Dozens gathered at Veterans Park in downtown Waukesha on Tuesday to honor local service members and hear announcements about expanded support for the county’s veteran community. The event, organized with the Sussex Area Service Club, highlighted volunteer projects that provide transportation, yard work, and home‑painting assistance to veterans.
County adds benefits specialist
Waukesha County’s Veteran Service Office will create a new benefits specialist position beginning in January. Veteran Service Officer Jeremy Johns said the role is “badly needed” because the office currently experiences a week‑long or longer delay in responding to veterans who call with questions about their benefits.
Johns noted that Waukesha County alone is home to roughly 20,000 veterans and their dependents, many of whom rely on federal and state benefit programs. “Sometimes veterans don’t even know they qualify,” he explained.
Veterans often miss out on benefits
Johns shared a poignant example: a Vietnam‑era veteran suffering from prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes had never filed for benefits because he assumed others needed the assistance more. “By not participating, they are actually harming other veterans,” Johns said, adding that Congress will not allocate additional funding unless existing benefits are fully utilized.
Housing identified as top concern
When asked about the biggest challenge facing veterans in the county, Johns identified affordable housing, specifically the shortage of Section 8 units, as the most pressing issue. He urged local leaders and community partners to explore additional housing options for veterans and their families.
Community volunteers step up
Representatives from the Sussex Area Service Club emphasized the importance of volunteer‑driven programs that fill gaps in government services. Club members regularly assist veterans with transportation to medical appointments, perform yard work, and paint rooms to improve living conditions.
“Our goal is to make sure no veteran feels forgotten,” said the club’s spokesperson, who asked attendees to spread the word about these volunteer opportunities.
Looking ahead
The addition of the benefits specialist is expected to streamline communications, reduce wait times, and increase outreach to veterans who may be unaware of available programs. County officials hope the expanded office will also coordinate more closely with local nonprofits and housing agencies to address the critical shortage of affordable units.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Veteran Service Office for assistance or to learn how they can volunteer. Information about the office’s services and upcoming events can be found on the county’s website.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
