Hardin County Veterans Leader Steven Gossard Elected Judge Advocate of National Advocacy Group

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Steven Gossard, executive director of the Hardin County Veterans Affairs Office in Kenton, Ohio, was elected Monday as judge advocate of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers at NACVSO’s Annual Business Meeting and Training Summit.

As judge advocate, Gossard, a Gulf War-era veteran of the Marine Corps, will advise the NACVSO leadership on questions of parliamentary procedure for the conduct of business, review any prospective changes to NACVSO bylaws, and interpret the bylaws when required. He will also serve on the Executive Board, NACVSO’s governing body.

“It’s an honor to serve the veterans of Hardin County every day, and this position provides opportunities to advocate for them and for veterans around the country,” Gossard said. “As the national voice for thousands of local government employees who advocate for the veterans in their communities, NACVSO plays a vital role in helping connect veterans and their families to the services they need and have earned. I’m excited about the work we have ahead of us to build on NACVSO’s decades of advocacy and education.”

​​Since 1989, NACVSO has advocated for government policies that serve veterans and supported the nation’s nearly 1,700 county veterans service officers. CVSOs are local government employees responsible for helping veterans and their families in their communities access their benefits. CVSOs can help advocate for veterans and their families with the VA, connect them to state and local resources and identify gaps in policies that serve the veterans in their communities.

Earlier Monday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough kicked off the conference with an opening keynote address. The conference will conclude Wednesday with a closing keynote from Medal of Honor Recipient Clint Romesha.