March 29, 2024

Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office brings in part-time volunteer

A new, part-time volunteer will be joining the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office, following the approval of county commissioners at Wednesday afternoon’s meeting.

Veterans Affairs Director Kurt Jackson recommended John Prater for the non-paid position. Prater will assist with paperwork, answering phones and other clerical work as needed. He will join the full-time Jackson and part-time county employee Keith Thorpe.

Prater is not a veteran, but he does have extensive experience working with veterans. He spent more than 40 years as an ordained minister and has more than 30 years of experience working with veterans directly.

Prater has worked as chief chaplain at several VA hospitals, including in Des Moines, Chicago and Prescott, Ariz. He recently retired in Newton and wants to stay involved in veterans affairs. Jackson said Prater is very passionate in his pursuit of helping veterans.

In other business, the commission approved the veterans affairs office quarterly budget report to send to the county supervisors. There was also discussion of future grant fund uses at Wednesday’s meeting.

The commission mulled over ideas for a large event next year with a sought-after audience of 300-400 veterans and family members. The commissioners discussed using grant funds to bring in food, speakers and entertainment.

The commission confirmed its sponsorship of a suicide prevention event at American Legion Post 111 and its support of Vietnam veterans outreach at the Legion. It was also confirmed at Wednesday’s meeting that the veterans affairs office started its advertising campaign with spots in the Newton Daily News and Jasper County Advertiser.

Jackson reviewed his experience at the DMACC Job Fair, where he connected with a few Jasper County veterans. The commission also looked over the March budget and confirmed next month’s meeting.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com