1. Being an Effective Post Service Officer

2. Who is the most important member of the Post?
Commander

3. Who is the most important member of the Post?
Adjutant

4. Who is the most important member of the Post?
Bartender

5. Who is the most important member of the Post?
Service
Officer

6. Why
The American Legion’s post service officer (PSO) is a volunteer position within an individual post. A PSO serves as a link between the veteran or dependent and a representative holding American Legion accreditation. An effective PSO understands benefits afforded to veterans and dependents; however, the PSO is not authorized to file any claims on behalf of the claimant. PSO’s serve as valuable resources to veterans in local posts to ensure that our veterans and their dependents receive their earned benefits.

7. Get Involved Expectations of a PSO
PSO’s perception of the Post largely defines the Post’s image to most veterans in the area
Be outgoing
Be personable
Re-enforce the Posts responsibility to the veterans and children of its community
Re-enforce the Values of the American Legion
Get Involved

8. Duties and Responsibilities
Claims
Outreach
Healthcare
Resources
Post Service Officer

9. Duties and Responsibilities
Veterans
Military Families
Community
Active Military
Post Service Officer

10. Legal Liabilities Prohibition on the Solicitation of a FEE for Service
Always Maintain Confidentiality
PSO’s should NEVER Guess Answers
PSO’s are NOT expected to Know Answers. But they are expected to know WHERE to get answers
Maintain a Reputation of Honesty and Integrity
Know your local resources
Know your local accredited Service Officer

11. Legal Liabilities
To assist members of the Post, their widows and orphans and other worthy cases brought forward in obtaining rightful benefits from federal and state governments
Contact point for the proper forms and the assembling evidence to be forwarded to a Department Service Officer (not obtaining evidence)
Work shall be performed in accordance with The American Legion Guide for Post Service Officers with supervision from  the Department Service Officer.
NOT bonded like a Department Service Officer and can be personally sued for giving incorrect claim advise

12. Post Service Officer
In naming the Post Service Officer (PSO), each post creates the most vital link in the nationwide network of American Legion service to America’s veterans. Through the PSO, the post can provide your community with a unique service that will benefit not just veteran’s and their dependents but also the community and the American Legion as a whole.

13. Claims
Each PSO should have the Detroit Main Office number memorized (313) Service Records Education CH31 & CH35 Disability Compensation Pension Compensation Burial Benefits

14. Claims What makes you effective? Know the answers to general question
Know where to get forms
Know where to get the checklist's
Know how to get the claimant in contact with a Department Service Officer
Know your County Service Officer’s contact information

15. Outreach
Clothing Housing VA Home Loans American Legion Charities Post Fundraising Food Drives Work with your community to honor veterans and active duty military for their sacrifices

16. Outreach What makes you effective?
Know the Resources available in your area
Be outgoing
Don’t be afraid to network/speak with people
Get your contact information out there
Be accessible to more than just the Post
Get out and aske the questions “Under what circumstances would I recommend a claimant to you for serivces”

17. Healthcare
VA Health Care Registration CHAMPVA HISA Grants PTSD Clinics

18. Healthcare What makes you effective? Know where to get the 10-10 forms
Know where to have the claimants turn in the forms
Understand the basic eligibility for healthcare both for veterans and their dependents
Know the transportation options in your area to assist claimant in obtaining healthcare

19. Resources
Food Banks Temporary Financial Assistance Service Organizations Educational Benefits Employment Assistance Look for other ways to support veterans and military families in need

20. Resources What makes you effective? Know the area V-Cat Coordinator
Network with the County Veterans office in your area
Drive around your town and locate the available resources like Food Banks and Employment offices
Know your contact information for submitting a TFA

21. PSO Report

22. Interactions Within the Post
Know what Committees are in your Post
Make Yourself Known in your Post
Work with the Chaplain
Work with the Auxiliary
Work with District Service Officer
Work with Department Service Officer
Above all else be Involved in your Post and your community

23. Questions ?
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