Published: October 13, 2008 01:30 am      

ALBION: Veteran Services help get proper benefits to veterans

In December of 2002, Ronald Jackson came to the Orleans County Veterans Service for the first time. He had served in the NAVY during the Vietnam War and wanted to see his rites as a veteran. In order to be declared a disabled Veteran, during the Vietnam War, a soldier had to have set foot on Vietnam soil. Because Jackson was in the NAVY, his claim was denied. Paul Fulcomer, who is the director of the program, stepped in then.

“I can’t say enough about Paul,” Jackson said. “Him and the whole office. They’re the real deal. They do what it takes and go out of the way.”

Jackson said that Fulcomer took the time to explain the things going on with his claim. He helped him through the process and helped him find a soldier he served with to back up his claim.

“Paul has been thorough this thing with me since day one,” he said. “Helping me get a hold of people. He was just always there, if I were down. For such a small office, for them to do what they do for all the veterans in the county.”

According to Fulcomer, during the Vietnam War, any soldier who set foot on Vietnam soil came in contact with Agent Orange. The chemical used as a herbicide and defoliant caused ten different disabilities, diabetes being the most common. On his own time, Fulcomer asked for an unusual last name of a soldier Jackson served with and did a search. Luckily, they found the soldier, who wrote a letter saying that Jackson transported boxes from a small boat, taking them onto the soil. Because of the letter, the US Government decided to grant Jackson full disability in October 2008.

While waiting over the years for the claim, Jackson continued to work. One of the side affects of the diabetes was a form of arthritis that caused his hands and feet to shake. The registered nurse at the prison, began to have troubles. He took early retirement with his company, but almost had to go back to work, so that his wife and daughter could have health benefits. Under 100 percent disability, his family will receive health benefits and his daughter’s college tuition, which she just started, will be paid for.

“I knew for the last couple years I was getting sicker and sicker,” Jackson said. “I was concerned about the education for my daughter. When I retired from the state, I didn’t have enough time to maintain medical insurance. This will allow medical benefits for my daughter, which is very, very important to me.”

Jackson said that the Orleans County Veterans Services has helped him live life the way he always wanted to. Even when he didn’t know what he would do after retirement, he said that they helped him get through it.

“I don’t think I’ve been treated as well by any organization, better then Paul and Mary Jo,” Jackson said of the Orleans County Veteran office. “They really did it for me. They provided transportation to the hospital, even over night. They’re just great.”

Fulcomer said that the Orleans County office receives around 500 contacts each month, which is a large amount for a small office. He also said that $5.5 million in benefits have been given to veterans this year that can be spent in this county.

Fulcomer has been at Veteran Services for five year. The Vietnam combat veteran saw the opening for the job and new it was what he wanted to do.

“It’s very rewarding helping other vets,” Fulcomer said. “A lot of times they will talk to me because I’ve been there.”

He encourages any veteran who lives in Orleans County to stop by the office if they haven’t. He said that because the Federal Government does not advertise the benefits, many veterans do not know they qualify. Fulcomer also encouraged those to stop by within a year of discharge because of service related injuries.

“I can inform them about the VA Hospital in Batavia,” Fulcomer said. “Young men coming back now can get 5 years free health care.”

The Orleans County Veteran Service handles compensation, pensions, education, death benefits for veterans, and make sure if a veteran dies and has no funds, that they get a proper burial. They also have six vans that can transport veterans, to and from the VA Hospital.

“It’s all volunteer drivers,” Fulcomer said. “We’re the only county in New York that has six vans, most have two. For a small county we do well, at no cost to the tax payer.”

Fulcomer said that they are always looking for volunteers. For more information about the Orleans County Veteran Services, visit them at 13996 Route 31 in Albion or call Fulcomer at 589-3219.