Editor’s note: Do you want answers to questions about the Golden Triangle? Each week, Dispatch reporters set out to explain or update a timely, practical issue. Email your question to [email protected].
Earlier this month, a veteran found between 60 and 100 decorative flags in a dumpster at Friendship Cemetery days after they were placed on veterans’ graves in observance of Memorial Day.
The flags sparked a discussion about the proper way to dispose of flags and the availability of resources for veterans in the Golden Triangle area.
How many veterans in the region need public resources? What services are available to veterans in the Golden Triangle?
What services are offered to veterans in Mississippi?
Mississippi Veterans Affairs is a state agency that is separate from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and seeks to “honor Mississippi veterans and their dependents through superior service, care and assistance,” the MSVA website said.
MSVA offers assistance in securing benefits and privileges for both current and former members of military service, and their dependents. The agency operates the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery and four state veterans nursing homes, while also advising the governor and state legislature on veterans’ affairs, the MSVA website said.
The MSVA assists veterans and their dependents in securing both state and federal benefits through veteran service officers in Lowndes, Clay and Oktibbeha counties. Officers assist veterans who are no longer in active service, dependents and survivors in navigating the claim process with the VA.
How many veterans are served across the region?
In the Golden Triangle, there are about 7,500 out-of-service veterans, according to the 2023 Geographical Distribution of VA Expenditures report, which is published by the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics.
Out of those 7,500 there are about 4,500 in Lowndes County, 2,000 in Oktibbeha County and about 1,000 in Clay County, the report said.
Lowndes County Veteran Service Officer Jeff Morrison said, with the way the population is growing, he believes the actual number of out-of-service veterans in Lowndes today is closer to 5,000. As one of two full-time employees at the office, Morrison said the workload often requires veterans to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
“We would like to be able to take walk-in clients, but the opportunity for that is so few and far between,” he said. “Simply because of the workload, I ask that the veterans make an appointment.”
How can veteran service officers assist local veterans?
Along with helping veterans navigate claims with the VA, veteran service officers can also counsel veterans on various issues and direct them to proper services, like legal resources, healthcare options and even locating local options for housing.
The local offices can also advise in-service veterans about family allotments, disability status and other armed forces benefits.
Morrison, who has filed 800 separate claims to the VA in the last year, said it is important for veterans to communicate openly about their concerns and what they’ve already done through the VA in order to properly get their claims and appeals processed. It’s best if they come to their appointment with their records prepared, he said.
“(It’s) getting the veteran to understand the terminology that the VA uses, and give the VA what the VA wants in the format that they want it,” Morrison said.
Oktibbeha County Veteran Service Officer Pat Hopson said her office provides the same services. The main difference, she said, is the knowledge each officer has.
“Every situation that (I’ve) handled … is unique to that individual,” she said. “I’ve been doing this for almost seven years. No two situations are exactly the same. Everyone’s different.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
