Stark County Veterans Service Commission

110 Central Plaza South, Suite 424
Canton, Ohio 44702

Soldiers and Sailors Relief Commission

In 1886, the Ohio Legislature passed an act establishing the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Commission for the purpose of assisting Honorably Discharged Veterans and their minor children, spouses, and widows who have met with an unexpected hardship resulting from lack of employment, illness, or injury.

Veterans Service Commission

On May 19, 1986, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Relief Commission was renamed the Veterans Service Commission (VSC). Each of the 88 counties in Ohio has a VSC and each consists of a board of five honorably discharged veterans who are appointed by the judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Their main objective is to administer programs for their veterans within the county. In Stark County the Commission meets on the third Wednesdays of each month. Each Board member holds the position on the board for five years.

Stark County

Stark County's history of involvement in all military conflicts makes it the seventh largest veteran population in the state of Ohio, and boasts sixteen veterans being the recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Funding

The Stark County Veterans Service Commission is legislated by the State of Ohio under the Ohio Revised Code. ORC 5901 and funded by Stark County property taxes.

Staffing

The Stark County Veterans Service Commission employs two Service Officers, two Relief Investigators, five clerical support staff members, and two full time drivers.

Services

Ohio is one of only a few states that provide such comprehensive support and services to its veterans. In each of the 88 counties the Veterans Service Commission is a country agency dedicated to aiding veterans in times of need. In a recent VA census, it is reported that there are approximately 43,000 veterans in Stark County.
There are three services the Veterans Service Commission provides:

• Financial Assistance to eligible veterans and family members who have demonstrated a need
• Assistance in dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), The VSC Service Officers represent and assist veterans, spouses, dependent children, surviving widows, and parents of deceased veterans eligible for benefits when they apply to the VA.
• Transportation to and from Brecksville or Wade Park Medical facilities.