CVSO Shrock pursues funding for veterans

Julie Shrock has only been the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for Eddy County since December 2021, but as she told county commissioners at their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 1, she’s already hard at work delivering opportunities for local veterans.

Shrock, a wartime veteran herself, began by telling commissioners that she made 21 house visits to mostly home-bound veterans in January and February. During those visits, she introduced herself and gifted veterans plush American flag blankets courtesy of the New Rockford Lions Club.

“It was very touching I will tell you,” Shrock told commissioners “... it was really, really nice. A couple folks brought me to tears, and they were so happy to have company, so happy to have the gift, it was really a nice experience.”

Shrock then detailed some of the work she’s conducted during the last few months, much of which has centered around getting an accurate count for the number of veterans in Eddy County.

An accurate count is particularly important, according to Shrock, because of the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which is currently working its way through Congress in Washington D.C.

The bill was recently reintroduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, and would offer federal funding for CVSOs (County Veterans Service Officers) for the first time, authorizing $50 million dollars annually for five years.

A policy brief from the National Association of Counties argues, “Though CVSOs primary focus is helping veterans navigate the federal benefits system, these offices are currently funded almost entirely by counties, which creates challenges for areas with high demand or counties that serve veterans in rural areas.”

The policy brief goes on to explain that, under the bill, “The VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) would award competitive grants to CVSOs, through the states, to create, expand, or support CVSOs or similar local entities, prioritizing areas with high rates of veteran suicide, veteran crisis line referrals, or CVSO shortages.”

Shrock told commissioners the bill presents opportunities for Eddy County veterans, and identifying more veterans in Eddy County could expand federal funding opportunities.

In an effort to identify and celebrate veterans of Eddy County, Shrock also told commissioners that she’s working with the N.D. Trips Director of American Heroes in Action, who are sponsoring an all expenses paid fishing trip set for May 16-18.

The trip would be for three Eddy County military veterans: One veteran who’s a firefighter (who has already been identified), one veteran who works in law enforcement, and one additional military veteran of any occupation.

“The veterans will take off from Dolphin Island, Alabama, and stay on the boat for the whole fishing trip,” said Shrock. “The boat has beds, a bathroom with a shower, and a kitchen. The plan would be to get down there a day before and fly home the day after.”

Shrock will have a contact form in her office at the Social Services building in New Rockford for veterans to fill out and enter a drawing. She’s also considering other prizes for those who aren’t physically able to go, or who aren’t interested in fishing.

If you're a veteran in Eddy County and haven’t introduced yourself to your new VSO, feel free to give Shrock a call at (701) 947-5314 ext. 0, or drop by her office. She’s in her office most Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also discussed at the county commission meeting on Tuesday was the county’s lease for the Challenger tractor, which expires on June 1. Eddy County Road Superintendent Todd Weber discussed the value of the tractor with commissioners, and determined they’ll make a decision on whether or not to renew the lease in April.

Weber also gave commissioners an update on the proposed county shop for Sheyenne. According to Weber, the shop would cost $174,900, not including labor and concrete expenses.

Commissioners discussed completing the project in two phases, beginning this summer, which would allow them to avoid paying an engineer, so long as each phase costs less than $200,000. However, commissioners asked for a cost estimate for laying concrete before proceeding.

Before adjourning, commissioners also approved a joint powers agreement with the City of New Rockford for joint elections.