Veteran Dedicates His Time Assisting Fellow Veterans: Meet Leon
Leon P. was living in Kansas when he was drafted into the military in 1963. He reported for duty on his 21st birthday where he was stationed in Virginia. Leon went on to have a prosperous 17-year career in the military. He especially appreciated the opportunities he was given, including ones that helped him purchase a home and attend college to earn a business and marketing degree.
After retiring from the National Guard in 2003, Leon became a Veteran Service Officer in 2007 to help other veterans access a range of benefits. He participates in annual training courses so he can continue to assist veterans and their families daily, including residents and associates at The Sky Bridge at Town Center.
In addition to helping residents and associates in his retirement community, Leon visits Andrews Air Force Base every Tuesday to volunteer his time helping veterans submit their benefit claims. He also is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and holds a Level II Certification from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
“Helping other veterans gives me a reason to wake up every day. My granddaughter says I work harder now than when I was paid, but this is work I enjoy. A lot of vets don’t realize all the benefits they have access to, and I’m glad I can share my knowledge with them.”
Much of Leon’s work today is out of deep respect for his father and all who made the ultimate sacrifice through their service. Leon said the first step veterans need to take before applying for benefits is getting their paperwork in order. “You need all of your records from your time in the military and after,” said Leon. “Service treatment records, doctor records, insurance information, discharge paperwork, everything. And age doesn’t matter; don’t think you are too old to apply. I helped a 100-year-old veteran receive benefits.”
Read more about Leon here.
