Securing pension, disability and other benefits have long-been the focus of the Lackawanna County Office of Veterans Affairs. Under the leadership of director Robert Tuffy, the office has helped veterans and their families in Lackawanna County secure millions of dollars in benefits that they have earned through their service to our nation.
The Lackawanna County Commissioners are pleased to report that during the 2013-2014 program year, the Department of Veterans Affairs has hit an all-time yearly high of $3.4 million in benefits to help Lackawanna County’s 28,000 veterans who have given so much to our country. Having already surpassed the $2.9 million obtained last fiscal year, the department hopes to receive $4 million in benefits before the current year ends. The 2013-2014 total ranks Lackawanna County as the seventh-leading county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in terms of overall funds collected for veterans during the fiscal year.
“The good work done by our Department of Veterans Affairs makes an impact every day in the lives of those who have served our nation,” said Commissioner Jim Wansacz. “Each new milestone set by the office shows their tireless commitment to serving our veterans.”
“Helping our veterans to access the benefits they have earned has been a top priority of Lackawanna County government,” Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien said of the milestone. “Our veterans affairs staff is constantly reaching new milestones in this critical area.”
“We owe our freedom as Americans to our veterans, and helping them obtain their benefits is an honor for our veterans affairs department,” said Commissioner Patrick O’Malley. “We are proud of the great work our veterans affairs department performs in assisting our veterans in a variety of areas.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to helping our veterans and their families with whatever they need in the way of general support, advocacy, research and medical information. The mission of the office is to serve our veterans in the most convenient and respectful way possible.
The staff’s outreach representatives will visit veterans’ homes, if necessary, along with scheduling appointments at local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or private residences to discuss what veterans and their families need.
The Veterans Affairs Office is open from Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM and is located on the third floor of The Scranton Electric Building, 507 Linden Street, Scranton. The staff includes: veterans service officers Anissa Akulonis and Dave Eisele and office assistant Steuart Bailey. The office telephone number is 570-963-6778.
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