For Sydney Von Seggern, adjusting to civilian life was just as challenging as life on active military duty. After serving 10 years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, she struggled to cope physically and mentally.
At that time, she was seeing a doctor through the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.). Her body ached more than it should for someone still in her 20s. And she was struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Everything changed when a fellow veteran told her to contact Multnomah County’s Veterans Services Office. Von Seggern set up a meeting with Pete Perez, a Veterans Services officer. Together they went over her medical history and her documents, and helped her apply for federal veterans benefits.
Months later, a check and a letter arrived in the mail from the V.A., acknowledging her service-related disability. She said it was an affirmation that her symptoms were real, and that her service as a combat nurse did not go unnoticed.
“Multnomah County is there, and I am spreading the word around as much as I can to my fellow veterans,” Von Seggern said during a virtual Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday, Nov. 5. “It’s so important that these things are brought to light. It helped me a lot with resources, and I know that it can help so many other veterans, especially the ones dealing with PTSD and the wounds that we cannot see.”
Von Seggern was one of the featured speakers as the Board recognized the upcoming observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The panel of Veterans’ Services employees and community members spoke about the value of veterans at work and across Multnomah County.
“I am so happy to be commemorating this important observance with a proclamation,” said Commissioner Sharon Meieran, who has served as the Board liaison to the County’s Veterans Task Force. “If you are a veteran or a service member or someone with a history of military service, please know... we honor you and thank you for your service.”
Multnomah County is home to nearly 42,635 veterans, including women, people of color, immigrants, people of all sexual and gender identities, people with disabilities and others. The County is committed to serving all veterans from all walks of life and helping them transition to civilian life.
Serving those who have served
Many veterans may not be aware they qualify for benefits earned while serving their country.. The Multnomah County Veterans Services Office provides benefits information, assistance and advocacy to all who have served and their families. Those benefits include:
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Comprehensive V.A. benefits counseling
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Assistance with V.A. health care enrollment
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Help preparing and submitting benefits claims
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Following up on claims, to ensure final decisions
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Appealing unfavorable V.A. decisions when appropriate, include providing representation at V.A. hearings
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Networking and advocacy with federal, state and local agencies
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Justice-involved outreach
Perez, the Veterans Services officer who helped Von Seggern, served 20 years in the Army.. He joined Von Seggern on the panel to talk about how Veterans Services helps veterans access their benefits.
Veterans Services officers are accredited by the State of Oregon and are charged with helping veterans and their families navigate the V.A. system. Perez said being a veteran himself helps him connect with his clients.
“Being a Veterans Services officer is something that I hold close, and I see it as a continuation of our military career, where I was charged to take care of my fellow soldiers, and now I have the privilege of taking care of my fellow veterans and their families,” Perez said.
In addition to serving veterans in the community, the County also supports employees who are veterans and helps them come together. Currently, Multnomah County employs 188 veterans. Becky Lillie, the co-chair of the County’s Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG), explained how the group creates opportunities for veteran employees to connect.
Recently, the group organized events honoring the fallen, public displays honoring Oregon’s veteran community, job fairs, and informational events telling veterans and their families about available services and opportunities.
“Our goal is to reach out and support the members, the veterans and the current members of the military forces, and really provide camaraderie and get information out to the people,” Lillie said. “I am a disabled woman veteran, and very proud to be able to still serve my country working here at Multnomah County.”
Commissioners honor Veterans and those who serve them
Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson celebrated the spirit of Multnomah County’s veteran community and reaffirmed the County’s commitment to serving them.
“I just really appreciate that spirit of service that we find in our veterans and those who served in the Armed Forces and the military so much,” Vega Pederson said. “And I appreciate the resource that Multnomah County has put into making sure that we are providing the programs and services that veterans need and deserve.”
In light of the anxiety surrounding the 2020 Election, COVID-19, and other uncertainties this year, Commissioner Meieran said it was important that she joined in showing her support for the veteran community.
“I want the veterans to know — those who we are serving, who are out there, and those who served in the military — I am just especially thinking of you and supporting you during these highly divisive and uncertain times and appreciate your service,” Meieran said.
Chair Deborah Kafoury reaffirmed the County’s commitment to creating an environment that honors veterans — at work and in the community.
“We will always work to ensure that Multnomah County is a place that honors our veterans through action, not just words,” Kafoury said. “And I especially want to thank all of the veterans who work at Multnomah County. Our organization is incredibly fortunate to have you as a part of our family.”