Legion Service Officer
Video / August 1, 2024
Transcript
If you're a serving or retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, we're here to help. The Royal Canadian Legion has friendly and experienced service officers across the country at every branch and provincial command and at our national headquarters. Service officers ensure you receive the physical or mental health support you need and guide your communication with Veterans Affairs Canada. Help is a phone call away.
I noticed over the course of the last few years some difficulty with my hearing and coming in to meet with the Legion Service Officer she gave me a great deal of confidence. It was very comfortable, easy conversation. I came to understand that it was tinnitus, and it was getting to a level that was actually interfering with my capacity to hear other things. I was entitled both to hearing aids, which I now have and I'm wearing now and also with a disability pension associated for that.
We help them by staying with them at every step of the process. They're never alone in any stage. The Legion supports armed forces and RCMP veterans and their families, including serving and retired members. Service officers can help you with emergency financial assistance, disability claim processing, transitioning to civilian life, and program referrals for physical and mental health and well-being.
I start off by sitting him down and making him at ease, asking him or her what I can do for them. And we're backing them up and they can go home feeling comfortable that something will take place. We want them to leave feeling positive.
Local branch service officers can complete a Legion Claims form, provide emergency assistance for essentials like housing and food, help you access veterans support and care programs offered through your branch, and refer you to a provincial or national headquarters service officer for additional help. Perhaps they need new hearing aids or dentures or assistance with their rent. Then we can provide financial assistance through the Poppy Fund. We have clients that are in their 20s and I have one client that's 100, so it's a broad range.
Provincial Service Officers can help with the disability claims process, provide emergency assistance for essentials, provide referrals for veteran support programs and resources, and refer you to a National Headquarters Service Officer if more assistance is required. We can assist with higher level appeals to the Veterans Review and Appeal Board. With the Veteran's consent, we can act as their representative.
National Headquarters Service Officers can walk you through the disability claims process, provide professional representation during reviews and appeals with the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, provide emergency assistance for essentials, and provide referrals for veteran support programs and resources.
When a veteran comes in, they can expect to be treated with dignity and confidentiality. We will walk them through every step of the process so they're not alone in having to deal with any paperwork or processes. A Legion service officer will make you feel comfortable, supported and heard.
I was a little nervous about coming in and uncertain as to whether or not it would work or not. I'm really glad that I did. I would encourage veterans to do exactly that.
It makes me feel very good actually. I feel like I'm fulfilling a spot in the world that I was probably meant for.
It's very rewarding. It's very humbling. There are times where I'm actually brought to tears when we get favorable decisions back.
It's amazing. It's the best job that I've ever had because it's so rewarding at the end of the day. We're here to help. We're happy to help.
If you're a serving or retired Armed Forces or RCMP member, we can help. Legion membership is not required and our assistance is at no cost to you. Start with your local Legion branch or contact your provincial command, or connect with a National Headquarters Service Officer by calling 877-534-4666.
We're here for you and we look forward to meeting you.