NACVSO Member Monthly Spotlight - April
NACVSO Member Monthly Spotlight
Name: Akosua Osei
County/State: Anne Arundle County, MD
Location: Annapolis, MD
How long? Since 2018
Branch of military (if applicable): US Army
How did you become a Veteran Service Officer?
My journey into veterans advocacy began during my time in the Army, where I often found myself helping others with administrative issues, finances, and navigating military processes. That sense of service carried over into volunteer work with a veterans nonprofit, which really solidified my passion for the work.
In 2008, I started looking for a job and found an opportunity as a VSO in Upstate New York. That role gave me invaluable hands-on experience working directly with veterans, guiding them through their benefits, and understanding the challenges they faced. From there, I transitioned to policy work, joining the American Legion as a Gold Star Policy Analyst, and later a Veterans Benefits Policy Analyst. In these roles, I had the opportunity to shape policies that impact veterans nationwide.
After stepping away for a short time to explore other opportunities, I quickly realized how much I missed this work—the direct impact, the connection with veterans and their families, and the ability to make meaningful change. That’s what ultimately brought me back to advocacy, and I haven’t looked back since.
As the only CVSO in MD, what challenges do you encounter when trying to promote your office to veterans?
The biggest challenge is staffing—there’s only so much one person can do. Greater support is always needed in this profession, so we’re working on expanding. Having more people would allow us to reach more veterans and provide even better service.
Another challenge, which I know other CVSOs can relate to, is the number of roles we have to take on. In a single day, I might be handling program management, writing claims, advocating in treatment court, assisting with housing, and whatever else comes through the door. The expectations placed on CVSOs are enormous, and when you’re the only one in a state, it can be overwhelming. There’s only so much time in the day, you know? (laughs)
What do you enjoy most about being a veteran service officer?
The best part of this job is meeting veterans who truly need help and being able to make a real impact in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a veteran—someone who thought they had no options—finally receive the benefits they’ve earned. Seeing that relief on their face, knowing that I played a part in
making that moment happen, makes everything worth it. It’s the kind of work that reminds you why advocacy matters.
How, if at all, has being a CVSO changed how you view military service?
In the military, I saw people’s lives up close—both the good and the bad. I got to understand the human side of service in a way that many don’t see. But working as a CVSO, especially with aging veterans, has given me an even deeper appreciation for just how tough things were for them—and, in many cases, how tough things still are. It’s one thing to experience military life in the moment, but it’s another to see the long-term effects it has on those who served decades ago.
How, if at all, has being a CVSO changed your view of VA for the better?
Having worked on so many different sides of the process, I’ve come to really respect the people at the VA and their dedication to serving veterans. I know the system isn’t perfect, but I’ve seen firsthand how much effort goes into improving it and making real changes that positively impact veterans’ lives. Being a CVSO has changed me as a person;I’ve seen so much, from struggles to successes, and I’ve watched how changes within the system can lead to better outcomes. It has reinforced my belief that advocacy works and that we all have a role to play in making the system better for those who rely on it.
What would you want people to understand about CVSO’s or what misunderstanding would you like to see corrected about CVSO’s?
I think some CVSOs have given the profession a bad reputation. This may have been earned through outdated attitudes that no longer reflect what this profession is about today. That’s why I believe it’s so important for the truly dedicated advocates to be more visible and vocal. There are so many CVSOs out there who go the extra mile, who fight for veterans and ensure they get the benefits they’ve earned. More veterans need to know that those people exist and that we’re here to help.
Another critical part of this job is being approachable. Veterans need to feel safe opening up about their experiences, even the difficult ones. If they don’t trust us or feel like we’re just another bureaucratic roadblock, they won’t seek the help they need. Good CVSOs aren’t just knowledgeable—they create an environment where veterans feel comfortable and heard. That’s how we make a real difference.
If you had one request for your legislators to impact the lives of veterans or CVSO’s, what do you believe would be most beneficial to request?
I would push for stronger staffing and higher-quality training at the VA. The VA needs to attract skilled, dedicated people and ensure they are trained to handle the complexities of veterans' benefits and healthcare. Too often, veterans face delays or frustration simply because there aren’t enough well-trained staff members to support them.
Beyond that, I think there needs to be better outreach—both at the institutional level and within local communities. Veterans don’t always seek out benefits on their own, so educating their friends, family members,
and community leaders on how to recognize a veteran in need and point them in the right direction would make a huge difference. It’s not just about having resources available; it’s about making sure veterans actually connect with them.
Anything else you would like to add or let others know about CVSO’s?
It’s the best profession in the world and the country needs more of us!