GREEN COVE SPRINGS – A long career in the military and navigating the world of veterans’ assistance brought new Clay County Veterans Service Officer Keith Brandon back to his home county of more than 20 years.

Hailing from Georgia, Brandon served 20 years in the U.S. Army. He retired to Clay County in 1998 and has had stints with veterans’ organizations in Putnam County, Alachua County and the City of Jacksonville.

Brandon is credentialed with the Veterans Administration, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans for Compensation and Pension Claims. He is also a certified Military Veterans Benefits Counselor and a National Career Coach, according to a county press release.

The last three years in the army led him to prepare soldiers for deployment at Camp Blanding.

“I went, that sounds great to me, and I fell in love with the place,” Brandon said. “You grow roots and stay.”

It’s normal for some veterans to go to Duval or Alachua counties for assistance, but now they can seek help locally at the VA Clinic in Middleburg or by visiting Brandon.

“You don’t have to leave Clay County to find something we have right here,” Brandon said.

A veterans’ services officer can file claims or direct veterans to resources. Whether the veteran is newly retired or has been retired for decades, Brandon said his goal is to let them know what benefits or educational opportunities they can receive.

“I want my fellow veterans to know I’m enthusiastic to be my own county’s VSO and I’m motivated about being here. There’s a whole lot of knowledge to give to veterans,” he said. “The status of an injury can change. When vets come in here to see me, it’s not just one time. I say if it gets worse come see me.”

At the end of a service member’s active duty, they complete a course about claiming benefits and adjusting to post-military life. Brandon said things fall through the cracks because leaving the military is a time-consuming process in itself.

“When they arrive back in their community, they get off the plane, come back to Clay County and think, ‘Wow, what was it they said in class?’” Brandon said. “The first stop should be the veterans’ services officer.”

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Cella said Brandon brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the county.

“... We are pleased to have him on board,” Cella said. “We know he will provide an excellent level of service to local veterans and their dependents seeking assistance.”

More than 30,000 veterans call Clay County home. Brandon notes he’s the only veterans’ services officer in Clay County, while Jacksonville has six.

“The biggest thing we’re wanting to do now is proving the need for an additional VSO in the county,” he said.

The county’s Veterans Services Office can be reached at (904) 284-6326 or by email at Keith.brandon@claycountygov.com.