Veterans may not know what they’re missing

Portland State currently houses the first permanent veterans services officer in the Oregon University System. Ron Kincaid, the new VSO, expects to spend about 75 percent of his time on campus at Portland State.

Kincaid services approximately 141,952 veterans the largest region—Region One—in Oregon, which encompasses the Portland metropolitan area, east to the Columbia Gorge and west to Astoria and Tillamook.

Although there was a pilot program one year ago at Portland State, this program is more structured and permanent, Kincaid said.

Currently a civilian, Kincaid served in the first gulf war as a Navy corpsman medic with the Marine Corps as he completed four years of active and four years of inactive duty.

Kincaid has helped veterans from World War I to the present for the last 15 years.

“I will assist with all benefits that are available to veterans, including education, compensation, in-service injuries or illness,” Kincaid said. “If a veteran comes in with a bullet wound they are having trouble with, I would assist them with their claim.”

Kincaid said if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs denies a claim, he could assist with appeals.
Kincaid went on to explain how veterans could be missing out on their benefits.

“A lot of veterans in Oregon do not know that they have benefits,” Kincaid said.

Sometimes benefits are available to dependents of veterans. A housing stipend can be transferable to dependents under certain conditions, Kincaid said.

VA benefits include loan guarantees, and state benefits have home loan program and education assistance, Kincaid said.

“I expect a big influx of veterans coming here because of the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill,” Kincaid said. “It is the best G.I. bill since post World War II.”

Kevin Hershey, president of the Student Veteran Association, is excited to have a VSO on campus.

“He is an immediate contact,” Hershey said. “Having a VSO really reduces the amount of stress a veteran might be experiencing. Before, if somebody came to me with an issue, I would point them toward the VA Hospital or the federal building because I am not equipped to handle specific situations.”

Now, many situations can be taken care of without the student leaving campus, Kincaid said.

Hershey said Robert Hindahl, veterans certification officer, is a big help, but he is limited to finances in the scholastic realm.

All vets and friends or family members are encouraged to stop by Kincaid’s office.

“I will not turn away a vet’s dependent or someone that is trying to assist a veteran,” Kincaid said.