Location
Courthouse

Department Head
Clifton M. Sorenson, Veterans Service Officer, LPC
715-839-4744
veterans@co.eau-claire.wi.us

Employees - 3

History of Department
Veterans Service Offices in Wisconsin were established in 1935 to assist veterans of World War One.  The departments' services now assist all former military veterans, dependents and survivors of veterans of all war and peacetime periods.  This is a mandatory service and there is a Veterans Service Office in each of the 72 counties in Wisconsin.The Eau Claire County Veterans Service Office was established in 1938 with the election of its first Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).  The CVSO must be a veteran with honorable service who meets the requirements of Wisconsin state statutes.

Mission Statement / Departmental Purpose
Our office exists to advise and assist veterans and their families to obtain all benefits and services for which they may be eligible.  Applications and eligibility determinations are made for (but not limited to) the following:  home loans, grants, personal loans, compensation, pension, education, VA hospital and outpatient clinics, medical and dental treatment, death and burial benefits and grave markers. Our mission is to provide quality and responsive services and programs to our veterans, dependents and survivors in a compassionate way with a focus toward improving the access to health services, economic security and safety.  This is done in a cost effective manner through innovation and leadership.

Education and Training Required of Employees
The Veterans Service Officer:  The CVSO must be a veteran who meets the requirements of Wisconsin State Statutes 45.80.  The CVSO shall be a Wisconsin resident who served on active duty under honorable conditions in the U.S. armed forces and meets all other statutory requirements. It is desirable that the CVSO be a college graduate with a background in counseling.  This is a position that requires administrative background, training and experience and the ability to apply technical, medical, mental health and legal skills to all aspects of the job.  On-going, extensive training is required.   
Staff:  The office employs an Office Assistant Five who serves as the Veterans Benefits Specialist.  This is a very technical position and must have extensive and continual training in the fields of veterans' benefits, medical and mental health issues.  Also, an Office Assistant One serves as a receptionist and provides clerical support to the office.

Topics Department Personnel Can Speak About
Clif Sorenson, Eau Claire County's Veterans Service Officer, can speak on veterans' contributions to the quality of life we enjoy today; veterans' legacy, flag etiquette; veterans' medical and mental health issues; service connected disability compensation; education benefits; homeless veterans; incarcerated veterans; home loans; other federal, state and county benefits and programs for veterans, dependents and survivors; the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and out-patient clinics; veterans' federal and state cemeteries and burial benefits; the Veterans Service Commission and other topics related to the military experience.

Available Speakers
Clifton M. Sorenson, Veterans Service Officer