County tabs new person to assist veterans

Jennings County has a new veteran services officer. Nolan Stanley replaces Mike Eastman, who is retiring.

A veteran services officer assists military veterans and their families in qualifying for benefits and with Veterans Administration claims.

Stanley, 36, is an Army veteran with eight years of military service. He served active duty in the Army and also with the Indiana National Guard. He served in Iraq as a cavalry scout from 2006-07, and received the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Service Medal.

Formerly from Muncie, Stanley moved with his mother to North Vernon in 1995. He and his wife Leeanne, and sons Liam and Alex, live in Hayden.

“I am very eager to help our county vets by helping them find the answers to their questions and help them find whatever help they need. I have been dealing with the Veterans Administration for the last 10 years and am aware of how things work and some ways to help improve things,” Stanley said.

Eastman has served as the county’s veterans service officer since 2007.

“I have every confidence in Nolan. It is going to be a smooth transition. He has been volunteering in the office for sometime, and I know he can do the job,” said Eastman, who remains at the office until the end of march to aid in the transition.