The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission is a county agency dedicated to serving Montgomery County veterans. In May 1886 after the Civil War, the Ohio Legislature passed the Soldiers Relief Act, establishing the Soldiers Relief Commission, now known as the Veterans Service Commission.  The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission operates under ORC 5901. The agency provides two distinct services: Assistance when dealing with the VA (Veterans Administration) including compensation claims and widows' benefits. Emergency financial assistance to eligible veterans and family members who have a demonstrated need. The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission has eleven members, six appointed by the Montgomery County Commissioners and five appointed by the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.  The five members appointed by the Common Pleas Court are representatives from:  American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Disabled American Veterans;  AMVETS;  and either the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Veterans of America, or the Korean War Veterans Association. Commissioners Tom Hagel, President - Disabled American Veterans Tom Istvan, Vice-President - Vietnam Veterans of America Joseph Mingo, Secretary Nicole Deshotel Danny Hamilton William Harshaw - Veterans of Foreign Wars Mark Landers - American Legion Grafton Payne Steve Rice James Payne John Sexton - AMVETS Executive Director: James Knowles