VA board discuss RECON event

The Jasper County Veterans Affairs board discussed the progress of the planned veterans outreach event scheduled for November.

Director Kurt Jackson gave an update on those who have registered so far for the planned RECON event. The numbers are looking encouraging for the program designed to educate about the benefits available to veterans.

“I am hearing some good things,” Jackson said.

According to Jackson across the available ways for veterans to sign-up for the event, he is seeing approximately 45 people who have registered, which is a good sign for the event moving forward for its 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 scheduling.

“I think it is definitely going to be a go,” Jackson said.

While the status of veterans outreach was a hot topic in the meeting, board members also discussed the cancellation of the FORE Jasper County Veterans Affairs TPI golf outing. Due to inclement weather, the second annual event was forced to cancel activities that were to have taken place Oct. 5.

“They rescheduled another tournament already for next August,” veteran service officer Keith Thorpe said.

Even though this year’s golf outing was canceled, the veterans affairs board expressed gratitude to TPI for what the organization does with this tournament.

“We appreciate whatever they can do,” Thorpe said.

The board also addressed a non-agenda item during the meeting. The board is attempting to help a local veteran who needs assistance. The veteran requires wheelchair access at his new place of residence.

“We have got to help this guy out,” commissioner Jerry Nelson said.

There was discussion as to how to go about handling the assistance of the veteran whether they could use funds the Jasper County group has available or if they should assist the veteran in their process with the Veterans Affairs office.

“If we can get the process done with a phone call and sitting on hold for a little bit, let’s just go try it,” Commissioner Mike Naber said

The general consensus of the discussion was the Jasper County commissioners will assist the veteran in the process with Veterans Affairs. If they cannot get the results needed, then they could have a special meeting next week to vote on what to do.

“We can’t keep him waiting,” commissioner Marta Ford said.

Thorpe added, “Between now and Friday afternoon we will see what we can do.”

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com