An honor guard standing in support of a veteran’s family at a national cemetery is a familiar sight. Such funeral rituals are performed countless times each year and are top of mind for many people as the nation celebrates Memorial Day, a holiday that honors Americans who died while serving in the armed forces. But as the number of U.S. veterans dwindles, finding people to perform these funeral honors is increasingly difficult.
It’s one area where the Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission can help. Executive Director Jon Reiss recently told Signal Cleveland that his agency, which provides a variety of services, also works to help veterans “engage in whatever ways make them feel comfortable.”
That could be serving in an honor guard at burials at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, southwest of Akron, or in other ways.
“We’ll show up wherever we can,” Reiss said.
Cleveland Documenter Bilal Hakeem has more from the May 7 Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission meeting, including:
- Discussion of transportation options for veterans to get to medical appointments
- Members have asked city and county officials to attend their meetings
Through the commission, veterans have helped out at Front Steps Services, a nonprofit on West 25th Street that provides permanent supportive housing and social services to people struggling with homelessness. Typically there are eight to 10 veterans in the building, said Matthew Anderson, development director. They have enjoyed meeting with VSC volunteers and learning about benefits they can tap into.
“The commission is a great resource for veterans,” Anderson said.
Opportunities for younger vets
Reiss, a veteran himself (he served in the Army from 2005 to 2009), said the commission is working to engage younger vets. In the 20th century, many people who had served in the military joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and similar organizations that provided fellowship, a sense of belonging. But people who served more recently are less likely to connect to that sort of group, Reiss said.
“It’s a generational thing.”
Cuyahoga County has 67,000 veterans, Reiss said, the vast majority of them from the Vietnam era or before. (The United States ended the draft in 1973 and transitioned to a smaller, all-volunteer force.)
The commission has created community service opportunities such as planting flowers at schools and other community spaces.
“These are short bursts of time that allow veterans to engage and provide value to the community. The commission is saying, ‘Let’s figure out something that is meaningful to you.’”
Helping with unexpected hardships
The main job for VSC staff members is helping honorably discharged veterans, their spouses and their minor children navigate the services and programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Ohio has veterans commissions in each of its 88 counties, funded by property taxes. Each works to engage veterans in a variety of ways. In Akron, a touchscreen information kiosk unveiled at the beginning of the year is already seeing strong use, and officials from the Summit County VSC are hoping others will adopt the technology.
The Cuyahoga County agency, formed in 1886, provides direct financial assistance to veterans encountering unexpected hardships. It can help with emergencies related to:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Food
- Clothing
- Hygiene products
- Home repairs
- Car repairs
- Moving
- Bed bug remediation
It also provides RTA passes veterans can use to get to medical appointments.
“We have a robust outreach program,” Reiss said, adding that the commission also offers workforce development assistance and provides case management services, including for veterans who go in and out of homelessness.
To reach the Cuyahoga County VSC, go here or call 216-698-2600 or 866-915-8387.
