By Ashley Johnson
The Selma Times-Journal

Lowndes County veterans can take advantage of the Disabled American Veterans Mobile Services in Selma this Friday.

In light of 17 veterans’ service offices closing around the state, the Dallas County office for Disabled American Veterans in Selma has been picking up all of the slack. Some relief will come to that office on Friday, when a Mobile Service Office rolls in.

“People come as far as Clanton and as far as Jackson to our office,” Willis Chappell, Chapter Service Officer at the Selma DAV Chapter about the great need for this mobile unit to visit the area.

The DAV Mobile Service Office program is a national service that brings free services to the area, helping veterans discover all of the benefits they are entitled to. On Friday, Aug. 24 the MSO will be stationed for the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“But we will not turn anyone away,” Chappell said. “We just want as many that want to come out if they are there we will not shut down at 3 p.m., we will stay longer. We want all veterans to come and if any widows have questions they can come out also.”

According to a press release by National Adjutant for DAV, Arthur Wilson, The National Service Officer onboard the bus, will be rigorously and professionally schooled in the full range of benefits for military veterans and retirees.

“They will provide you with the best counseling and claim filing assistance you can get from any source, anywhere.” Wilson said. “Like you, this NSO is a veteran.”

This service is completely free to all who attend. Chappell noted that while veterans file their claims with the local chapter, the local chapter then forwards the claims to the national officers.

“But with the national officers coming in the MSO, they can look up your claims in the system and see where they are immediately in the system and answer your questions about it,” Chappell said.

This MSO will offer services to anyone who brings their claim number, social security number and any other pertinent documentation. They will be serving veterans from Marengo, Perry, Dallas, Chilton, Hale, Lowndes and Autauga Counties at the location in Selma.

For more information about the upcoming MSO stops and free Disabled American Veterans services by calling Michael Michelotti, DAV NSO at 334-213-3365. The Mobile Service Office will be parked at 1100 Kings Bend Road, Selma.