Linn County Veteran Affairs Changes Name to Veteran Services

Effective today, October 9, 2024, the Linn County Veteran Affairs Department has officially changed its name to Linn County Veteran Services.

Why the Name Change

The primary reason for the name change is to reduce confusion and frustration among veterans and their dependents who think Linn County Veteran Affairs is affiliated with or is the same as the federal and state Veteran Affairs departments and services. The name change also puts the emphasis on services for veterans, which is what the department provides to veterans and their families.

"The name change reflects our ongoing commitment to focusing on the needs and concerns of Linn County veterans," Linn County Veteran Services Director Dustin Peterson said. "We've seen an uptick in veterans calling our office requesting to change their medical appointments or access other information that is managed by the state and federal government, and we cannot access those appointments or help them. It's frustrating for them and for us. Our goal with the name change is to reduce the confusion between our county-level services and those offered by the state and federal veterans' programs."

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the name change during its formal meeting today.

"We want our veterans to know that the name is the only thing that's changing - Linn County veterans will continue to receive the same exceptional service and professionalism they've come to expect from Linn County," Peterson said.

About Linn County Veteran Services

Linn County Veteran Services helps veterans, their dependents, and survivors apply for federal, state, and local benefits. The staff of accredited County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) act as advocates who share an understanding of the veteran's service and their needs and works with the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations to help veterans and their eligible family members receive the maximum benefits they have rightfully earned.

One in four Linn County veterans are connected to federal benefits that result in $6.2 million in federal funding coming to Linn County each month as a result of working with Linn County's Veteran Services Department.

All services are provided free of charge.

Veterans should make an appointment before visiting Linn County Veteran Services to ensure each veteran brings the appropriate paperwork and documentation needed for services, potentially saving an extra trip to our office.

Visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/Veteran for a full list of services provided by Linn County and to sign up for the Veteran Services quarterly eNewsletter.

Questions & Appointments

For questions or to make an appointment, contact Linn County Veteran Services at 319-892-5160 or email Veteran Services staff.

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