Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Julie Shrock started her new position as Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for Eddy County in December. Her office is located in the Social Service building at 22- 9th Street South, New Rockford.
Local veterans in Eddy County have a new veterans service officer (VSO) fighting on their behalf.
Julie Shrock, a native of New Rockford and a wartime veteran herself, is the new VSO for Eddy County, replacing Kathy Steinbach who had previously held the position since June 2019.
After joining the N.D. National Guard while still attending high school in 1985, and later with the Army until 1996, Shrock proudly served her country both overseas and stateside. Since then, she's worked in the educational system while stationed in Colorado, as both a preschool director and then as a QRIS (quality rating and improvement system) Director Coach.
As QRIS Director Coach, Shrock conducted coaching for Colorado's teachers and staff, and evaluated programs to put quality improvement plans in place which help schools best serve their students. Now, she's excited to fight for those who risked their lives for our country, in the place where it all began.
"It's home," said Shrock, when asked why she returned to New Rockford. "It was always part of the plan to come back home. ... I'm looking forward to the opportunity to give back to all those who have served."
As the VSO for Eddy County, Shrock will act as a liaison between veterans and their families as they work to obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
"Basically the [VSO] can take care of veterans' needs from the date of discharge until the date of death," Shrock explained. "In many cases, a service officer provides assistance to eligible dependents long after the veteran passes."
Some of Shrock's responsibilities include assisting veterans file service-connected disability claims, non-service-connected pension benefits, and rehabilitation VA home loans. She will also assist veterans obtain healthcare, education, insurance and burial benefits.
"The ultimate job of a veterans service officer is to simplify what can be a very complex undertaking of obtaining eligible benefits from the veterans administration," Shrock added. "As a veteran you served your country honorably and your local [VSO] wants to say thank you by ensuring you obtain all of the benefits ... you or your family members are eligible and entitled to."
If you're a veteran in Eddy County and aren't sure what benefits might be available to you and your family, be sure to call the Eddy County Veterans Service Office at (701) 947-5314, extension 0, to schedule an appointment. Shrock will be in her office, located at the social services building on 22, 9th Street South, on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"I have a 'heart for service' and a desire to make a difference by providing support that empowers others," Shrock said. "All veterans need to know there is someone out there still fighting for them, like they fought for us."
