Joshua Matticks, Executive Director of the Delaware Office of Veterans Services discussed their programming, working with the state commission to support and advocate for Delaware Veterans. We began with a discussion of vet retention, while there many active duty and guard assigned to the state, we are not keeping them after they leave the service denying us a great commodity. He noted that Delaware has just passed legislation that will cut property taxes for disabled vets and will eventually exempt pensions from taxation, putting us on an equal footing with the surrounding states. Vets are a highly desirable workforce, and the state is making serious efforts to make us a competitor for them.
He discussed the service his office provides, they can locate benefits and entitlements for vets and their families, including medical, housing and educational and they can help with finding the documentation vets need to apply. We discussed the Veterans Trust Fund, an emergency grant service that can help vets with anything from a bus pass to a car repair, a utility bill or a security deposit. This trust is funded by events such as the annual golf outing, 5K and their gala dinner.
We discussed honoring and remembering our veterans, through the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony to Wreath Across America Day. This year on December 17th volunteers will place wreaths on the graves at the two Delaware National Cemeteries, in Bear and in Millsboro. Donations sponsor the wreaths, just $15 per wreath, at WreathAcrossAmerica.org. Josh noted that this is the time where we all can honor and remember our veterans and teach the next generations about their sacrifices. The day is free and open to the public, he invites all to attend .
For more information about the Office for veteran Affairs go to VETS.Delaware.gov