Memorandum of Agreement with Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs will offer full VA accreditation to CVSOs and staff who successfully complete proper training.
The American Legion Department of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that aims to strengthen both the training and support received by the state’s county veteran service officers (CVSOs).
Through the MOA, signed earlier this month, the Indiana Veterans Commission’s newly implemented accreditation standards for CVSOs have been recognized and endorsed by The American Legion. The commission has tasked IDVA to implement and manage the standards, which set a precedent for consistency and accountability and will ensure that CVSOs are equipped with the highest level of training and qualifications.
As part of this agreement, The American Legion will offer full U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Accreditation to CVSOs and staff who successfully complete the proper accreditation training and meet its standards.
Bryce Hullett, Director of Rehabilitation in the Department of Indiana Service Office, said Indiana Assistant Department Adjutant Jennifer Tyler – also a department service officer – presented the idea to him. That lead to brainstorming between the two and Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Stuart Holloway.
“It’s been a real team effort. We put our heads together and bounced some ideas off each other. We came up with that MOA,” Hullett said. “The American Legion’s department service office wants to work closer together with the county service officers to build a relationship and make sure they’re getting the best assistance or help they can for our veterans.”
County veteran service officers now will receive training from the National Veterans Legal Services Program, as well undergo cross training from Bergmann & Moore, the law firm that provides training to American Legion department service officers.
“This way we’ve got more continuity across the counties,” Hullett said. “This is going to help us take care of our veterans and their families across the state.”
IDVA Director Jake Adams said the MOA shows that, “Indiana is committed to leading the nation in how we serve our veterans. This partnership with The American Legion strengthens the foundation of our veteran service network by ensuring county veteran service officers receive the highest level of training and accreditation. When we invest in those who serve our veterans, we strengthen the entire system of support for the men and women who served our country.”
American Legion Department of Indiana Commander Ronald L. Patterson also praised the collaboration. "This agreement is a testament to our unwavering dedication to Indiana’s veterans,” he said. “By partnering with the IDVA, we are ensuring the veteran community receives quality service backed by our dedicated service officers. Together, we are building a brighter, more supportive future for those who have bravely served our country."
Hullett believes the partnership with IDVA shows how respected American Legion-accredited service officers are in the veteran community. “I think they just want to be part of the group of people that really care for the veterans,” he said. “And if they can’t get it done at their level, they know they’ve got The American Legion ready to fight for the veterans in their counties. If those county service officers struggle or have questions, they know they can reach out to us, and we’ll get back to them pretty quickly.”
- Veterans Benefits