Three days into her job, Oktibbeha County’s new veterans’ service officer Ammiana Kenard said Wednesday she’s enjoying meeting former servicemen and servicewomen and helping connect them with benefits and assistance they previously did not have.
It’s a part-time job that brings full satisfaction, she said.
“I love veterans, and I come from a long line of family members who served in the military,” she said.
“I’m still getting to know everyone, but I’m looking forward to taking this office to a new level.”
Kenard assumed the role after supervisors unanimously hired her last week. She was chosen over four other candidates who interviewed for the job.
Her salary was set at $15 per hour.
A former member of the U.S. Army, she graduated from West Point High School and went on to earn degrees from the Lynchburg, Virginia-based Liberty University, including a master’s in human services counseling and a doctorate in pastoral counseling.
Kenard previously served in human resources positions and briefly directed Columbus Air Force Base’s retirement services. She was certified as a county veteran service officer by the state Veterans Affairs Board in 2012.
In her role, she will help connect veterans and their families to a wide array of benefit opportunities outside of health care, including transitional services; homelessness, mortgage and rent assistance; and food programs.
“Even if you have a family member – a mother or a grandmother – that was married to a deceased vet, there could be benefits they could be receiving. Maybe an uncle had insurance or other benefits that were never paid? Even if you think there’s no sense in filling out a form, there is,” she said. “Come see me, and I’ll help.”
In her first weeks, Kenard said she’ll continue to identify veterans and their family members to see who might be underserved. Eventually, she said she hopes to grow the office to where it will become a one-stop shop that offers a variety of services.
“I think we were extremely fortunate to get someone of Mrs. Kenard’s qualities. She brought with her a truly impressive resume, and she’s somebody that can hit the ground running,” said District 3 Supervisor Marvell Howard.
Howard previously served in the U.S. Army, and his children also have military ties.
“We’ve got quite a few vets that depend on those benefits. I believe she can keep them rolling in and be instrumental in reaching out and obtaining new benefits,” he said. “I think she was a tremendous hire. She’ll do a great job.”
Kenard replaces Melvin Rogers, who died at his residence in February. Rogers, 68, worked in his capacity since 2006.
“I can’t think of anything but positive things about the man. He helped so many people, especially our veterans,” said Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Orlando Trainer after Rogers’ death.
“He took that office to where it is today: a great level,” Trainer added.
Oktibbeha County’s veterans’ service office is located on the second floor of the chancery courthouse.
Kenard can be reached at 662-323-6155.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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