Local Veterans seeking everything from disability compensation and health care to vocational training and pensions will be working with a U.S. Army veteran now that Snowmass resident Janine Barth has filled the position of Veterans Services Officer (VSO) in Pitkin County. Barth takes over from Scott Ring, who vacated the post in September, 2016.
Barth is a 6 - year U.S. Army Veteran, and has been an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1991, having held numerous leadership posts within that organization. She has been on all sides of the veteran family as a soldier, a spouse and a mother: her husband is an Army Veteran of the Gulf War and her son is an Army National Guard veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
“I have spent many hours volunteering for veterans and am looking forward to assisting the veterans of Pitkin County in this capacity,” Barth said.
The purpose of a VSO is to assist veterans and their surviving spouses and families with filing benefit claims for insurance, pensions, compensation for disability, health care, vocational training, or any other benefits which the veteran or other individual may be entitled to receive. VSOs serve as advocates for the client in attempting to maximize the amount of federal veterans’ benefits they receive. VSOs also assist clients in accessing supportive services through a variety of local organizations. The VSO works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, external entities, and the public in delivering effective and innovative services.
Barth will work closely with the new VSO just in in Garfield County, Greg Bak, and with Pat Hammon, experienced VSO in Eagle County, as well as with members of the Western Slope Veterans’ Coalition, to continue to build a network of support for veterans in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Valley.
The Veterans Service Office is located in the Pitkin County Human Services Building at 0405 Castle Creek Road in Aspen. She is available for appointments and can be reached at 970-429-6115 or janine.barth@pitkincounty.com.