Veterans service office opens in Kokomo; DAV honored for efforts at Howard County Stand Down

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Howard County is known for having the largest population of military veterans, per capita, in the nation. But those veterans have been forced to travel to hours to receive services from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). That all changed this month as a new Veterans Center Community Access Point opened on the south side of Kokomo.

The announcement was celebrated at the annual Howard County Stand Down event on Nov. 5, where 70 vendors and service provides gathered at the United Auto Workers Local 685 union hall to serve local veterans. At the same event, DAV Chapter 28 was given a Community Service award at the Stand Down for its work in making the access point a reality.

“Today, veterans can connect with benefits and assistance with housing resources, employment opportunities, healthcare support, and other services that can make a real difference in their quality of life”, said Peggy Johnson, DAV National Service Office Supervisor. “Congratulations on the establishment of the new VA Vet Center Community Access Point right here in Kokomo!

“The Vet Center provides vital counseling, readjustment service, and support for veterans and their families, helping them navigate life changes and find pathways toward healing. The need was recognized, and under the leadership of Commander Ross Havrick, people came together, and most importantly, action was taken.”

Havrick addressed the overflow crowd at the Stand Down to express his pleasure with the new Vet Center. A former field artillery soldier, Havrick explained that he has had to seek services away from Howard County. He receives counseling in South Bend and has to connect via the internet for other service. That all is about to change.

“I began asking myself, if I’m making that drive, how many veterans across North Central Indiana are doing the same?” said Havrick. “And then came the harder question: How many aren’t? How many postpone an appointment because of distance, transportation, and cost” Asking for help can be difficult enough. Getting that help shouldn’t be another battle.”

Havrick began searching for a solution last December. He helped launch the North Central Indiana Regional Vet Center Feasibility Assessment. The study analyzed 17 counties, encompassing nearly 46,000 veterans. It found that veterans in nine counties have to travel more than an hour away from home to access services.

The assessment concluded in May, and DAV Chapter 28 took action. Working with the veterans’ center in Fort Wayne, and agreement was reached to expand service to Kokomo. The result was the establishment of the Veterans Center Community Access Point, located at 3706 S. Lafountain St., which is now open.

“I cannot think of a more meaningful way to honor our veterans than through the work being done here today,” said Johnson. “Honoring veterans is about more than remembering their service; it’s about recognizing that their needs do not end when their military service ends.

“For more than a century, DAV has remained steadfast in our commitment to serving America’s veterans, providing life-changing support, and keeping our promises to those who serve. We’re an organization of us, by us, for us, and today, right here in Howard County, we are witnessing what keeps that promise. Let us continue to turn toward gratitude into action, promise into progress, and appreciation into lasting service.”

Havrick used an analogy from his time in the service to explain where DAV Chapter 28 sits in the process of enhancing access to service for local veterans. Though the service center is open, there is more work to be done.

“I want to borrow two words from my field artillery days: Rounds complete,” said Havrick. “In the artillery world, when you’re running a mission, ‘Rounds complete’ does not mean the end of the mission. ‘Rounds complete’ means it is the end of the action. What we do from there is observe, adjust fire, redirect. We get back on course until the mission is complete.

“Our work has created an opportunity for this community. I tell you now, rounds are complete. The first objective has been reached. Veterans can now seek appointments from the Vet Center Services here at Kokomo.”

The VA Vet Center Community Access Point is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 260-460-1456.