Department of Veterans Affairs
Commission Leadership:
Terry Schow, Executive Director
Dennis McFall, Deputy Director
Mission Statement:
To honor and recognize the service of Utah Veterans as their advocate relative to veterans benefits, assist former and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces both active and reserve and their dependents in preparing claims for and securing such compensation as health services, education and vocational training, and other benefits or privileges to which they may be entitled under Federal or State law or regulation by reason of their service in the military.
Overview
The mission of the Department is to provide advocacy for Utah 's Veterans, and to assist veterans and their families in understanding and filing for state and federal Veterans benefits. Department Outreach Workers and (Veteran service officers under contract) provide an outreach assistance program to rural Utah veterans. Active duty military service discharge certificates (DD-214's) are on file in the office and at State Archives. DD-214's are only on file for veterans with Utah residency or with a Utah forwarding address at the time of release from active duty.
The Department operates an 81 bed Veterans skill nursing facility, which includes a Special Needs Unit. The Department also oversees the operation of the State Veterans Cemetery. The Department conducts numerous workshops and briefings around the state on topics ranging from veterans benefits to veterans entrepreneur workshops.
Outreach
The Utah Department of Veterans Affairs, through contracts with service officers from local Veterans Service Organizations, provides assistance and information to Veterans and their families in filing claims for VA or other veterans' related benefits.
Why this is important:
Utah is below the national average for Veterans receiving compensation for service connected disabilities and enrollment in the VA Healthcare System. These benefits increase the quality of life for Veterans and will reduce the financial burden on their families.
What we're doing about it:
The Utah Department of Veterans Affairs provides contracted service officers who travel the state on a regular basis, meeting with Veterans, at various locations. For a schedule contact the Department Office at 1-800-894-9497 or visit our website at http://www.veterans.utah.gov
Veterans Database Development and Management
Utah has 160,000 Veterans. No one knows who they are. This database will identify those Veterans.
Why this is important:
The Department can contact the veteran to advise them of benefits they are entitled to.
What we're doing about it:
The Department is developing a database of Veterans through outreach and online registration.
Promote Veterans Benefit Awareness
The Utah Department of Veterans Affairs conducts Veterans Information and Benefits fairs, Entreprenueral workshops, briefings for returning service members, maintains a website, and publishes a quarterly newspaper to help educate Utah Veterans and their families about various federal and state benefits and programs.
Why this is important:
To honor those who have served and to keep our commitment and promise to them for their sacrifices on behalf of a grateful nation and, to increase the quality of life for Veterans and their families.