Philip Du, National Director of Veteran Services
Mission Statement- National Veteran Services Program
The MCL National Veteran Services Program is dedicated to support, assist, and advocate all veterans and their families through the same values and traditions that defines the United States Marine Corps.
Guided by the Congressional Charter, this program exists to:
- Promote and protect the rights, welfare, and benefits of all veterans and their dependents, ensuring full and equal access to the services and entitlements provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies.
- Provide free, professional, ethical, and competent representation in all matters pertaining to claims, appeals, and veteran-related administrative processes.
- Extend compassionate support and voluntary services to veterans and caregivers receiving care in VA and community facilities, advancing their dignity, comfort, and well-being.
- Foster the spirit, principles, and traditions of the Marine Corps, including honor, courage, commitment, mutual assistance, and the obligation to never leave a Marine behind.
- Strengthen patriotic purpose and civic responsibility through cooperation with government agencies, veteran organizations, and community partners.
- Promote unity and continued service in support of all who have worn the uniform of the United States.
Veterans Affairs Topic Presentations and Information
Marine Corps League National Veterans Service Officer Program
National 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 National Veterans 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
Robert Borka, Stafford, VA 22554
Richard Buck, Patterson, NY 12563
Troy Carroll, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Timothy Chandler, Milton, FL 32577
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
Lou Anne Harrey, Bremerton, WA 983102
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
Michael Reed, Dayton, OH 45248
Nathan Ruhnow, St Louis, MO 63123
Tim Sherman, Cleveland, OH 44199
Daniel Wood, Colorado Springs, CO 809320
Don Perry Award
The Donald E. Perry National Veterans Service Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding MCL National Veterans Service Officer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism, and dedication in serving veterans and their families.
This award honors the legacy of Past Department Commandant and National Veterans Service Officer Donald E. Perry, who passed away on September 16, 2025. Don’s dedication in advocacy and compassion set the highest standard for those in this profession in securing the benefits for veterans and their families.
Recipients of this award share the same spirit of service that defined Donald E. Perry’s career and contributions to the Veterans and families represented by the Marine Corps League before the VA. This award will be presented at the Marine Corps League National Convention.
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.
Do you want to be a VA-accredited MCL Veterans Service Officer?
By becoming a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), you will help veterans to access benefits, navigate the VA system, and advocate for their rights by providing crucial assistance with claims, evidence gathering, and appeals. It’s a way to leverage your understanding of veteran needs and VA processes to directly improve the lives of service members and their families. Becoming a VSO is a commitment to service, offering a fulfilling path to give back to those who have served the country.
Reasons to become a Veterans Service Officer:
- Direct Impact on Veterans’ Lives: You can make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and their families by helping them understand and access the benefits they’ve earned.
- Fulfilling a Commitment to Service: Many VSOs are former service members who feel a calling to continue their service by assisting their fellow veterans after their military careers.
- Navigating Complex VA Systems: VSOs possess specialized knowledge of VA benefits, procedures, and claims, which allows them to guide veterans through a complex and often overwhelming system.
- Advocacy and Representation: VSOs act as advocates for veterans at local, state, and national levels, working to influence policy and ensure veterans’ rights and needs are met.
- A Noble and Rewarding Career: Being a VSO offers a chance to work with and support a unique community of individuals who have made significant sacrifices for their country.
Key aspects of the role:
- Assisting with VA Claims: You will help veterans file claims for benefits, gather necessary evidence, and navigate the appeals process.
- Understanding Veteran Needs: A strong understanding of veterans’ challenges and the various resources available is essential.
- Collaboration and Advocacy: You’ll work with various agencies, other service providers, and veteran organizations to provide comprehensive support.
- Continuous Learning: Accredited VSOs must complete ongoing training to stay current with the latest VA policies and procedures.
How to Become an Accredited Representative
The Marine Corps League may certify the following individuals for accreditation:
- Marine Corps League Regular Members and Associate Members who have been a member for more than one year endorsed by their respective Detachment and Department Commandants attesting the Member’s qualification and character (Associate Members who are Veterans must have approval of the NED/COO) by filling out MCL Service Officer Information Report
- Employees of State or County Veterans service agencies who are presently accredited as VSOs must provide an endorsement letter signed by their supervisor.
- Copies of Training Certificates on courses relating to VA benefits and/or a detailed summary of experience for those who have experience providing assistance to Veterans and families obtaining VA benefits.
- **MCL National Veterans Advocacy Academy provides free accreditation training for VSO candidates who received endorsement from Detachment and Department Commandants**
- VA Form 21
Any additional questions on accreditation, please contact Marine Corps League National Director of Veteran Services 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
- VA Welcome Kit and Guides to VA Benefits and Services
- VA Benefits Fact Sheets
- Overview of VA Benefits for Transitioning Service Members
- Disagree with VA Decision
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Contact our National Certifying Official