Good day, Union County. I would like to introduce myself. I’m Byron

Whipple, the county veterans service officer. I am a veteran. I served

22 years in the Navy and am a retired master chief petty officer.

I’d like to start off by saying all veterans need to give me a call

or stop by and see me. There are programs and benefits out there that

you may not be taking advantage of simply because you are not aware of

what is available.

I will be writing a series of columns every other week that describe the benefits available and the prerequisites you need to obtain these.

I’m starting with pensions. Pensions are intended to help veterans support themselves adequately due to monetary sacrifices made while they served their country during times of war. A pension is a needs-based program. If you are a single veteran who makes less than $11,830 a year, are over 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled, have a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable, have assets that are worth less than $80,000 (not counting the home you live in) and served during a period of war, you may be eligible for an improved pension.

These periods are as follows. WWII, December 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946; Korea, June 27, 1950, through Jan. 31, 1955; Vietnam, Aug. 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975; and Persian Gulf, Aug. 2, 1990, to present.

This is a highly simplified version of the improved pension. The pension is also available to widows and widowers whose spouses served during the above conflicts who meet the above criteria. For example, if you meet the above criteria and receive $600 a month in Social Security, I can request for you a pension that would get you an additional $386 monthly ($600 + $386 = $986 x 12 = $11,832). If you are married, have dependents, or have certain special needs, the yearly amount increases.

Call me for additional information or to set up an appointment, 541-962-8802.

My office is at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave., in La Grande.

Byron Whipple is Union County’s veterans service officer.