(Seguin) — Today is the first day on the job for Guadalupe County’s new Veterans Service Officer. Appointed to fill that position is Nancy Russell. Russell was the top candidate for the job and selected by a county committee that included members of the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court.
Over the last several years, the name Russell has become synonymous with assisting veterans here in Seguin. Nancy and her husband Craig are co-founders of the SS Memorial Foundation, a 200 acre space on Lake Placid which has served as a rehabilitative and recreational space for wounded warriors and other veterans.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher says Russell’s experience and personal mission to aid veterans is what he believes captured the committee’s attention.
“Ms. Russell stood out from the other applicants really with a diverse background. She went to Seguin High School. Graduated from Texas A&M University but her work experience with Alamo Workforce Solutions as a career counselor and then working at Community Council South Central Texas as a childcare coordinator and then also being co-founder with her husband and family of SS American Memorial. She just kind of filled all of the requirements and the needs for the position of Veterans Service Officer being experienced in paperwork and government documents and the needs of those folks but also having a deep desire and passion for wanting to help veterans really made her stand out from the others,” said Kutscher.
Russell says there was no hesitation in applying for the job. She says she looks forward to the opportunity.
“My work experience includes five different occupations each unrelated to the other, but interestingly each one is relevant to the VSO position. I am a veteran spouse and my family and I have a strong record of helping active duty military and veterans on a large scale right here in Guadalupe County, and I consider this appointment a continuation of that mission,” said Russell.
Russell says Guadalupe County’s large veteran population makes this job not only important but worthwhile.
“This position is especially important in Guadalupe County due to the very large population of active military and veterans residing here, and the continued growth in the area,” said Russell.
Russell says it’s important to her to concentrate her efforts on each veteran so that the local office becomes one of the best if not the best.
“My hope is that the Guadalupe County Veterans Service Office is known for providing veterans the best individualized attention and service they deserve, not only in regard to VA benefits but also in helping them achieve the best quality of life possible. This can be done by openly and continually engaging with them and providing information on the many local resources, activities, and opportunities available,” said Russell.
Kutscher says the county takes it veterans very seriously and believes Russell can do the job.
“The commissioners court and the entire county are committed to making sure that we help and provide resources to the right over 20,000 veterans in our county not only through our veterans service office but also through commissioners court, through working with the congressman’s office, the DAV, the VFW’s — all the veterans organizations in the county. We strive to provide those services the best we can. So, looking forward to Mrs. Russell starting and again, continuing serving our vets in the county,” said Kutscher.
Russell replaces former VSO· Marisela Gonzales who served the county for over a year and half.