Smith appointed as county veterans service officer

Covite Tony Smith is the county’s newest veterans service officer in Coryell County, and along with Mark Shelton, will be helping local veterans connect to vital services that are available to him. Smith was appointed to the volunteer position by the Coryell County commissioners court on Wednesday morning. “The appointment of Tony Smith as a Coryell County Veterans Service Officer is needed for the County to be able to better serve the veterans of Coryell County,” said Coryell County judge John Firth. “Tony is dedicated to help veterans and will provide a needed focus in providing that support.” In his role as a VSO, Smith will be designated to serve veterans in the Copperas Cove area and southern regions of Coryell County. Shelton, Smith’s counterpart on the north side of the county, became a certified facilitator via Bring Everyone in the Zone in 2014. Shelton assists veterans with filing their VA claims and helps veterans get plugged into resources with groups such as the Texas Veterans Commission, the Center for Military and Veterans’ Health, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Smith entered the army in 1979 and served multiple tours overseas before retiring with 26 years of service at Fort Lewis Washington. Smith has called Copperas Cove home for 10 years where he lives with his wife Song Nam. He has nine children with four who have or are serving in the military. “I wanted to help other vets get the help they needed in their daily lives,” said Smith. “I want to help them answer the questions that the VA may be asking them. I want to help the vets get education and training to make sure all their burial and survivor benefits are done correctly.” Smith is available to help vets obtain their military records, housing, transportation and employment. “I was once one of those vets that was uninformed of what benefits were due to me for serving my country,” said Smith. “This is a free service to make sure all vets are properly informed.” Smith can be reached at 254 394 2091 as he works to set up a service office in Copperas Cove.