Counseled veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries regarding all benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as non-VA benefits available through other organizations concerned with veterans.Routinely explained the full range of VA benefits and all related programs.Explained the types of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of claims and provide assistance in obtaining and completing such documents and forms based on the type of claim being submitted.Reviewed decisions made by the VA and communicate the reasons to the claimant for these decisions. Prepared technical correspondence to veterans and their dependents concerning benefits information, representation rights and responses to miscellaneous inquiries. Conducted patient interviews at the Dayton VAMC to initiate claims and explain VA benefits. Developed a network of relationships with state and private veterans' organizations to broaden the scope of outreach and increase community awareness of the role VA plays in being a resource to the veteran community.

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Provided Intensive Services to Disabled and Special Disabled Veterans as well as other Covered Persons in order to help secure employment in their desired field.Coordinated supportive services, job development contacts, and case management services to Disabled and Special Disabled Veterans as well as other Covered Persons. Developed job and job training opportunities for eligible Veterans through contact with small and medium-size employers as required by Title 38 and Public Law 107-288, Jobs for Veterans Act.Conducted outreach activities to community partners to locate eligible Veterans who could benefit from Intensive Services.Carried out other duties to help promote and develop entry-level and career job opportunities for Disabled Veterans, Special Disabled Veterans, and all other Covered Persons.

Helped veterans file for compensation, pension, and other federal, state, and local benefits that they are entitled to.Coordinated with local events to conduct public outreach on behalf of the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs to raise awareness about the services provided by the organization.Understood and maintained a working knowledge of 38 CFR, VCAA regulations,VBA regulations and procedures.

As a Case Manager for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a grant awarded by the Department of Veteran Affairs, it was my responsibility to work with homeless veterans and veterans at risk of being homeless to find and maintain housing stability.-Marketed and conducted program outreach activities to the veteran community-Determined eligibility of program applicants-Developed a housing stability plan that included how participants would fund their housing, utilities and food after the end of the programs financial assistance.-Established and maintained positive relationships with local landlords/property owners in order to provide housing for clients. -Ensured Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA guidelines were met for both the family and housing units

-Compiled background information on Presidential nominees for Committe review. -Tracked and reviewed the implementation of the Veterans Benefits Administration's Transition Operation Model, and reported the status of the inititative to staff members. -Compiled information regarding "fee-basis" care and reviewed testimony concerning new Veterans Health Administration programs such as Patient Centered Community Care (PC3).

-Interacted with constituents and ensured that their concerns were made known to the Congressman, evaluated written correspondences and processed constituent mail. -Attended hearings conducted by the House Veteran's Affairs Committee and the Invisible Wounds Caucus and reported the findings back to the Legislative Director.- Assisted the Legislative Director with tracking legislation on veterans' issues and drafting memos regarding issues important to veterans affairs.

-Mentored, trained, and managed approximately 15 individuals during my enlistment.-Provided feedback to my soldiers, established goals for them to achieve and created a plan for them to meet those goals.

-Held two leadership positions during enlistment, Infantry Team Leader and Lead Vehicle Commander. -Received an Honorable Discharge. Deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and 2008. -Engaged with local leaders to address problems involving municipalities and sectarian violence.-Was promoted to lead Vehicle Commander as a Private First Class (E-3), position typically held by a Sergeant (E-5). - As lead Vehicle Commander I was responsible for overseeing seven individuals, maintaining the fighting capabilities of our four Stryker ICV's, and coordinating directly with our Platoon Sergeant. In combat, I coordinated with dismounted personnel to complete various missions.-As a Team Leader, I managed three individuals during dismounted patrols to conduct such task as establishing security perimeters, engagement with the local populace, and assisting my leadership with gathering intelligence.-Assisted my squad leader with his duties by completing paperwork, providing suggestions for the execution of missions, and ensuring that my soldiers were equipped and ready to complete any task.