City Expands Support for Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026

CITY OF LAWRENCE EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS WITH DEDICATED SERVICE OFFICE

LAWRENCE, IN – For the past two years, the City of Lawrence has partnered with the Indiana American Legion to help local veterans access the benefits they have earned through military service.

As the home of the former Fort Benjamin Harrison Army base, Lawrence has a larger-than-average veteran population. Recognizing that need, Indiana American Legion Adjutant Chad Woodburn approached City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield about hosting a Department Service Officer for the American Legion at the Lawrence Government Center. Mayor Whitfield, whose late husband was a career Army officer who trained at Fort Benjamin Harrison, immediately embraced the opportunity.

Since then, American Legion Department Service Officer Joe Williams has held weekly office hours every Wednesday at the Lawrence Government Center, assisting veterans with benefits claims, appeals, and other services.

To further enhance the program, Mayor Whitfield recently designated a private, fully accessible office on the ground floor of the Government Center near the main entrance, ensuring veterans can receive confidential assistance in a comfortable setting.

Williams, a Navy veteran, said the dedicated space will make a meaningful difference for those seeking assistance.

"Having an accessible, private office to serve our veterans makes all the difference," said Williams. "We're grateful to Mayor Whitfield and the City of Lawrence for their commitment to ensuring veterans have a welcoming place to receive the help they deserve."

Mayor Whitfield said supporting veterans remains one of the City's priorities."I remember when Adjutant Woodburn first contacted me about bringing a Department Service Officer to Lawrence," said Mayor Whitfield. "We immediately recognized the value of this partnership, and it has proven to be an important resource for our community. We can never do enough to support the men and women who so bravely served our country, and we're proud to provide a space where they can access the benefits they've earned with dignity and privacy."

Media Contact:
Denise Herd, Herd Strategies
317-796-0514
denise@herdstrategies.com

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About the City of Lawrence, Indiana  
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under the leadership of Mayor Deb Whitfield, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.