Harbert Selected as New Prowers County Veteran’s Service Officer

Gary Harbert, County Veteran’s Service Officer

Gary Harbert, former U.S. Army veteran, has been selected as the new Veteran’s Service Officer for Prowers County. Tammie Clark, Director for Public Health and Environment, made the announcement to the Prowers County Commissioners during their August 29^th meeting.  Clark said Monday was also the first day on the job for Harbert.  His position includes the Vital Statistics and Records office for the county, a position formerly held by Jeremy Miller who resigned earlier this summer to take a similar position representing veterans in the western half of Kansas.

Clark said she was happy to note the interest in the open position with seven applicants from which to choose. Regarding Harbert, she noted, “He has been working at Lamar Estates for the past five years, and has had some really good experience.  He’ll be a natural fit for our office and we’re very excited.”

Harbert said he comes from a military background in his family, “After I graduated from LCC, I enlisted in the army and became a Field Artillery Surveyor, directing fire missions for eight-inch howitzers. I’ve lived in La Junta and Colorado Springs and returned to Lamar. After the service, I was employed at the Ft Lyons Corrections Center and I enjoyed the work there.”  Harbart said his father served in the army during the Vietnam era and his son, a marine, is currently stationed in Hawaii.

Harbert mentioned he has already had two clients into his office on Monday and expects more to follow. He added that he is still in the process of becoming acclimated to the office and routine of the position and intends to maintain an open door policy for the veterans of Prowers County.

The Veteran’s Service Officer serves as a liaison and information source for local veterans and assists them in finding aid for their various needs, mostly for medical issues and transportation to facilities for health care or educational benefits. This includes helping determine which benefits they are eligible for from the state or federal government and assisting them with the paperwork associated with their applications and on-going care.

By Russ Baldwin