It was December of 2021 when Katie Ginger of Hartley took the reins of O’Brien County Veterans’ Affairs office from retiring Roy Wohlert. During that time, Ginger has worked hard to learn the federal and state veterans programs and to develop her own outreach and assistance within O’Brien County.
Ginger has developed a comprehensive website as part of O’Brien County’s online presence. A variety of information can be found there including information about staff and O’Brien County Commissioners Josh Haack, Christopher Mazur and Jerry Kreykes, links to veteran resources for health care, military records, employment resources and much more. Recognition of the county veterans’ monuments is available at obriencounty.iow.gov/departments/veterans-affairs/monuments/. Information about ÒHome Base IowaÓ is also available on this website.
Ginger staffs the Primghar office Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged. Ginger can provide guidance to any veteran living in O’Brien County through the maze of veteran programs. She also has started a veterans’ food bank. Non-perishable food items can me made available to local veterans through her office. One of her projects is to find a way to be able to provide meat, vegetables and eggs.
Transportation to the Sioux Falls VA for scheduled appointments is available from DAV. Ginger can assist with guidelines and the applicable rules. Seats are limited, so call early for a seat.
Mental Health care is a growing issue across the country. For veterans of all ages, it can be particularly difficult to choose to reach out. Ginger can connect individuals with appropriate care when it’s needed most.
An successful outreach program conducted by O’Brien County Veterans Affairs was Operation Green Light held November 7-13, 2022. Residents were asked to change one exterior light bulb to green during those days. The demonstration coincided with Veterans’ Day (November 11) and demonstrated support and respect for this nation’s veterans.
A flu shot program had been started along with community coffees for veterans. Much of the cost of these programs was provided by donations.
For more information on any of the programs available to qualified United States Veterans contact Katie Ginger at 712-957-0031 or by email, kginger@obriencounty.iowa.gov.