Written for the jurisdictions listed here.
Indiana counties employ a service officer under IC 10-17-1-9; see the Indiana entry for the statutory scheme. Boone's office describes itself on the county site: "Your Boone County Veterans Affairs Office is ready and eager to serve you. If no one is in the office when you call, please leave a message with your name, phone number and a brief description of what your call is regarding and your call will be returned within 24 hours. Appointments are recommended." Its services list: "Burial Claims, Disability Claims, Disabled Veterans Tax Abatement Program, Education & Training, Health Care, Honoring Military Veterans, Military Family Relief Fund, Military Records, Military & Veteran Information, Reduced Fees on Hunting/Fishing Licenses, Veterans License Plates" - with the detail pages running from burial in a national cemetery and burial allowances through disability and survivor pensions, education and apprenticeship OJT applications, the veterans home at West Lafayette, VA medical center access, discharge-paper replacement, the disabled veterans tax abatement program, the DAV reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses and the special veterans plates.
The officeholder. "Michael G. Spidel is currently the Boone County Veterans Service Officer and serves as a Paramedic for Witham Health Services in Lebanon. Michael (Mike) graduated from Lebanon Senior High school in 1980 and entered the United States Navy later that summer. He served on submarines and ultimately earned the rank of IM2 PO Rank E5. Mike was Honorably Discharged in 1986 and returned to Lebanon where he served on the City of Lebanon Fire Department as a firefighter from 1987 to 2013." The office's page carries the IDVA supervision: "The County Veterans' Service Officer (VSO) works under the direct supervision of the Director of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), although the VSO is appointed and paid by the county ... The service officer must attend an annual training conference, normally conducted in June, to receive update training and to re-certify as competent as a service officer." And its reach: "For those individuals who are unable to travel, home visits can be arranged."
The accreditation. The county's May 11, 2026 release: "Boone County Veteran Service Officer Mike Spidel has earned official accreditation through the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), completing a rigorous statewide program designed to strengthen services for Indiana veterans and their families. The accreditation recognizes Spidel's successful completion of professional standards and training established by IDVA to ensure County Veteran Service Officers are equipped to help veterans navigate benefits, healthcare access, and other critical services. Indiana is the first state in the nation to implement comprehensive statewide accreditation standards for County Veteran Service Officers." The photo caption: "Mike Spidel (right) receives his Indiana Accreditation Certificate from Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Director Jake Adams." Director of Administration Nick Parr: "Veterans and their families often face complex systems when seeking benefits and assistance, and this certification helps ensure they have knowledgeable local support they can trust."
Where. Boone County Veteran Affairs Office, 127 W. Main Street, Suite 311, Lebanon, IN 46052; (765) 483-4480, fax 765-483-6028;
[email protected]; Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The courthouse square offices sit at 201 (Auditor) and 202 (Recorder) Courthouse Square.