Hamilton County veterans service office sees surge in demand

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Hamilton County’s new veterans service office is open and already overwhelmed with demand.

The new facility eases parking issues, which was a problem for veterans in the past. With its new central location in the county, officials say the phones are ringing off the hook.

The facility already runs two transport vehicles to get veterans to appointments, and a third is on the way.

“Our ridership is up more. Veterans are calling for us to take them to the VA,” said Lincoln Ware.

Ware, a local radio star and veteran, says the central location, with more than a thousand free parking spaces, is a game-changer.

“You may have benefits coming that you don’t even know about,” Ware said.

Executive director Glenn Welling says they’re seeing twice as many veterans as before, but with 37,000 veterans in Hamilton County, there’s still work to do.

“Connecting with those that have a similar experience...one of the best ways to improve our social, mental health, physical health is to engage with our fellow veterans,” Welling said.

Welling says their goal by 2030 is to become the number one veterans service office in the state.

Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission and Hamilton County Commissioners will announce details on Thursday about the third annual Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day. The details will be announced at 1 p.m. at TQL Stadium.

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