There are many benefits available to Veterans, yet many are unaware of all the different benefits they may be eligible for. This is where County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) can help. CVSO President Greg Peterson says “There are many authorities in a variety of Veterans Benefits throughout Minnesota and beyond, but the truly single expert for all benefits lies with the County Veterans Service Officer.  These men and women are both customers and advocates in one person.  The CVSOs empathy for ensuring that each Veteran, dependent, and survivor receives all of the benefits for which they are entitled is unmatched in any other profession.”

The CVSO position was created towards the end of WWII in 1945, when Minnesota realized that there would be a sudden influx of American servicemen and servicewomen returning from the war who would need assistance with the benefits they had earned.  Each county in Minnesota was appointed at least one Veteran to serve in this new CVSO position. To this day, every CVSO is also a Veteran. 

The National CVSO Association began in 1991, and CVSOs across the country continue to help connect Veterans with benefits they are eligible for. Along with helping Veterans, dependents, and survivors access benefits such as healthcare, the GI Bill and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, CVSOs are also able to connect Veterans with nonprofit organizations. Last year in Minnesota, CVSOs were able to connect a Veteran with the Disabled Veterans Donor Connect program and he was able to receive a van to help transport his family. CVSOs were also able to connect another Veteran with Bryant’s Community Heroes Program where she received a new Bryant furnace to heat her home. 

To learn more about CVSOs and to contact your local CVSO, visit the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers website.