‘I Love Helping Veterans’

"I was ready to move on with my life, but I didn't have money for college," said Nadine Willits.

After high school, Willits, now 59, felt the pull to go out into the world and do something. But, like so many, she lacked the necessary resources. Then, she had an idea.

"I decided to join the Army," she said. "They would train me, pay me, give me a place to live, and best of all, I could jump out of airplanes!"

Willits ended up serving in the Army for three years as a field medic.

"And yes, I was airborne," she said.

Now firmly planted on the ground, Willits works as a VFW Accredited Service Officer and gets her thrills from helping her fellow veterans and military families secure the benefits they earned and deserve.

"I'm exhilarated when a claim comes out how we hoped and frustrated when others don't. But I'm always glad I'm there to help guide veterans through the process," she said.

Among other things, Willits interviews clients and files their VA claims, appeals decisions when necessary and appears before a VA judge as part of the Board of Veterans' Appeals process.

Summing up her role, Willits said, "I make sure veterans are taken care of."

A typical day includes communicating with clients via email, phone and in person, tracking the progress of outstanding claims and keeping her clients informed.

"By the end of the day, I can be exhausted, but I love helping veterans," Willits said. "My greatest accomplishment is ensuring they can live more comfortable lives.

"For many veterans, that means being able to have health insurance they couldn't afford otherwise. For others, it's getting them a little extra money. But for everyone," Willits continued, "it's about recognizing that the military broke them in some way, and now, it's willing to help them."

Learn more about the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) program.