By Lauren Bertovich
November has arrived, the weather is cool and our hearts are warm. This is the time of year when we show our gratitude for all the wonderful people in our lives. It is important to think about our freedoms and the opportunities made available to us. It’s easy to become so busy that even the little things are often taken for granted. Before we become preoccupied with the holiday season, let us take the time to recognize the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that every American citizen may live in this country with unlimited possibilities. It is time to give thanks and praise to our veterans.
When a young woman or man enters the military, the life and person they have always known will be forever changed. Becoming a soldier means becoming a defender and it finds unknown discipline within each person. It can be unfortunate that no matter the strength or determination, injuries do happen. Whether they’re mental or physical, it is vital to know help is available to our veterans in need.
Kathy Cipcic is the Director of Veteran’s Affairs and also a State and National Certified Veteran’s Officer. She works closely with her administrative assistant, Renee Imhoff, also a State Certified Veteran’s Officer, to ensure that our local veterans receive the benefits, services and assistance they need to live a fulfilling life. This can include but is not limited to, obtaining specific documentation and certifications to transporting veterans to medical appointments and facilities. When a veteran is in need of mental health treatment, the office will contact the appropriate agencies and help the veteran receive the appropriate treatment.
The office assisted a single mother veteran who was having financial difficulties during the holidays. Employees from SCI Greene went above and beyond to ensure she would not have to struggle to buy gifts and even helped with groceries and other items throughout the year. Kathy and Renee also work with local elementary schools to collect food, blankets, and send letters and colored pictures to veterans in hospitals.
Kathy describes their list of services as ultimately limitless. The will do anything in their power to help a veterans with teir issues. She speaks passionately about the times they must help the families when a veteran passes away. “It really can be a lot for a family to deal with. We try to do as much as we can to make this process easier for a grieving family. Sometimes that means making sure all documentation is in order, contacting funeral homes, and so on. Being able to offer any type of help is comforting to a family in bereavement, it is an inexplicable feeling.”
Make sure you come out to support these wonderful women and all of the veterans they represent this month at the Veterans Day Parade. It will be featuring different organizations from Greene county including different Boy and Girl Scout Troops, pageant queens and marching bands from various school districts. The Veteran’s Day Parade will begin approximately 10:45am on November 9th, 2019. If you are or know a veteran and are in need of service or any type of assistance, please contact the Greene County Office of Veteran’s Affairs located on 93 East High Street, Room B2, Waynesburg, Pa, 15370, 724-852-5275.
