During the Tuesday, July 30 planning session of the Morrison County Board of Commissioners, Veterans Service Officer Kristina VonBerge provided a comprehensive update on the county's efforts to support its veteran population. VonBerge highlighted the significant growth in the number of veterans, widows, spouses and beneficiaries served by the county's Veterans Service Office, which now accounts for 14% of the total county population.
“We help all veterans in various ways,” VonBerge said.
The Morrison County Veterans Service Office has a staff of three people, with the other two being Case Aide LuAnn Jarvis and Administrative Assistant Jim Segler.
VonBerge said the Veterans Service Office has been working tirelessly to connect with veterans in the community, conducting outreach events and actively seeking out those who may be eligible for benefits but are unaware of their entitlements. She shared a story of a veteran's spouse who had no idea her late husband was eligible for compensation and other benefits until the office intervened.
"We just had a gal come in, I feel like she was close to 80, and she said, ‘I've lost my husband's death certificate.’ I said, ‘Oh, was he a veteran?’ She said ‘Yes, he was.’ I said, ‘What's your name?’ She came in as a widow without any benefits. Lo and behold, her husband was a 100% service-connected veteran. And she had no idea. I said, ‘Let me look up your husband really quick.’ So we looked them up, and I said, ‘We'll issue you a death certificate.’ She says, ‘Good,’ and then she took it. I said, ‘You come into my office right now.’ I didn't have anybody there beside me to make sure this gal is going to receive a benefit. Because her 100% disabled veteran passed away, the spouse is eligible for dollars every month until she passes away. She had no idea. And that just warms my heart but we can do that when someone comes in. And she was so excited and she's getting medical and then she's getting optical because she's a low-income gal and just a kind person. That's what we do every day. We touch people differently.”
In 2023, the Veterans Service Office processed 540 applications for the state's veteran bonus program, which provided a one-time $1,200 payment to eligible veterans. VonBerge and her team also assisted 210 new walk-in clients, logging a total of 9,142 veteran transactions across phone calls, emails and other actions.
The office's efforts have had a significant economic impact on the county, with the monthly disability compensation payments received by veterans being reinvested into the local economy. VonBerge also highlighted the team's work in helping to prevent homelessness, using resources from organizations like the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to provide housing assistance and other critical support.
The commissioners expressed their gratitude for the Veterans Service Office's tireless efforts, with Commissioner Mike LeMieur suggesting that the county explore additional funding opportunities to further expand the office's reach and impact.
As the county continues to navigate the evolving landscape of veteran benefits and support, VonBerge aimed to demonstrate how the Morrison County Veterans Service Office remains a steadfast advocate for those who have served their country. Through its dedication to outreach, education, and compassionate assistance, she and her staff work to ensure that no veteran is left behind.
The Veterans Service Office's efforts extend beyond just processing claims and benefits. The team has also been actively engaged in outreach and education, visiting local schools and community organizations to raise awareness about the diverse career opportunities available in the environmental conservation field.
The office's commitment to professional development and training is also a top priority, with VonBerge and her team participating in mandatory annual training sessions and weekly team meetings to stay up-to-date on the latest policies and procedures. This dedication to continuous learning ensures that the Veterans Service Office is equipped to provide the highest level of support and advocacy for the veterans they serve.
“We're not supposed to turn (veterans) away,” VonBerge said. “And I always wonder, is that the right thing to do? Because I work for Morrison County, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs said if the veteran is not happy with their service, please don't turn them away. So we have a lot of good stories and between the three of us, we try really hard to help veterans.”
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