M.C. Veterans Service Officer updates commissioners

Marshall County’s Veterans Service Officer Pam Schweizer-Betz recently briefed the County Commissioners on this year's activities. She noted the rise in interviews and applications, and explained the application process and the challenges caused by the government shutdown.

The Veteran Service Officer told the commissioner that the VO in Saint Joseph County is retiring at the end of November, and the Fulton County VO retired in October.  Pam also said the amount of training will increase next year, and they have already increased the TEAMS training almost weekly.

The number of phone calls to the Veterans Service Office in Marshall County has doubled, and she suspects the DAV is partly to blame, with John Rodrequez from Illinois coming into the county.  They start the veteran’s claim process, but then send them to the Veterans Service Officer to finish.  She told the commissioners, “I send them back to John.  That’s called doing his dirty work, and I’m not going to do that, and I’m not going to let them put me in that position.”  She said the claims are lengthy, especially the widows' claims. The VO said there are too many people involved, so she sends those back to the DAV representative who comes into the county to complete. 

The government shutdown has caused delays, and while the Marshall County Veterans Service Officer is working, the claims are sent to federal workers in Indianapolis, and the VA is processing some, but not all of them.

Schweizer-Betz said they are seeing an uptick in medical claims due to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccines and the anthrax shots. Some of the effects are trickling down to the veteran’s children.  

When Commissioner Stan Klotz asked if she was overwhelmed, she mentioned the need for a part-time clerical assistant. She said they would need a computer, a phone, and a desk. The Marshall County Veterans Service Officer also said she is behind in returning phone calls, noting that she currently has about 50 to make.

Schweizer-Betz apologized for not regularly reporting to the Commissioners but said she is trying to take care of people.

Part-time help was not included in the 2026 Veterans Service Officer’s budget, so additional funding will need to be sought after the beginning of the year.