American Legion Seeks Change For Service Officer

American Legion Seeks Change For Service Officer

By David Howell

Editor

COFFEEVILLE – Super-visors tabled a request from the American Legion Post #37 to appoint Gerald Bailey as the county’s Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO). Bailey attended the county’s recessed meeting last Friday and informed county officials that the members of the post had elected him as the American Legion’s veteran service officer, replacing Mickell Dunn. 

Traditionally supervisors accept the American Legion’s recommendation for VSO, aligning their appointment with the person elected within the post.  The county’s VSO is considered a part-time position that reports to supervisors and is paid by the county.

“They elected me to the veteran service office job because we had so many complaints on him,” Bailey explained about the vote at the American Legion Post on July 5. Bailey also said he was sworn in the same night. 

“We had to do something else,” Bailey added later in the meeting, adding that the group will continue to search for a new VSO. “Because I am not going to be there forever.”

Dunn has served as the county’s VSO since 2014, replacing George Rounsaville, who stepped down due to health reasons after serving 22 years in the position.  The VSO office is charged with providing information and assistance for veterans to obtain state and federal benefits, programs and services.

“Whatever the veterans want, I am for it,” District 5 Supervisor Gaylon Gray said about replacing Dunn with Bailey.

“You don’t have his resignation, you don’t have his side,” Board Attorney John Crow ultimately advised are further discussion on the matter. 

“I think out of fairness to Dunn, it would be nice to have him available,” Washington said after a quick discussion about the next step for supervisors. The matter was tabled until the July 19 meeting, when both Bailey and Dunn will be invited to speak.

“We will do everything in the best interest of the vets in the county,” Wash-ington added.