Mike Manning, Veterans Service Officer
Mike Manning, the Veterans Service Officer serving Hawkins County veterans and their families, is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (Life Member), Military Officers Association of America (Life Member), American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (Life Member), and the 2d Marine Division Association.
Mike and his wife Kimberly live in Eidson have one son and one grandchild. Mike retired from the United States Marine Corps after serving thirty years active duty and six years in the United States Naval Reserve.
Mike has been involved in operations around the world and combat in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most notably he commanded 1st Battalion, 2d Marines in Helmand province Afghanistan, where he lost fourteen Marines and one Civilian Law Enforcement Professional.
“In memory of those Marines, the wounded, their families and all veterans I dedicate myself to this office and in assisting veterans and their families any way I can.” - Mike Manning
Our Mission "Serving Those Who Served"
Mike and his assistant, Brandee Smith, will apply specialized knowledge in the best interest and to the needs of veterans and their beneficiaries in assisting them with preparing forms, applications, supporting evidence in filing compensation, pension and DIC claims. Assistance will also be provided for filing for education, home loans, homeless veterans, life insurance, health care, vocational rehab, employment, burial and other benefits on an individual basis with compassionate understanding.
Assistance to veterans and their survivors is provided free of charge. Under no circumstances shall there be any request or demand to accept remuneration in cash or in any other form for assistance.
A veteran is the most important person entering this office. He or she is a person who brings us real needs and it is our job to help as expeditiously and courteously as possible.
Did you know: "Beware unaccredited individuals who prepare, present or prosecute VA benefit claims, or hold themselves out as being authorized to do so, are in violation of Federal law."
-The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a list of VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals that are authorized to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims at: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
The Veterans Services Office Can Assist with the Following:
- What benefits do a veteran and his dependents have?
- What qualifications are needed to file a claim?
- What is the difference between a compensation and pension claim?
- How do I get into the VA Health System?
- How do I file an appeal about a VA decision?
- What are some diseases caused by chemical exposure?
- What is PTSD and what is meant by a stressor?
- What documents do I need to file a claim?
- How do I get my service records?
- How and where do I return a VA check?
- What to do if I get in an overpayment?
- How do I apply for aid and attendance?
- Can I be buried in a state or national cemetery?
- Who can get free license tags?
- What is a Means Test?
- How will my family apply for a grave marker and burial benefits?
- How do I get my military records corrected?
- What are the time limits for using certain benefits?
Office Hours:
Important numbers: 72 Hour VA emergency room/urgent care authorization number- 1 844 724-7842 (Call whenever an ER/Urgent care visit is required and you are covered under VHA).
VA General information: 1 800 827-1000
VA Homeless hotline: 1 877 424-3838
Volunteers of America: 423 461-0044
ARCH Homelessness: 423 928-2724
Veterans Crisis Line: 1 800 273-8255 press 1
National suicide hotline: 988