Arapahoe County Veterans Service Officer Rick Stewart received two awards this year from Colorado organizations recognizing his outstanding performance and service to veterans.

Stewart received the 2013-2014 Louis Nardini Award from the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs and the Colorado Veterans Service Officer Association at a state conference April 24. The Nardini Award is presented annually to a Veterans Service Officer who demonstrates outstanding knowledge and achievements in serving Colorado veterans and their families. He was nominated for the award by Arapahoe County Commissioner Bill Holen and selected by a statewide committee.

Stewart also received the Outstanding Veterans Service Officer Award from the United Veterans Committee of Colorado at its 42nd annual awards banquet March 30. This award recognizes Stewart’s dedication, expertise and commitment to providing guidance and services to Colorado veterans and their families. It also recognizes his knowledge of federal rules and regulations, leadership in administering Veterans Trust Fund grants, and assistance in establishing the Veterans Trauma Court. These two awards represent the only honors presented specifically to Veterans Service Officers in Colorado.

“Rick Stewart works diligently to help men and women who served in our nation’s armed forces with navigating the federal VA system and securing the benefits they deserve,” said Holen. “Arapahoe County is proud to see him earn these prestigious honors, and to call him our Veterans Service Officer.”

Stewart assists veterans and their dependents at no cost with filing for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefits available to veterans can include service-connected disability, pension, burial benefits, VA healthcare and education. In 2013, Arapahoe County increased staffing in the office to meet the growing needs of veterans returning from overseas, and welcomed Assistant Veterans Service Officer Tim Westphal. Since 2009, the office has helped veterans and their dependents to recover nearly $9 million in award claims, including $3.37 million last year.

For more information about the Arapahoe County Veterans Service Office or to request an appointment, please call 303-738-8045 or visit www.arapahoegov.com.

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Download photos of Rick Stewart: ftp://ftp.arapahoegov.com/Pub/Communication%20Services/Photos/Veteran