A vet serving vets, Shull takes helm of the WCVSC

When Nelson Weirick, director of the Wayne County Veteran Service Commission, announced his retirement last May, Jeff Shull knew he was well-prepared to step into the role Weirick was leaving behind. Having worked as a service officer for 10 years under two different directors, Shull took command of the ship earlier this year on June 1.

“You always have a bit of a transition period,” Shull said about his new position. “I have things I want to concentrate on, and I have to deal with new things that are coming down the line.”

Shull considers himself fortunate. During his tenure at the agency, he served under two different directors. Prior to Weirick’s retirement he worked under Larry Watson.

“I learned a lot from each of them,” Shull said. “What I am attempting to do is pick and choose what I like best from both of them, and based on that is how I am trying to run the agency.”

The WCVSC is an agency dedicated to assisting Wayne County veterans and their dependents during times of need. The agency is separate from the Department of Veterans Affairs but is accredited by the VA, and the two work closely together to achieve common goals and help veterans obtain their benefits provided to them under the law.

Shull is no stranger to the unique needs of veterans; he retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of service. “What better job can you have as a veteran than helping other veterans?” Shull said. “I was on active duty for 22 years. Just because I retired didn’t mean that I wanted to stop serving.”

His desire to serve his country and fellow veterans can be traced to his childhood. “My father served for 21 years,” Shull said. “He was a Korean War veteran, and he also served in Vietnam. He served in the Navy in Korea and in the Air Force in Vietnam.”

When his father retired from active duty, Shull’s mother wanted to return home to Wayne County. “I went through the Smithville school system,” he said. “To be able to return to my home and serve in this capacity is a thrill.”

Another aspect that is important to Shull is giving back to his community, especially those that served in the military.

“This position is not about me,” Shull said. “This is about what I can do for the veterans in this community. That is what I enjoy about this job. Some veterans only feel comfortable talking to other veterans about their troubles, and I am here to help them through that. It is satisfying to me to get them the outcome they need and deserve.”

Shull also said every veteran should make an appointment to come into the office and see what services are available to them. In addition to helping veterans with VA claims, the agency provides free door-to-door transportation services to Wayne County veterans that need to get to medical facilities in Canton, Parma and Cleveland.

For more information about the WCVSC, visit www.waynecountyveterans.org or call 330-345-6638.

Dan Starcher is a public communications specialist for the Wayne County board of commissioners.