Submitted photo
Mifflin County Veteran Affairs Director James “Jimmy” Conway.

LEWISTOWN — While their military tour of duty might have ended, many veterans encounter a conflict when it comes time to receive the care and benefits they deserve.

As a United States Navy veteran, James “Jimmy” Conway understands their struggle and tries to lend a helping hand.

“I want them to know when they come sit in my office, I give them my undivided attention and try to get them what they are looking for,” said Conway, who has worked as Mifflin County’s director of veteran affairs since November 2020. The Mount Union native retired as a Chief Petty Officer after 22 years in the Navy.

“There are not too many we can’t help out by going one avenue or another,” he added. “We just have to figure out which avenue to go down to fix it and which addresses their needs.”

Conway said the most common topics that veterans come to see him about include disability compensation, aid and attendance pensions, health care applications and funeral expenses.

From July 2021 to June 2022, Conway has been able to help Mifflin County veterans or their spouses receive $1.71 million in benefit funding. In 2020-21, he secured more than $936,000 for veterans or their spouses.

“Jimmy has been a tireless worker for our veterans,” Mifflin County Commission Kevin Kodish said. “Being a veteran himself, Jimmy has a deep appreciation for the service and the sacrifices of our country’s men and women in uniform.

“He takes his job very seriously, and he really connects well with the veterans that come into the office. We have received many compliments on his work.”

Previously, the veterans affairs office processed a combined $1.91 million in funding from 2016 to 2020.

Conway said the experience of having gone through the benefit funding process does make it easier to help other veterans.

“Before I didn’t know the whole process and didn’t know where to turn,” he explained. “I want them to be informed about the process and have them get the best possible service they can get.”

Conway believes the funding dollars have increased because more veterans are trying to receive benefits annually.

The PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act) enacted in August 2022 added more than 20 presumptive conditions for veterans who had toxic exposures while they served.

“It opened up doors for a lot of guys who were denied in the past,” Conway said. “Many veterans are finally starting to get what they are entitled to.”

Conway has helped veterans apply for disability compensation for injuries or illnesses that have been either caused or aggravated by their military service. He also tracks down aid and attendance pensions not only for the veteran but their spouse to assist with the cost of a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Conway has assisted veterans, who are struggling financially to afford health care, with their applications. Additionally, veterans seek help with reimbursements for funeral experiences or other burial expenses, such as grave markers or flags for grave sites.

“The amount of benefit dollars he has been able to acquire for our veteran families is a testament to his work ethic,” Kodish said. “I hope other veterans see this story and inquire as to possible benefits that could be available to them.

“We love and support our veterans here in Mifflin County, and Jimmy is our direct link available to provide quality service to those in need of assistance,” he added.

For Conway, it’s just another day at the office. He tries to help each veteran to the best of his ability.

“I try to go above and beyond for each one,” Conway said. “I try to get the word out about the benefits that are available to them. I fight hard to get all the benefits for them I can.

“I take it personally being a veteran myself,” he added. “To get them all the benefits they are entitled to.”

Sometimes a facial expression like a veteran’s smile is all the thanks he needs to know it’s a job well done.

“To see the financial burden lifted off them and the relief from their personal life,” said Conway, referring to the rewards of his job. “Veterans are entitled to this. They just want to feel like someone cares. I know they feel that way when they finally start getting the stuff that they were told they were going to get many years ago.”