Akers ready to help area veterans navigate benefits

Franklin County veterans have a new local resource to help them manage their benefits.

As of the first of March, Adam Akers is the new Executive Director of Franklin County Veterans Affairs.

"Things are good," said Akers. "I feel like I am off to a good start as the new director here for Franklin County."

Since starting, Akers has been spending his time learning the role, organizing the office, and developing guidelines for his work.

Akers' job is to help area veterans navigate the bureaucracy of the veterans benefits system, aiding them with filling out paperwork and making sure it gets to the right place.

"If veterans, or any service member has a service connected disability, I can help get them qualified for veteran benefits," said Akers.

Franklin County is home to, as of 2019, at least 150 veterans receiving some kind of benefit. From retirement benefits to medical compensation, there are a wide range of benefits that those who have served may qualify for.

While veterans don't necessarily have to go through the Veterans Affairs office to get their benefits, Akers says that it's often helpful to have somebody that can make sure paperwork is submitted correctly the first time. Particularly due to the ever changing nature of procedures and benefits.

"It can be overwhelming for some because there's a lot of information to gather," said Akers. "The process changes all the time. Maybe a form changes or a benefit changes. It changes constantly in one area or another."

Akers is working on new ways to keep people educated on what services veterans may or may not be qualified for and what information is needed to apply.

The job is a good fit for Akers, who spent 22 years working in the National Guard, including eight years of fulltime work in various capacities.

"Looking back, the majority of that, especially on the full-time side, is taking care of soldiers," said Akers. "I look at this job in the same way. It's dealing with soldiers again and taking care of veterans and soldiers like I used to."

Akers has already begun working with some veterans in the area and hopes to meet many more as he grows into his new role.

"Veterans, new or old, whether they've been in this office or not, please don't be afraid to stop by or give me a call," said Akers. "I look forward to be an assistance to everyone."