When it comes to making a positive impact for residents, the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services stands at the ready every day.

This National County Government Month, we are proud to celebrate GCDVS for the extraordinary work they do every day to serve Genesee County veterans and their families with compassion, professionalism, and a level of customer amazement that sets the standard for public service.

More than 23,000 veterans call Genesee County home. GCDVS is here to make sure they are supported and connected to the benefits and services they have earned through their service to our country.

That work is powerful.

Lauren Thompson, who has served as the Partnerships and Communication Specialist for GCDVS for three years, has seen firsthand the transformative impact of their work with veterans and their families.

“I love connecting with the public and letting the community know all of the great things GCDVS has to offer to veterans and their families,” Thompson said. “Our programs and resources are changing lives.” 

With six VA-accredited Veteran Service Officers on staff, GCDVS helps veterans access disability compensation, pensions, health care enrollment, military records, and other critical benefits. The department also provides support with emergency assistance, transportation coordination, burial reimbursement, community referrals, and connections to trusted partners who help veterans and their families move forward with confidence.

One of the major challenges for many veterans is navigating the large and often overwhelming Veterans Affairs system for access to benefits. This type of support is offered every day at GCDVS.

In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, direct and indirect VA expenditures in Genesee County totaled more than $254 million. That means real dollars coming into our community, helping stabilize families, improving access to care, and strengthening the local economy.

“We are proud of the role that we play in ensuring veterans in our community who need support don’t have to go it alone,” said Derrick Britton, retired Lt. Colonel of the Michigan Air National Guard and Director of GCDVS. “My staff is honored to serve in this role, and we are all grateful to the residents of our great county for supporting it.”

The work of GCDVS is funded largely by the Genesee County Veterans Services Millage, which was proposed in 2012 to provide support and assistance to veterans of active United States military service and their dependents. The millage was last renewed in 2022. Their work is also supported by local, state, federal, and non-profit grants. 

Importantly, the work of GCDVS aligns with the priorities of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. They help build Healthy, Livable and Safe Communities by connecting veterans to health care, counseling, transportation, and emergency support.

They advance Community and Economic Growth by bringing resources into Genesee County and helping veterans access education, rehabilitation, and support that create long-term opportunity.

And they champion an Inclusive, Collaborative Culture through strong partnerships, referrals, outreach, and events like the annual Resource Rally, which brings together dozens of organizations in support of local veterans and their families. This year’s Rally will be held from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on September 13. The event will be held at Elms Park in Swartz Creek.

This is what effective county government looks like — in other words, more like community service than government.

“The work of the GCDVS reflects the very best of our organization,” said Dale K. Weighill, Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. “Ensuring that our veteran residents and their families receive the respect and support they deserve is the mission of Derrick and his team, and they are fully committed to it.”

GCDVS goes out of its way not only to serve those who served, but to make every interaction count. Their team delivers more than assistance. They deliver dignity, trust, responsiveness, and care.

That is the kind of work that strengthens communities and makes a lasting difference.

And that is why, during National County Government Month, we are proud to recognize the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services for helping fulfill our common purpose: making a positive impact for the residents of Genesee County.