OTTAWA — Putnam County Veterans Services held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new office at 336 E. Main St. Friday.
“We are very proud of our new office,” said Veterans Services Officer Kristi Powell.
Previously, the office had been located at the courthouse in a cramped space. When the Putnam County Board of Elections relocated, it left the space open. Veterans Services Director Joe Moenter said was a perfect opportunity to operate more efficiently while serving the veterans of Putnam County. Veterans Services has been using the office since December.
“It is located on the first floor, and it is a lot easier for people to get in,” Moenter said. “They can park right in front and walk in without having to worry about any steps. We also have much more space. Before, everything had to be kept in different places because we didn’t have the storage room. Here, we have everything stored right here in the office.”
The building was originally built as a armory in 1913. Moenter said the office provided more than $550,000 in benefits lone last year to veterans.
“We are doing good work here,” Moenter said.
Powell explained the new office will help Veterans Services assist World War II veterans.
“The World War II veteran population is declining,” Powell said, “but the needs are increasing. We are helping with hospice, home visits, disability and many other things.”
A painting made with hand prints from students at Loving Care Daycare is one of the prized decorations in the office. The children made the painting when Veterans Services workers went to the school to give a presentation on what veterans do for the country.
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