Meet Our Veteran Service Officer

Meet Joe Williams, Lawrence's Veteran Service Officer.
 
Every Wednesday, veterans can find Joe Williams at the Lawrence Government Center, where he provides free, one-on-one assistance with VA benefits, claims, appeals, and other veterans services through The American Legion.
 
Lawrence is home to a large veteran population because of its history as the former Fort Benjamin Harrison Army installation. Recognizing that need, Indiana American Legion Adjutant Chad Woodburn approached Mayor Deb Whitfield about hosting a Department Service Officer in Lawrence one day each week. A strong advocate for veterans whose late husband served a career in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Mayor Whitfield enthusiastically welcomed the partnership. 
 
Today, Williams meets with veterans in a dedicated private office at the Lawrence Government Center, ensuring every appointment is confidential and accessible.
 
Williams is a Navy veteran who served from 2010 to 2019. During his military career, he was stationed in San Diego before serving as a Navy recruiter in the Chicago metropolitan area. After leaving the service, he worked with the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, helping homeless veterans before becoming a Department Service Officer with The American Legion.
 
When he's not meeting with veterans in Lawrence, Williams works at The American Legion Veterans Service Office in downtown Indianapolis. He and his wife of 13 years are raising their five children in Avon, and he says he has enjoyed getting to know the Lawrence community through his weekly visits.
 
Mayor Deb Whitfield said the City is proud to partner with The American Legion to make veterans services more accessible.
 
"We can never do enough to support the men and women who so bravely served our country," Whitfield said. "We're proud to provide a space where they can access the benefits they've earned with dignity and privacy."
 
Veterans who would like to schedule an appointment with Joe Williams can contact him directly at (317) 916-3605 or jwilliams@indianalegion.org. Williams is available every Wednesday at the Lawrence Government Center.