A Message from NACVSO President - September 2026

Greetings NACVSO Members and Partners,

Governmental Veteran Service Officers have always understood the impact of our profession. Every day, we see veterans walk into our offices frustrated, confused, or unsure where to turn, and we see what happens when they finally have access to a knowledgeable advocate sitting across from them.

Now, we have new research helping put numbers behind that story. Researchers at the University of Southern California recently released Examining Veterans' Satisfaction with County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) & the Impact Service Officers Have on Veteran Clients' Well-Being. The pilot study examined the experiences of 565 veterans who used CVSO services across three California counties, and its findings deserve the attention of every GVSO in this country.

Among veterans surveyed, 93% said CVSO staff created a welcoming environment, 91% said staff were sensitive to their needs, and 72% reported being satisfied with the services they received. Perhaps even more telling, two out of five veterans had unsuccessfully attempted to file a benefits claim before seeking assistance from a CVSO.

Veterans also reported significant improvements in areas including financial security, physical and mental health, employment, housing, social well-being, and overall quality of life after working with county veteran services to obtain benefits. Moreover, the study found that veterans viewed local advocates expertise as essential to successful outcomes and described these services as vital and something that should be readily available.

This study is the beginning of mounting independent evidence that GVSOs are not simply claims processors. We are skilled advocates, problem-solvers, and a critical point of continuity between veterans and the systems designed to serve them. It also reinforces why we must continue building the evidence base around our profession through efforts like NACVSO's Annual Report. If we want policymakers and local stakeholders to invest in GVSOs, we must be able to demonstrate not only what we do, but what changes in veterans' lives because we are there.

Finally, while Reno may still feel like yesterday, we are already looking toward the 2027 NACVSO Annual Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina.

This year, we are making it worthwhile to register early. Early-bird registration will be available for $400, a savings of $150 from the regular $550 registration rate, so be on the lookout for further announcements about when that will open.

Early registrants will also be entered into tiered drawings based on when they register:

• First 100 registrants: Drawing to have 2028 NACVSO membership dues waived
• First 300 registrants: Drawing to have their 2028 NACVSO Annual Conference registration fee waived
• First 600 registrants: Drawing for a complimentary suite upgrade at the 2028 Annual Conference in Indianapolis

All members will be notified via email once it is open so be on the lookout and take advantage of these new and fun opportunities.

The USC study gives us something particularly valuable: evidence, but more is needed. We must take it upon ourselves in our home offices to collect data where we can and tell the true stories of the impact of this profession within our communities.

Thank you for everything you continue to do to make that possible.

Very Respectfully,

Andrew Tangen

President, NACVSO