02/11/2026

In January the MCVSC welcomed three new commissioners appointed by the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

Effective January 1, 2026 Jessica Carr was appointed to represent AMVETS.  She was appointed to fill a vacancy and her term ends on January 14, 2028.

Also effective January 1, 2026 Selena Loyd was appointed to represent Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and her term ends January 14, 2027

The courts also appointed retired Navy veteran Keith Carr to a full term representing the VFW.  Commissioner Carr’s term began on January 15, 2026 and runs through January 14, 2031.

During this time we also bid a fond farewell to retired USAF Veteran Michael Howley with deep gratitude for his years of service representing the VFW. Godspeed to former Commissioner Howley as he fully embraces retirement.

VA has long offered dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for caretakers of veterans. Going forward, VA has announced that it will no longer provide need-based apportionments due to the complexity of determining a needs-based threshold as things like cost of living vary wildly from state to state. Instead, VA directs caretakers to state programs that should be better equipped to evaluate these situations.

The DIC limitations should only apply to new apportionments, so those who currently receive benefits should not be affected. If you have any questions about DIC or your benefits, please reach out to the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission.

Looking for a career that provides the opportunity to help veterans every day? Consider applying for a position at the Dayton VA Medical Center. Several medical doctor and nursing positions are available, but you don't have to be a medical professional to help further the VA mission. Other openings include technicians, administrative positions, social workers, and food service.

Currently there are 42 open positions at the Dayton VA Medical Center. Come join the team and help the Dayton region maintain its position as the top spot for veterans.

With the VA Benefits App, you can manage your VA benefits directly from a secure mobile app developed by VA. No more futzing around with internet searches and navigating through the VA website. With the benefits app you can directly interface with the tools you need to manage your benefits.

Features include:

Biometric sign-in

• Use your phone’s built-in security features—like fingerprint and face recognition—to securely access your information.

Health care tools

• Refill and track your VA prescriptions
• Send and receive secure messages from your VA health care team
• Review appointments and add them to your calendar
• Get your records for VA vaccines, such as COVID-19

Benefits tools

• Check your disability rating
• Review your claim or appeal status
• Submit evidence for your claim or appeal
• Download common VA letters

Payments tools

• Review payments we’ve sent you
• Update your direct deposit information

Facility locator

• Find VA facilities and services near you

Veterans Crisis Line

• Get quick access to the VA Crisis Line

Proof of Veteran status

• Show proof of your Veteran status

Mental Heath Resources for Veterans

If you're struggling with mental health, there are resources available. Any of the resources below can assist you through a crisis and some, such as VA resources, are specifically tailored to provide veteran care.

Veteran's Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support for veterans and their family members. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits to take advantage of this resource:

Dial 988 and press 1. Text at 838255.

Dayton VA Vet Center

Confidential help for veterans, service members, and their families in a non-medical setting. No cost.

Dayton VA Vet Center website

Psychological Health Resource Center

Connects veterans to specialized mental health resources in their local area.

Psychological Health Resource Center website

Roger: Telehealth Suicide Prevention

By the nonprofit Stop Solider Suicide. Free mental health counseling for veterans and service members.

goroger.org

WWP Talk: Peer Support

Provided by the Wounded Warrior Project, WWP Talk provides a non-clinical resource that connects veterans and family members with a dedicated and empathetic listener.

Wounded Warrior Project