Veteran’s Services Of Avery County

11/11/2025

Veterans Day originated in the Armistice Day holiday commemorating the November 11, 1918, armistice at 11 a.m. (hence “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”), which suspended active hostilities and effectively ended the First World War.

11/06/2025

The Veteran's Services Office will be closed on November 11th, in recognition of Veterans' Day!

Send a message to learn more

11/06/2025

Please Be Aware that some VA services have been impacted by the government shutdown. Please be patient with your counties VSOs.

During a government shutdown, most essential Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services and benefits continue without interruption due to advance appropriations. However, some critical support and outreach services are suspended or limited.
Services/Benefits That Continue (Not Impacted)

Health Care: All VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers remain open and provide full services The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) remains operational 24/7.

Benefits Payments: The processing and delivery of monthly benefits continue, including compensation, pension, education (GI Bill payments), and housing benefits.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals also continues to issue decisions on cases.

Cemetery Services: Burials will proceed at VA national cemeteries, and applications for headstones, markers, and burial benefits will continue to be processed.

Key Hotlines: The primary VA call center (1-800-MyVA411) and the PACT Act Contact Center remain open.

Core Programs: Su***de prevention programs, homelessness services, and caregiver support continue.

VA Loans: The VA Loan Guaranty program continues, and lenders can still order appraisals and obtain a borrower's Certificate of Eligibility.

Services That Are Impacted (Limited or Ceased)

Career and Transition Assistance: VA ceases providing transition program assistance and career counseling, including Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services.

Call Centers: The specific GI Bill (1-888-GIBILL-1) and National Cemetery Applicant Assistance hotlines are closed.

VA Regional Offices: Public-facing regional VA benefits offices are closed to the public.
Cemetery Operations (Specific): Routine grounds maintenance and the placement of permanent headstones by VA employees are suspended. Applications for pre-need burials will also not be processed.

Outreach and Public Affairs: Unfunded outreach to veterans, including social media updates, VetResources emails, and responses to press inquiries, ceases.

Administrative Delays: While payments continue, the processing of new claims or changes to existing benefits may be delayed if the shutdown is prolonged due to reduced administrative staff.

Presidential Memorial Certificates: The printing of new Presidential Memorial Certificates stops.

In general, most direct services to veterans remain available, but certain support and administrative functions face limitations or temporary suspension. Veterans are encouraged to use online self-service tools first when possible.

Send a message to learn more

11/05/2025

11/03/2025

The Meaning of Green

"Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being.

"Greenlight" is also a term commonly used to activate forward movement.

The simple action of changing one light to green is intended to spark a national conversation regarding the recognition of veterans, and "greenlight" them forward as valued members of our communities."


What is Greenlight a Vet?

America's veterans are some of our nation's bravest, hardest-working men and women.

However, it is hard to show them the appreciation they deserve when, back home and out of uniform; they are more camouflaged than ever.

Greenlight a Vet is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green.



Change One Light to Green

Let us honor our veterans not only on November 11th, but all year round by changing one light to green in a visible location - on your porch, your home, or at your office- and keep it glowing every day as a symbol of appreciation and support for our veterans.

To help share your support, take a picture of your green light and post it using the hashtag .



To learn more about the Greenlight A Vet campaign, click on the links below:

http://www.greenlightavet.com/

10/30/2025

SCAM ALERT

10/12/2025

Veteran's Service Office Announcement

The week of October 19th - 24th, 2025, the VSO will be taking educational classes for national certification.

Between 9:00 - 9:30 am, the VSO will try to return phone calls and answer emails. If you need to contact us, please leave a voicemail or email.

Email: [email protected]
Office phone: (828) 733-8211

09/16/2025

Just a reminder that Veteran's Service Office is closed this week due to attending to VSO Fall Conference.

Send a message to learn more

09/11/2025

Announcements
The Veteran's Service Office will be closed from 09/15/2025 to 09/19/2025 for the CVSO Fall Conference, and will reopen the following Monday, 09/22/2024.

Also October 1st will be closed.

Send a message to learn more

09/11/2025

24 years have come and gone. We must never forget what happened on that day and the days after. Americans came together, regardless of political parties, differences of opinion, and stood as one.

08/07/2025

August 7th is National Purple Heart Day!

HISTORY OF PURPLE HEART DAY

The original Purple Heart, designated as a Badge of Merit, was awarded by George Washington in 1782. There was a lack of funds in the Continental Army at the time so the award was a way to honor enlisted and deserving people. The honor is presented to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” It was designed with a piece of silk bound through it with a thin edge of silver. Washington only gave out three of the badges himself, and instead authorized subordinates to issue the badges as they saw fit.

The Badge of Merit faded from use but was revived and relaunched in 1932, this time as the Purple Heart. As well as honoring those wounded in combat, this iteration of the Purple Heart recognized commendable action. It was in 1944 that the policy was tweaked slightly and the Purple Heart was given the purpose we know it for today, specifically to honor those who have been wounded or died.

The first service member to be given the modern Purple Heart was General Douglas MacArthur for his service in the Pacific theater during World War II. In total there have been 1.8 million Purple Hearts awarded over the years.

Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014 and has been observed every year since. It’s a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure that their courage is never forgotten.