Veteran

Dear Ellsworthians, In April 2023, the City of Ellsworth and American Legion Post 174 partnered to serve Ellsworth area veterans at Ellsworth City Hall every other Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. I cannot tell you how helpful this has been to all veterans within the Ellsworth area. I have had people from as far away as Salina and Great Bend come ask for help with access to their benefits.

Thanks to your generous support, we have been able to make a significant impact on the lives of our local veterans. The results speak for themselves:

• Six veterans assisted with gaining access to VA health care.

• Six veterans supported in submitting claims.

• One veteran received answers to retirementrelated questions.

• One veteran successfully increased their compensation amount.

• Two families provided access to death benefits for their loved ones.

• 38 total hours of assistance made available to veterans.

• Numerous veterans had their questions answered and concerns addressed.

The positive outcomes achieved in such a short period are a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Ellsworth City Council, American Legion Post 174 and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly on behalf of our veterans.

Your sponsorship has not only facilitated essential services, but has also fostered a sense of community and support for those who have selflessly served our country.

In addition, I am pleased to inform you that around the same time as we started serving veterans in this capacity, J.H. Robbins Memorial Library also established a meaningful partnership with the Kansas Commission on Veteran Affairs. The commission has been present in Ellsworth every other month since they started around June. Their presence has enhanced our capabilities and allowed us to provide even more comprehensive support to our local veterans. The partnership has enabled veterans to access vital resources and information directly from the commission, contributing to a more robust and holistic assistance program.

The combined efforts of the Ellsworth City Council, American Legion Post 174, J.H. Robbins Memorial Library and the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs will undoubtedly amplify the positive impact we are making in the lives of our veterans. Together, we are creating a support network that goes beyond expectations, providing crucial services and fostering a sense of community for those who have selflessly served our nation.

Once again, thank you for your commitment to our veterans into 2024. We look forward to the continued success of our collaborative initiatives and the positive changes they bring to our community.

Dustin Stambaugh is a veteran and the Ellsworth City Administrator. He can be reached at (785) 4725566 or dstambaugh@ellsworthks. net.