MVAA hosts third annual statewide Veteran Service Officer Conference

More than 100 veteran service officers from around the state gathered to learn how to better serve Michigan's more than 486,000 veterans

ACME, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) hosted the third Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Conference from Tuesday, March 24-26, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. This annual conference brings together VSOs from around the state to learn how to best impact the lives of veterans and their families in their communities. More than 100 attendees from across the state learned from speakers from the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

A VSO is a subject matter expert trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that guides veterans and their families through the process of applying for VA benefits. These specially trained professionals also provide veterans and their families with additional information for available federal, state and local resources.

"The VSOs located in communities around the state are the front line professional for filing claims and navigating a complex benefits system for Michigan's more than 486,000 veterans and their families," said Lexis Jones, MVAA strategic outreach director. "It is vital that each VSO in Michigan has the latest information and training to provide consistent and effective support for the veterans they come in contact with on a daily basis."

VSOs play a critical role in supporting veterans and their families. Veterans often face extensive paperwork and VSOs help them navigate complex systems by providing expert guidance on eligible benefits and services. These veteran advocates work to ensure that every veteran they connect with receives the benefits they earned while proudly serving our country.

To find a VSO in your area, visit Michigan.gov/VSO.

If you are a service member or veteran or the family member and need support, please contact the Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to learn more about veteran benefits and resources.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.