Figurehead at county veterans service office retires

By Brandi Makuski

With over 20 years at the helm of the Portage Co. Veterans Services Office under his belt, Michael Clements has retired.

Clements’ retirement celebration was low-key and not open to the press, with only county officials in attendance on March 8.

Clements, a veteran of both the United States Marines and the U.S. Navy, worked for the U.S. Veterans Administration before becoming the Portage County Veterans Services Officer (CVSO) in November 2002.

In that time, he marshaled the resources of dozens of federal, state, and county programs designed to assist the county’s 5,000 or so military veterans, plus their spouses and dependents. He’s also assisted active duty members, Reservists, and National Guard members and their families.

Clements’ assistance ranged from helping veterans sign up for VA benefits to applying for emergency rental assistance to guiding dependents to college tuition benefits.

But there was so much more to it. Clements would regularly say that his office, one that is mandated by the state, “wore so many hats” and those who worked within it had to be well-versed in state and federal laws about veterans, as well as the resources available to them within the county.

Clements was also known for personally visiting veterans who lived alone or had a limited support network and directed them to opportunities to socialize with other veterans.

“I feel my position is helping my brothers and sisters, and it’s a mission I take seriously, I take it to heart,” Clements previously told the Metro Wire about his role.

Portage Co. is currently in the process of refilling the position, according to County Executive John Pavelski. Dan Sankey has been appointed as interim CVSO, Pavelski said, so veterans and their families will be able to receive services without any interruption by calling 715-346-1310.