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June 21, 2022
Newly appointed veterans service officer picks up the torch
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County Veterans Service Officer Victor Polanco, IV, wants to know what veterans need. Appointed by commissioners on May 17, Polanco replaces former VSO Dennis Birchall.
An Air Force veteran, Polanco divided his service time between England and Bergstrom Air Force Base at Austin. Following his discharge in 1992, he embarked on a 24-year career with the Texas Veterans Commission - a state advocacy agency. He retired as the director of the claims department, which provided intimate knowledge of how to navigate what can be a confusing system.
“I worked with all the county service officers in the state. I’m very familiar with working with the county offices,” Polanco said.
One of his initial goals, he said, is to look at what services are needed for local veterans, whether it’s transportation, housing, home amenities for those dealing with injury or disability, food or grants for anyone struggling financially.
“There are a lot of benefits that veterans qualify for, but they don’t know about them,” Polanco said. “There are so many grants available.”
Polanco offices at 403 E 12th Street in Bandera. To reach him, call 830-460-1643, or email vpolanco@banderacounty.org.
An Air Force veteran, Polanco divided his service time between England and Bergstrom Air Force Base at Austin. Following his discharge in 1992, he embarked on a 24-year career with the Texas Veterans Commission - a state advocacy agency. He retired as the director of the claims department, which provided intimate knowledge of how to navigate what can be a confusing system.
“I worked with all the county service officers in the state. I’m very familiar with working with the county offices,” Polanco said.
One of his initial goals, he said, is to look at what services are needed for local veterans, whether it’s transportation, housing, home amenities for those dealing with injury or disability, food or grants for anyone struggling financially.
“There are a lot of benefits that veterans qualify for, but they don’t know about them,” Polanco said. “There are so many grants available.”
Polanco offices at 403 E 12th Street in Bandera. To reach him, call 830-460-1643, or email vpolanco@banderacounty.org.