Veteran's Services

About us:

The Preble County Veterans Service Commission is a five member board appointed under the provisions of Title 59 of the Ohio Revised Code. Each member is appointed by the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Preble County for a term of five years. Each is appointed to represent a specific veteran’s organization in our county. Current commissioners represent The AMVETS, DAV, VVA, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Even though their appointment is from a specific organization, they represent all Preble County Veterans Service Office, and is responsible to ensure that veterans and their eligible family members receive all benefits – federal, state and local – to which they may be entitled.

Commissioners

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Robert (Bob) Beneke – President

AMVETS

Bob served in the US Army from 1960 to 1972
He has served on the board as Preble County Veteran Service Commissioner since 2008


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Jim Favorite – Vice President

American Legion

Jim served in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965
He has served on the board as Preble County Veteran Service Commissioner since 2015

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Victor Garcia – Member

VFW

Victor served in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965
He has served on the board as Preble County Veteran Service  Commissioner since 2015

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Ron Garnett – Secretary

DAV

Ron served in the USMC from 1968 to 1969

He has served on the board as Preble County Veteran Service Commissioner since 2018

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Veston (Ray) Kidd

At Large

Ray served in the Air Force from 1971 to 1991

He has served on the board as Preble County Veteran Service Commissioner since 2019

Services

Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits
Veterans who served honorably may be entitled to various benefits administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our CVSOs will assist with the preparations of formal claims for benefits on behalf of veterans and eligible family members.

“Veteran” is defined as an individual who served active duty in one of the military branches. This includes members of the National Guard and reserves who were activated under the Title 10 of the United States Code. To determine eligibility, the DD 214 is the official document.

Some of these benefits are:

Medical care
Available to most veterans through the VA clinic and medical center system. This is not a medical plan – it is a medical system in which the veteran enrolls, and then receives treatment.

Service Connected Compensation
A monthly payment awarded to those veterans who have incurred injury or disease, with lasting effect, during their military service. Ratings are determined based on the degree of disability, but only after the veteran has filed a formal claim for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ratings can be from 0% to 100%, and ratings of 30% or higher entitle the veteran additional monthly payments for dependents. In addition, other benefits may be obtained as the basic compensation rating goes higher. Free medical care is provided by the VA for service connected disabilities regardless of rating.

Non-Service Connected Pension
An income based program available to wartime veterans. The maximum rate is set by Congress, and all gross income is considered when assessing the individual eligibility. However, VA will allow income reduction through the use of out of pocket medical expenses. Additional amounts may be paid for eligible dependents.

Education Benefits
These benefits vary depending upon the period and length of service. There are numerous educational programs, including the Post-911 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Insurance Benefits
Available to service connected veterans once a service connected rating has been determined.

Burial Benefits
Payable to veterans who are receiving VA compensation or pension payments at the time of death. All veterans who service was honorable are entitled to a VA grave marker and a burial flag, with military honors at their funeral or service. If desired, a VA medallion that can be affixed to a monument may be issued rather than a standard grave marker.

Home Loan
Guaranty certificates are available to most veterans. This is not a loan, but guaranteed for a certain percentage of the mortgage loan.