Veteran Services – Marine Corps League

Veterans Affairs Topic Presentations and Information

Marine Corps League Service Officer Program

Mission

To actively serve and advocate for U.S. Marine Corps Veterans and Veterans of all U.S. Armed Forces, their families, and survivors to ensure they receive their Department of Veterans Affairs, state, and local government and non government benefits for which they are entitled.

Vision

By delivering superior, responsive, and unswerving support and services, the Marine Corps League will become the Veteran service organization of choice for Marine Corps Veterans and their families seeking the benefits, services, and assistance with transition and post-service needs.

Veterans Service Officers

When you need assistance getting the benefits due as a Veteran or eligible family member you should seek the assistance of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). A VSO representative can help you gather the evidence needed and submit a Fully Developed Claim on your behalf. A VSO representative can also correspond with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about your claim on your behalf. VSOs always provide their representation on VA claims free of charge.

VSOs can assist Veterans and their families in many ways, including:

answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources,
assisting persons in completing and filing benefit claims, and
representing individuals in VA disability benefits hearings.
The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a list of VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals authorized to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims at https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

The Marine Corps League Accredited Veteran Service Officers and Locations:

Note: Contact information is available by searching their name on the VA Office of General Counsel website.

Rus Anderson, Tulsa, OK 74134

Michael Bodnar, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Bob Borka, Stafford, VA 22554

Richard Buck, Patterson, NY 12563

Troy Carroll, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Michael Cortright, Summerville, SC 29485

Philip Du, Stafford, VA 22554, VSO@MCLeague.org

Bruce Empol, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Catherine Foster, Stafford, VA 22554

Ronnie Griffin, Concord, GA 30206

Greg Harton, Fallon, NV 89406

Tom Hazlett, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Cary Kern, Arvada, CO 80004

Ryan Lincoln, Grimes, IA 50111

Tom Mueller, Stafford, VA 22554

Tim Nightingale, Vero Beach, FL 32960

David Owsley, Cincinnati, OH 45220

Donald Perry, Columbus, OH 43215

Michael Reed, Dayton, OH 45248

Nathan Ruhnow, St Louis, MO 63123

Tim Sherman, Cleveland, OH 44199

Daniel Wood, Colorado Springs, CO 80932

Detachment Service Officers

The Detachment Service Officer (DSO) is a volunteer position in a Marine Corps League Detachment. A DSO is a vital link between the Veteran or Veteran’s family member(s) and a representative holding Marine Corps League accreditation. An effective DSO understands the benefits afforded to Veterans and family members; however, a DSO does not hold legal standing to represent a claimant in their benefits claims before the VA. The DSO:

Has a fundamental understanding of benefits for Veterans, dependents, and survivors.
Understands the basics of the VA claims process.
Can provide information on the VA healthcare facilities and Vet Centers in their local areas.
Can connect the client to an accredited Veteran Service Officer
May assist claimants in obtaining a copy of military and other records, e.g., DD 214, service medical record, etc.
Will provide services free of charge.

How to Become an Accredited Representative

The Marine Corps League may certify the following individuals for accreditation:

State and County Service Officers may be Cross-Accredited
Regular Members and Associate Members (who are U.S. Veterans) of the Marine Corps League who have been a member for more than one year. Associate Members who are Veterans must have approval of the NED/COO.
Employees of State or County Veteran Affairs departments who are presently accredited as VSOs must provide an endorsement letter signed by their Department Supervisor.
Marine Corps League members must provide an endorsement letter signed by their Detachment Commandant who can attest to the individual’s qualifications and character.
Marine Corps League members must submit an endorsement letter signed by their Department Commandant.
Copies of Training Certificates recently received, within the past two years, must accompany each application and include a detailed summary of experience.
VA Form 21 Application for Accreditation must be submitted. Only the National Certifying Authority can sign the bottom portion. Ensure the Business Address, Phone, and Email are information you want Veterans to contact you with and posted on the VA websitte.
Submit the package via email to the Marine Corps League National Director of Veterans Service at VSO@MCLeague.org.

Accreditation may be canceled at any time by the VA Office of General Counsel or National Director of Veteran Services.

CAMP LEJEUNE AND PACT ACT RESOURCES

VETERANS AFFAIRS RESOURCES

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Contact our National Certifying Official

VSO@MCLeague.org