Veterans Service Officer Retires [Opinion]

Grant Gautsche has earned our admiration for his service as a Veterans Service Officer [Opinion]

RIVERSIDE COUNTY — Grant Gautsche, Riverside County Veterans Service Officer for 26 years has decided to retire. He was named director of the county’s smallest department by former county executive officer Jay Orr.

Gautsche served in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer and was a Submariner. After having surgery at sea, he suffered injuries that lead to his own honorable discharge. He is a disabled veteran himself and knows exactly what the Veterans Administration expects of Veterans attempting to get a disability rating and retirement.

For many years Riverside County has had one of Californians largest veteran’s populations. The department has consistently brought amongst the highest disability retirement ratings for its veteran clients in the state. They have had a great run!

Grant has done good work across the spectrum for veterans and their families. He has helped find military records, get medals and decorations, certify veterans service for driver’s license endorsements, helped with determining eligibility, and much more.

The husband —and father — has earned our admiration and congratulations on his service as a Veterans Service Officer and a man who served a tour of duty in the United States Navy.

The Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer have not announced plans on how they will fill the vacancy. Typically, the county Human Resources Department handles the screening of applicants for employment. However, the county may fill the post from within the ranks of the department. They have a rock-solid team and a record of high performance.

Grant made a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. He was always looking for ways to increase services for veterans and their families.

Riverside County will likely face declines in its Veterans population as our Vietnam veterans continue to pass away at a rate of 500 per day. Also, the declining enlistment rate also means fewer veterans to qualify for services and to the credit of DoD and the VA injured military members being discharged are already being given disability ratings and additional compensation for those line-of-duty injuries.

With just 1% of Americans willing to serve our country in the military it is reported the needs for our benefits is in decline.

Our nation owes it to those who served to care for them. Grant made that happen. Whoever fills this sailor’s shoes has his or her work cut out for them.