Derrick Britton and his staff at Genesee County’s Department of Veterans Services (GCDVS) know their audience. Half of Britton’s staff served in the Armed Forces, and the other half have family members who served or are currently serving. All know intimately the needs that exist among veterans and their families across Genesee County.

Their mission, like that of every other department serving the residents of Genesee County, is simple: Make a positive impact.

And so, it should be no surprise that the GCDVS earned the Veteran Service Provider of the Year Award from the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This award is given to a County Veterans Affairs Office or Veteran Service Organization with notable community impact.

Impact, in this context, is all about connecting veterans and their families to benefits, employment, education, healthcare, quality of life and innovative programming.

“We understand that when interacting with veterans, we are not simply processing paperwork, answering phones, or helping people navigate government programs,” said Britton, Britton, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Michigan Air National Guard. “We’re serving men and women who have already answered a call to serve our country. It’s our duty and responsibility to make sure they and their families receive the support, benefits, and resources they have earned.”

It’s more than a job for his staff, and it shows in the care that they offer to everyone they serve.

Britton says one of the secrets to the success of GCDVS is embedded in military service culture. At its core are patriotism, responsibility, hard work, and discipline.

“We are not alone in the business of helping veterans,” he said. “We’ve worked to strengthen community advocacy for veterans in the county by partnering with any entity that supports veterans. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Britton said in communities that don’t have a visible military presence, like a camp or a base, it’s a unique challenge to keep the needs of veterans in the forefront of the public’s mind. He said it takes a lot of collaboration to ensure the level of service we offer our veterans is at the highest level.

“I’m extremely grateful for the partnerships we’ve built for reaching veterans throughout the county,” he said.

If you or someone you know needs veterans services, please contact GCDVS at 810-230-3068 or by email at v@geneseecountymi.gov. GCDVS is supported through the generous support of Genesee County’s Veterans Millage.