Casey’s work for area vets spans about two decades
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He retired once from Genesco, another time from a funeral home and a third time from the veteran’s service office, where he assisted veterans in obtaining benefits via the Veteran’s Administration.
Casey, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, was honored Monday in ceremonies at the Warren County Administrative Offices after almost two decades of work with area veterans and their families that affected thousands.
At 80, he said it’s time to hang up his hat.
To do the job takes dedication, said James Green, who is serving as Casey’s successor after Casey retired June 30 and after enduring about two months of training under Casey’s wing.
Casey took over after former officer Ray Roberts passed away and since 1983, has increased the influx of benefits to Warren County veterans and families from an estimated $1 million to about $3.8 million per year, Green said.
Although the office is open three days a week, Green, a retired first sergeant of the Army and a Vietnam veteran, is learning it’s much more than that. They answer questions both on and off the job and sometimes visit area veterans when they don’t have to.
“You’ve got to be dedicated and Winfred had to be dedicated,” Green said. “There’s no doubt in my mind.”
Officers respond to frequent inquiries ranging from death benefits, medical claims, insurance, disability, schooling, attaining handicapped-accessible housing, hunting licenses and even property taxes, all of which many veterans are unaware of when they exit the service and transition back into civilian life.
“It’s just something you have to dig into and it’s changing all the time, so you have to keep up with the things that are going on in the state department,” Casey said.
Casey knows all too well every situation is different. And like most governmental operations, paperwork is vital to successfully obtaining the VA’s assistance, they said, noting a myriad of forms housed at the office. Casey said before any of that takes place, however, a good veteran’s assistance officer has to listen.
“You get all kinds of questions for programs they’re looking for,” he said, adding that veterans sometimes don’t know how they can be helped.
Casey said his biggest senses of accomplishment were obtaining waivers from the VA for veterans who were disabled and not able to pay a portion of their medical bills – for example, required co-payments to the VA hospital.
“It’s your job to assist them in whatever way possible,” he said.
In all, he said his service has been personally rewarding.
“In my period, we’ve seen over 23,000 people. It makes you feel good that you’ve been able to help people. It’s a rewarding feeling. It’s a rewarding job and Warren County has been very cooperative and I appreciate all the help from the county executive and county court members,” he added.
Green said he hopes to be able to follow in Casey’s footsteps and maintain the level of benefits available to qualified veterans and their families.
“It’s continuously increased since then, so Mr. Casey has basically been responsible for increasing the influx to Warren County veterans. I hope a can do a tenth of that,” he said.
PHOTO INFO:
Above, County Executive Carol Hamblen issues a certificate of appreciation signed by the governor to Winfred Casey at Monday’s meeting of the county commissioners. While catering to area veteran needs through state and federal government, the veteran’s services office is a county post and Casey was a county employee. (Charlie Johnson photo)
Right, Casey and successor James Green go over regulations related to obtaining assistance for area veterans and their families. Green said he spent about two months in training and is working on obtaining state certification in order to do the job. (Amy Satterwhite photo)