Hamilton County has taken decisive action to support its local veterans better through a significant expansion of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission (VSC). As detailed in a recent announcement from the Board of Commissioners, appointing three new members to the VSC is part of a broader initiative to double the organization's funding, upping the ante from $1.4 million last year to $2.8 million for 2025.
With these additions to the VSC comes the strategic intent to comprehensively enhance the breadth and depth of services available to those who've served. The commission is slated to continue to provide emergency financial assistance, transportation services, and guidance on VA claims and benefits. In a recent budget approval, the VSC also secured funding to support the second annual Veterans Appreciation Day at the Great American Ballpark. This event happens to both recognize and celebrate the sacrifices made by local service members.
The Commissioners exercised their statutory powers to expand the VSC membership, adding three veterans with various experiences and backgrounds. The new appointees, as reported by Hamilton County's official announcement, include Ms. Victoria Parks, a former Hamilton County Commissioner and current City of Cincinnati Councilmember who served in the U.S. Air Force; Mr. Bill Burwinkel, a U.S. Army and Vietnam Veteran known for his role as Founder and Chairman of National Marketshare Group inc., and a dedicated advocate for Price Hill; and Mr. Lincoln Ware, a Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran who's made his mark as a local radio talk show host.
These new appointees are now set to contribute their expertise for the foreseeable future, extending their terms through December 31, 2029. The announcement of these appointments came off the back of a resolution adopted by the Board during their meeting on January 9, 2025. The increased investment in the VSC and these strategic appointments collectively underscore a strengthened commitment by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners to uphold and better serve the community's veteran population
