Mayor Weston Wamp today announced a major expansion of Hamilton County’s Veterans Service Office (VSO), reinforcing his administration’s commitment to the men and women who have served our country.
"The addition of a third veterans service officer will give the VSO its largest team in county history—three officers and one administrative staff member—ensuring more local veterans and their families can access the benefits they’ve earned," officials said.
“This expansion is about making government work better for the men and women who’ve sacrificed for all of us,” said Mayor Wamp.
“By growing this team, we’re not just keeping our promise to veterans—we’re extending our reach across Hamilton County to meet them where they are, ensuring their service is honored with meaningful support and that they receive every benefit they’ve earned.”
Officials said, "Adding a third officer will help reduce wait times, streamline services and process more claims—bringing more federal dollars home to Hamilton County. Since 2016, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dollars owing into the local veteran community have grown by 85 percent–from $146 million to $270 million. Between 2021 and 2023 alone, the county saw a 33 percent increase in those funds. The per-veteran impact is twice what it was in 2016, rising from $6,128 to $12,320.
"In addition to the main Chattanooga office, the VSO operates satellite locations in Soddy-Daisy and
Collegedale. The added capacity will allow the team to offer more consistent, in-person support in outlying areas. The county is also exploring the potential for another satellite location in a high-need part of the community."
“This is a big win for Hamilton County’s veterans,” said Chuck Alsobrook, Hamilton County veterans
service officer. “Our team has worked tirelessly to serve those who’ve worn the uniform, and this investment gives us the capacity to reach more veterans, respond faster and help them get the support they’ve earned.”
Mayor Wamp has made veterans a priority of his administration—launching a Veterans Treatment Court pilot to better serve those in the justice system, formally recognizing Veterans Day as a county holiday and delivering $1.6 million in property tax relief to veterans and their spouses since October 2023, officials said.