Talk of the County Podcast | Honoring Heroes: Inside Franklin County's Veterans Service Commission

Welcome to Talk Of The County, where we honor our veterans and dive deep into the services and support available to them.

In this episode, host Kenneth Wilson is joined by guests Executive Director Robert (Buck) Bramlish and Assistant Director, of Services Matthew H. Zelnik from the Franklin County Veterans Service Commission.

Nutrition and Hunger: "It's very difficult right now for a lot of our veterans who are living on the margins." — Robert (Buck) Bramlish

Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face, the vital assistance provided by the organization, and the importance of recognizing and supporting those who have served our country.

Support for Veterans' Families: "So we would encourage anybody if they have questions, don't self diagnose. Let a service officer take a look at when that and the when the veteran served and what benefits might be out there." — Matthew H. Zelnik

From mental health to financial aid, and housing assistance to community partnerships, this conversation sheds light on the resilience of veterans and the ongoing commitment to serving those who have sacrificed for us all. They explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our veteran community in Franklin County, Ohio.

Top Takeaways

1. Veterans face unique challenges during their transition to civilian life, including mental health issues like PTSD, employment difficulties, and processing trauma, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems.

2. Recognizing and leveraging the values and experiences gained from military service can lead to veterans being valuable and resilient employees in different sectors.

3. Navigating the complex VA benefits system poses challenges for veterans, with a lengthy and uncertain process that requires support and assistance to ensure claims are successfully processed.

4. Financial assistance programs play a crucial role in supporting veterans in areas such as housing, food security, and emergency needs, demonstrating the importance of timely and efficient aid distribution.

5. Partnerships with various organizations and community outreach efforts are essential in reaching and supporting veterans, including those who may not be actively engaged with traditional veteran service organizations.

6. There should be continued efforts to raise awareness about available benefits and services for veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

7. Providing supportive housing and wraparound services can be effective in addressing homelessness among veterans, emphasizing the significance of tailored assistance programs to meet individual needs.

8. Celebrating armed forces-related holidays such as Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day serves as an opportunity to honor and remember the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

9. Ensuring that aging veterans receive adequate support and are aware of available benefits and resources is crucial, highlighting the importance of adapting services to meet the evolving needs of the veteran community.

Memorable Moments

08:29 Livingston Commons: Housing and support for veterans.

15:00 Helping clients and veterans navigate VA claims.

20:44 VA offers programs to support veterans and families.

26:30 Underutilized VA pension for aging veterans.

28:41 VA offers healthcare, options for veterans.

35:21 Request services through website, financial assistance available.

40:44 Supporting veterans through accessible digital services is essential.

43:21 Franklin County has generous financial assistance approach.

53:44 Veteran emphasizes benefits of military service.