WICHITA COUNTY ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Lack of employees, long wait times and ignorance of the VA processes.

“A lot of just historical complaints I got when I started here,” Veteran Service Officer Adam Arruda said.

Those are some of the challenges employees Adam Arruda and Tina Jones faced starting out at the Wichita County Veterans’ Service Office.

But now, the tide has turned. The office is nationally recognized by the National Association of Counties, receiving the National Achievement Award.

“When you do something great, the veterans want to thank you. They love you,” Jones said. “And for it to be an award like that, it feels really good.”

Since installing the “No Veteran Left Behind” program, the two have significantly cut wait times and, compared to 2023 as a whole, filed over 100% more VA disability claims in the first two months of 2024 alone.

“A lot of them are disgruntled with the historical VA processes, and so to be able to navigate that and give them a sense of hope that they may not have anymore, it’s a big impact,” Arruda said.

A statement Dianne Diffee agrees with as she seeks survivor benefits after her husband, a Vietnam veteran who suffered from Agent Orange, passed away.

“They never drop you. They never not call you back, not answer your emails. They’re very busy. They may not call you back quickly, but they call you in order,” Diffee said. “I don’t get more help than anyone else. [Arruda’s] very honest, very fair.”

“We have really turned the office completely around, and I think we have a great reputation,” Arruda said. “It feels great to be a part of that.”

A resource Arruda said the community needs as they aim to help more veterans in the future.

As mentioned, no appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are free and welcomed at the office on 600 Scott Ave, Suite 203.

You can call the office at 940-716-8599. Click here for more information.

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