Veterans Service Office
An Office of the Lake County Government
Veterans Serving Veterans
Providing Assistance to the Men and Women who have Honorably Served Their Country
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Lake County Veterans Service Commission is to provide eligible veterans and their dependents with those benefits to which they may be entitled under federal, state and local law, in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission shall take those steps necessary to ensure a well-trained staff is available to advise and assist veterans, their dependents, and the widows and orphans of those veterans who, by virtue of their service in the military of the United States of America, may be entitled to benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other benefit promulgated under federal, state or local law.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission shall provide temporary financial assistance to those veterans or their dependents who have demonstrated a financial need due to illness, injury, lack of employment, or an unexpected hardship. Determination of financial need shall be made by the Veterans Service Commission in accordance with guidelines it alone shall establish and oversee in accord with Title 59 of the Ohio Revised Code.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission shall promulgate programs as required by Title 59 of the Ohio Revised Code for services not covered above, such as outreach and transportation of veterans to medical facilities.
Adopted: February 2002
HISTORY
The Veterans Service Commission (formerly known as Soldiers and Sailors Relief Commission) was established on May 19, 1886 for the purpose of assisting Honorably Discharged Veterans and their dependents who have met with an unexpected hardship resulting from illness, injury, or have become destitute due to lack of employment.
The law under which the Veterans Service Commission operates is Section 5901 of the Ohio Revised Code. This law designates those persons who are entitled to assistance.
The Lake County Veterans Service Commission is a county agency. Ohio is a unique state that provides such comprehensive support and service to its veterans. Each of the 88 counties in Ohio has a board of five veterans, appointed as commissioners, who administer the program for their respective county.
"...to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan..."
President Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865