DALE SPAIN OF HEARTS AND HOMES WITH VOG’S RANDY SWANSON
Lee County Veterans Services representative Ron Belcher was the guest speaker at the Veterans of the Glen February meeting. Belcher, a former Marine, has devoted his civilian life to encouraging veterans to apply for all the government benefits they qualify for. His primary focus is on the Viet Nam veterans.
Belcher said the need to reach out to and to inform Viet Nam veterans is greater because these former service men and women have characteristically been reluctant to apply. He explained that because of the ill treatment and overall disdain Viet Nam vets faced when they returned, many preferred to keep a low profile and did not pursue the benefits.
Belcher urged VOG members to apply for disability ratings and to apply for as many benefits they qualify for. He said the information they need is in va.gov. He distributed forms to be used as a first step in the application process and empathized the importance of including all service-related ailments and the “aggravated by…” ones as well.
Belcher suggested the VOG was an ideal organization for members to help each other learn about and apply for veterans’ benefits. He also holds classes on applying for military benefits at Good Shepherd Methodist Church and All Souls Episcopal Church.
After discussing plans for the November 11, 2026, Veterans Day Dinner Dance and the season-closing picnic in April, Vice President John Bierle introduced Dale Spain from Hearts and Homes. VOG Treasurer Randy Swanson presented him with a check to Hearts and Homes, an organization serving veterans the VOG is proud to support.
