The Pierce County Board unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa Hildebrandt to the position of Veterans Service Officer at its July 25 meeting.
Pierce County was without a VSO for …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in, using the login form, below, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
The Pierce County Board unanimously approved the appointment of Melissa Hildebrandt to the position of Veterans Service Officer at its July 25 meeting.
Pierce County was without a VSO for several months beginning in January 2023, according to comments made by Pierce County Commander of the American Legion Kenneth Lampro at the April 18 Pierce County Board meeting.
“I am unable to comment on the employment status nor any leave provisions of Mr. Braden,” County Administrator Jason Matthys said at that time.
A public post on Braden’s Facebook page dated April 9 indicated he was in a mental health recovery program. Braden was the county’s VSO for two years.
Human Resources Manager Alison Preble said the county had 10 applicants for the VSO position; it’s unclear when Braden’s time with the county officially ended. The committee overseeing the hiring included Matthys, Interim VSO Greg Weaver, County Board Chair Jon Aubart, Supervisor Mel Pittman and Preble.
Hildebrandt served as the Commander of River Falls American Legion Post 121, a role she held for almost two years. An Army veteran, Hildebrandt served as a Corrections Specialist at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. from 2002-2008, then with the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Military Police Company.
She most recently worked for the Ramsey County, Minn. Sheriff’s Department in the adult detention center as its highest-ranking officer for all operations of the facility. She and husband Jeff, a Prescott dairy farmer, have two daughters, Madison and Makenna.
“I am extremely excited to take on this role and serve my fellow veterans,” Hildebrandt said. “I am an Army veteran and active in many veterans organizations. I grew up in Pierce County, in Maiden Rock, went to school in Ellsworth and now call Prescott home. It is truly something that is heartfelt to me, to be able to give back to the place that I call home.”
The VSO provides advocacy, advice and aid to veterans, their families and dependents in presenting disability compensation, pension and insurance claims under federal laws; loans, grants and education entitled benefits under state law. Duties also include informing the public of services rendered and veterans’ rights, reviewing legislation, regulations and precedents impacting benefit claims and rights; and preparing correspondence to acquaint veterans with current legislative activities and initiatives.
