For many years, I had the privilege of serving as the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) in Coles County, Illinois. Even though I now live in Springfield, Missouri, my heart is still deeply connected to the veterans of Coles County. My family has been in the area since the late 1700s, and that longstanding connection helped me build trust with the community.
When I became the VSO, I didn’t come in with a typical approach. I was direct and upfront with veterans about their chances of getting a VA disability rating. I wasn’t going to sugarcoat things, but I always made sure they understood their options and the support available to them. That honest approach resonated with the veterans, and they trusted me. As a result, we saw a significant increase in the number of veterans in Coles County receiving the benefits they were entitled to.
During my time as VSO, I also founded the Coles County Veterans Support Coalition, an organization that continues to serve veterans in the area today. We connected veterans to resources, created a strong support system, and ensured they had a place to turn when they needed help.
Additionally, I became a Life Member of the VFW and served as the State Student Liaison for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. I helped start the Lake Land College Student Veterans of America Chapter, ensuring younger veterans had the support they needed while transitioning back into civilian life. These partnerships were vital to the success of the work we did, and I’m proud of the foundation that was built.
But, as many of you know, one of the biggest challenges we face as veterans is the bureaucracy of the government. The system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, and that is something I’ve seen and experienced firsthand. It is a struggle I’m still committed to… fighting for every veteran who needs help.
Although I’m no longer the VSO in Coles County, I’m still deeply committed to supporting veterans. I now work with Parmele Disability Advocates, an organization that shares the same values and commitment to veterans as myself. The transition has been seamless because Parmele operates with the same ethical standards that I’ve always upheld.
At Parmele, we’re equipped to help veterans, whether you’re in Coles County, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, or anywhere else in the country. With our state-of-the-art technology and dedicated team, we can assist you wherever you are located. For those of you working with Josh in Effingham, someone I’ve trusted for years, Parmele’s goal is to complement his efforts, not to compete with them. Whether you’re dealing with a claim or facing an appeal, our legal team is here to stand by you and ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
Additionally, Parmele is open to forming partnerships with other organizations that need a reliable referral partner. Together, we can keep serving veterans and continue the mission of supporting those who have given so much to our country.
Whether it’s helping with a claim, navigating the appeals process, or partnering with other organizations, Parmele Disability Advocates is here to ensure veterans always have access to the legal representation and support they need. We’re here for you: standing with you, fighting for you.