Boots on the ground
By Tyler Francke, Veterans News Magazine
Veteran Services in the COVID-19 Era
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It’s one of the largest annual events for veterans in Prineville, and — like most things in 2020 — it looked a little different this year. Rather than being held at its traditional location at Carey Foster Hall, the Crook County Veteran Services Department’s Veterans Appreciation Dinner was moved to the Meadow Lakes Golf Course. And, instead of veterans and their families gathering together with hundreds of others, it was transitioned to a drive-thru event. Despite the changes, Crook County pulled out all the stops, and the to-go meals came complete with all the trimmings: 30
VETERANS NEWS MAGAZINE
Veteran Service offices move increasingly online amid pandemic
turkey, ham, potatoes, green beans, rolls and cranberries. “It’s to show the community that we are still supporting the community and recognizing veterans’ service,” Adam Williams, interim executive director of the Crook County Veteran Services Department, told the Central Oregonian in November. Finding new ways to connect with and provide services to folks in your own communities has been the story and the challenge for many organizations this year. That has been no different for many local veteran service offices, which help veterans and their families navigate the often-confusing landscape of veteran benefits and provide other essential services
