Chris Dery, the Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for Tyngsboro and soon for Dracut, lays out his role as a town VSO and some of the challenges he faces as the two town VSOs are soon combined in a single district. Chris is an experienced and well-respected VSO that has carved out an impressive local reputation as a strong advocate for our communities Veterans.
In a recent interview, Chris sat down with Kane and the team to share his journey from military service to serving veterans in his community. A retired Sergeant Major, Dery’s military career spanned from 1996 to 2025, during which he held various roles, including infantry, electronics repair, and HVAC repair. He was deployed to Kosovo and mobilized for Hurricane Katrina, experiences that shaped his understanding of the challenges veterans face in civilian life.
Challenges Faced by Veterans
Dery emphasized the difficulty of reintegrating into everyday life after military service. When you’re not home, life goes on without you… “When you come home, that’s when it hits you that you’ve missed all these important events. And I think that’s what’s the challenge for people, regardless if you’re gone 30 days or 30 months? It doesn’t matter.” he explained. This sense of disconnection can be overwhelming for returning veterans, as they navigate family dynamics that have shifted during their absence.
Dery advises a gradual re-assimilation process, encouraging veterans to take time to reconnect with family and friends while addressing personal affairs that may have been neglected. “Give yourself time to come back, you know, get things straightened out.”
The Role of a Veteran Service Officer
As a VSO, he plays a crucial role in connecting veterans with the benefits and resources they need. His primary focus is on low-income veteran benefits, particularly Chapter 115 state benefits, which provides financial assistance for essential needs like food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. He is committed to outreach and community engagement, recognizing that many veterans are unaware of the services available to them. “I’m the link between our veterans community and the resources available. That’s veterans and their families, and because I do more DIC (VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) claims than people can imagine.”
Massachusetts General Laws require every Massachusetts city and town to have a Veterans’ Services Officer (VSO) to help veterans and their families access federal, state, and local benefits and services. “If you’re under the population of 12,000 it’s a part timer. Anybody over the population of 12,000 and over, you are required to have a full time VSO.”, Chris explained.
● Outreach Initiatives: Dery is keen on enhancing outreach efforts, collaborating with organizations like the American Legion and VFW, and participating in community events such as the Monthly Veterans Breakfasts. He aims to ensure that veterans are informed and connected to essential resources.
● Navigating Claims: Dery assists veterans in understanding the complexities of filing claims, stressing the importance of early documentation of injuries. He highlights that many veterans mistakenly believe they do not qualify for benefits, which can prevent them from accessing vital support.
“There’s two very different types of people I deal with. One is the one I’m not going to file for anything, or I don’t need any benefits. And sometimes it’s something as a home loan, like the VA home loan.”
They are concerned they are taking something away from someone that needs it. That’s not the case. At times he can be faced with the opposite extreme. Services now do a very good job telling separating or returning veterans to go see your local VSO and talk about all your benefits.
In the event of multiple claims, I tell them to remember the old saying in the military, “eat the elephant one bite at a time.” I don’t adjudicate claims for the VA, so I’m happy to file whatever you want, but he wants you to be successful.
The Importance of Documentation in Claims Processing
Chris Dery emphasizes that thorough documentation is paramount in ensuring veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to. A timely record of injuries or health issues can make or break a claim.
The lack of those records, “becomes problematic the further away they get from the event.,” he explains. He guides veterans through the claims process by encouraging them to seek medical attention immediately following any incidents, even if they seem minor.
Dery stresses the need for veterans to establish a clear medical history that correlates with their service, as this documentation serves as critical evidence when filing claims with the VA. He meticulously assists veterans in gathering necessary paperwork, ensuring they have not only their medical records but also any supporting documentation that can substantiate their claims.
Dery noted his commitment to helping veterans navigate the complexities of the claims process effectively. By being a resourceful advocate, Dery helps mitigate the frustrations often associated with claims, aiming to improve the chances of approval for those he serves.
Collaboration with Neighboring Communities
Chris Dery believes that collaboration with neighboring communities is essential for providing comprehensive support to veterans.
Working alongside other Veteran Service Officers allows us to share resources and best practices,” he states, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to veteran services. By fostering relationships with VSOs in nearby towns, Dery ensures that veterans can access a wider array of services and support systems.
Dery also highlights the significance of information sharing; when veterans relocate or require assistance from another community, seamless communication between VSOs ensures continuity of care, reinforcing his commitment to building a network that enhances the overall well-being of veterans across the region.
Through these collaborative efforts, Dery aims to create a more robust safety net for veterans, ensuring they receive the help they need, when they need it.
Building Relationships and Trust
Dery also shared insights about the importance of communication and building relationships within the community. He actively engages with local town offices to facilitate veterans’ access to various services, ensuring they receive the assistance they need in a timely manner.
The complexities of the VSO role require a deep understanding of legal frameworks and a commitment to confidentiality. Dery emphasized that while VSOs are not mandated reporters, they are ethically bound to intervene if a veteran poses a threat to themselves or others.Looking ahead, Dery hopes to finalize the municipal agreement between Tyngsboro and Dracut, allowing for a full-time position in Dracut. He believes this partnership will enhance service delivery and ensure that veterans in both towns receive the support they need.
“I think this is going to be an exciting partnership between Tyngsboro and Dracut.” While he may not have proposed the idea himself, he concedes that there is a valid need for consistency and continuity. “I appreciate the frustration that was evident in the feedback I’ve received and I think setting up a system where people’s expectations are met is important. I think it’s going to work out great.”
Chris Dery’s dedication to serving the veterans of Tyngsboro and Dracut reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of those who have served our country. His extensive experience, combined with a clear vision for outreach and community engagement, positions him as a pivotal resource for veterans navigating their post-service lives. As he embarks on this new journey, Dery remains focused on the mission of connecting veterans with the support they deserve.
For veterans looking for assistance, Dery’s office stands ready to help. ◊