chris Chartier should have a good idea of the needs of military veterans when he takes over the position of Veterans Affairs Director for Jasper County on July 1. After all, Chartier is a veteran himself.

A 10-year Army veteran, Chartier served three deployments as an infantryman, 28 months in Iraq and 12 months in Afghanistan. He received a Purple Heart in 2005 in Iraq when, he says, he “got too close to a grenade.” He also is the recipient of a combat badge and an expert testing medal for infantry.

Chartier is transitioning into the position now at the veterans office in the basement of the Jasper County Annex Building, learning the nuances of the job from retiring director Nanci Deaton. Deaton has served in that capacity since July 1, 1991. Chartier said his primary focus will be on getting the veterans of the county all the benefits they are entitled to.