Inee Mahan knows what it means to sacrifice and serve one's country.
The eight year Army veteran continues to sacrifice and serve, but in a different capacity as she was named the Veteran Service Officer for Vermillion County earlier this year.
"I have met so many different heroes. What I did is nothing compared to what some of these men and women gave up. It is an honor to serve them now that they are out and help them get the benefits they and their family deserve," Mahan told The Parke County Post.
Mahan said the bulk of her day deals with helping veterans and their families file claims centering around pension, education, compensation and burial benefits.
"I help with claims assistance.Often it entails helping them get all the necessary documentation and ensuring their claims are accurately submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs," she said.
She also helps Vietnam veterans suffering from Agent Orange exposure.
" Our Vietnam veterans are starting to listen, and I have noticed I am getting better results when I talk to the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters. It has been very difficult. I have had a couple veterans come in wanting hearing and tinnitus but when their wives come in I ask them to think of everything from head to toe, inside and out. I have a binder dedicated to just Agent Orange. If you were in Vietnam and had skin issues like skin cancer or skin growth, they have to get into the office," Mahan said.
After she started in her role earlier this year, Mahan said she was helping about 10 veterans and is now up over 50 veterans and a lot of claims.
"I enjoy meeting people. There are so many heroes out there and I wish I could tell their stories. Some are an open book and others you have to pry. When they open up, it's amazing to hear the stories. When they relax, and if I can help them, that is so nice," Mahan said.
Any veteran or family needing assistance, can contact Mahan at 765-492-5346 or 765-826-6365 or visiting the office at 255 S. Main St., Newport.
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