2006-2007 Annual Report - Santa Rosa County

Veterans ServicesSanta Rosa County Veterans Services’ mission is to assist veterans and their familiesobtain all the benefits they are entitled to receive. The staff of this office files claims toVeterans Affairs on behalf of the veteran and eligible family members. These claimscan be for numerous programs including disability compensation, pension, death/burial benefits, education, medical expenses, housing and auto grants, appeals, andguaranteed home loans. Staff continuously assists veterans, surviving spouses andfamilies navigate through VA paperwork, requested forms and other military relatedissues, such as requesting military records, medals, request for debt waivers, andoutreach for homeless veterans. Additionally citizens can contact Veterans Servicesfor assistance with State of Florida Benefits such as Veterans Preference, FloridaVeterans ID Card (100% P&T), and Homestead Tax Exemption letters.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Our office served 6,000 veterans and 2,622 family members, an increase of over1,400 more veterans than last year.• Over $1.4 million was awarded to veterans or family members, additional tax freedollars which are spent in Santa Rosa County; an increase from $1.2 million lastyear.• Personnel conducted 23 house calls and 23 assisted living facility/nursing homevisits to process claims.• Processed 3,908 letters of correspondence.• Provided 56 articles for local newspaper.• Processed over 12,000 copies of newsletters for three veterans serviceorganizations.• Outreach actions increased via presentations throughout community.• Assisted veterans and widows with property tax discount/exemption.• Participated in Veterans Day’s events.Karen HaworthDirector, VeteransServices6491 Caroline StreetSuite 1Milton, FL 32570(850) 626-8724 Office(850) 983-8970 Faxkarenh@santarosa.fl.govaSanta Rosa County ishome to over 22,000veterans, or 15% of thepopulation.21