Being an Effective Post Service Officer

Who is the most important member of the Post? Commander

Who is the most important member of the Post? Adjutant

Who is the most important member of the Post? Bartender

Who is the most important member of the Post? Service Officer

Why The American Legion’s post service officer (PSO) is a volunteer position within an individual post. A PSO serves as a link between the veteran or dependent and a representative holding American Legion accreditation. An effective PSO understands benefits afforded to veterans and dependents; however, the PSO is not authorized to file any claims on behalf of the claimant. PSO’s serve as valuable resources to veterans in local posts to ensure that our veterans and their dependents receive their earned benefits.

Get Involved Expectations of a PSO PSO’s perception of the Post largely defines the Post’s image to most veterans in the area Be outgoing Be personable Re-enforce the Posts responsibility to the veterans and children of its community Re-enforce the Values of the American Legion Get Involved

Duties and Responsibilities Claims Outreach Healthcare Resources Post Service Officer

Duties and Responsibilities Veterans Military Families Community Active Military Post Service Officer

Legal Liabilities Prohibition on the Solicitation of a FEE for Service Always Maintain Confidentiality PSO’s should NEVER Guess Answers PSO’s are NOT expected to Know Answers. But they are expected to know WHERE to get answers Maintain a Reputation of Honesty and Integrity Know your local resources Know your local accredited Service Officer

Legal Liabilities To assist members of the Post, their widows and orphans and other worthy cases brought forward in obtaining rightful benefits from federal and state governments Contact point for the proper forms and the assembling evidence to be forwarded to a Department Service Officer (not obtaining evidence) Work shall be performed in accordance with The American Legion Guide for Post Service Officers with supervision from  the Department Service Officer. NOT bonded like a Department Service Officer and can be personally sued for giving incorrect claim advise

Post Service Officer In naming the Post Service Officer (PSO), each post creates the most vital link in the nationwide network of American Legion service to America’s veterans. Through the PSO, the post can provide your community with a unique service that will benefit not just veteran’s and their dependents but also the community and the American Legion as a whole.

Claims Each PSO should have the Detroit Main Office number memorized (313) 964-6640. Service Records Education CH31 & CH35 Disability Compensation Pension Compensation Burial Benefits

Claims What makes you effective? Know the answers to general question Know where to get forms Know where to get the checklist's Know how to get the claimant in contact with a Department Service Officer Know your County Service Officer’s contact information

Outreach Clothing Housing VA Home Loans American Legion Charities Post Fundraising Food Drives Work with your community to honor veterans and active duty military for their sacrifices

Outreach What makes you effective? Know the Resources available in your area Be outgoing Don’t be afraid to network/speak with people Get your contact information out there Be accessible to more than just the Post Get out and aske the questions “Under what circumstances would I recommend a claimant to you for serivces”

Healthcare VA Health Care Registration CHAMPVA HISA Grants PTSD Clinics

Healthcare What makes you effective? Know where to get the 10-10 forms Know where to have the claimants turn in the 10-10 forms Understand the basic eligibility for healthcare both for veterans and their dependents Know the transportation options in your area to assist claimant in obtaining healthcare

Resources Food Banks Temporary Financial Assistance Service Organizations Educational Benefits Employment Assistance Look for other ways to support veterans and military families in need

Resources What makes you effective? Know the area V-Cat Coordinator Network with the County Veterans office in your area Drive around your town and locate the available resources like Food Banks and Employment offices Know your contact information for submitting a TFA

PSO Report

Interactions Within the Post Know what Committees are in your Post Make Yourself Known in your Post Work with the Chaplain Work with the Auxiliary Work with District Service Officer Work with Department Service Officer Above all else be Involved in your Post and your community

Questions ? This presentation can be printed from the following URL: http://www.michiganlegion.org/pso-school.html