Did you know there is a place right here in the Tri-Cities where veterans can find connections to the services, benefits and support they have earned?

At the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, our goal is to make it easier for veterans and their families to find the help they need. We offer multiple ways to connect veterans with resources throughout our community. One important resource available at the center is the opportunity to sit down face to face with a veterans service officer, or VSO.

Veterans can come to the Pasco veterans center and schedule a meeting with David Aguilar, VSO with Benton County, or King Mars, VSO with Franklin County.

Whether you have questions about your benefits, need assistance navigating the claims process, or simply do not know where to begin, a VSO can help point you in the right direction.

You served. You earned these benefits. Let us help you get connected.

A VSO is a trained, VA-accredited professional who works for a local government agency to assist clients directly.  

• Cost: Their services are 100% free. 
• Duties: They help veterans gather medical evidence, correctly fill out VA paperwork, file disability compensation claims and navigate appeals. 
• Accreditation: Official VSOs pass training and tests to gain formal recognition from the VA. 

Yes, you heard that right. We have two VSOs who work out of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center office who are ready to help you. Here is a list of many of the areas that may be of interest to you:

• Assist with VA disability claims.
• Review military and medical records.
• Help gather supporting evidence to support you.
• Offer insight into decisions made by the VA.
• Assist with appeals and decision reviews.
• Help understand VA pension benefits.
• Bring support to surviving spouses and dependents.
• Provide info about VA healthcare.
• Walk with veterans to obtain military records.
• When needed, represent veterans before the VA.

The VA itself has reported that 25% of veterans do not receive any services, and then 75% of those who are service connected only connect to one of the services that have been promised for the sacrifices they have made. 

We have a team in place here at the Pasco veterans center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., ready to help you get connected. Come in and ask for a VSO or connect to one of the many other programs in place. If you are a veteran, you will find a place that is ready to stand with you when you need, walk with you where you need to go, and sit with you when you need rest.

Stop by to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.