Ottawa County's Department of Veterans Services, created in 2011 and paid from the General Fund rather than a millage, files VA claims free and runs the county's hardship grants, burial allowance and medical rides. In July 2026 its committee began weighing a relief levy or a veterans millage.
Also called: Veterans Services, OCVS, department of veterans affairs, VSO, claims, Veterans Services Committee, Holland, 393-VETS, DD-214, county clerk.
For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.
The Ottawa County Department of Veterans Services was created under 1953 PA 192 in July 2011 (see the Michigan entry on county departments). A Veterans Services Committee of six veterans and one county commissioner, appointed by the Board for four-year terms, oversees it and meets every other month at the Fillmore Street administration building in West Olive. The director is Jason Schenkel.
What it does. Its service officers file service-connected disability claims and VA pensions, retrieve service records and work with other agencies, and it runs the county's financial hardship grants, burial allowance and medical transportation (each its own entry), helps with Michigan Veterans Trust Fund applications, holds a yearly Stand Down and resource fair (August 28 in 2026) and a free Welcome Home banquet for veterans and a guest.
How it is paid for. The county says the department is funded by the General Fund, with no voted veterans millage, unlike most large Michigan counties. A State county veteran service fund grant adds to it. On July 9, 2026 the committee reported a statewide county funding study and planned three options for review: a Soldiers and Sailors Relief levy of up to a tenth of a mill, which the minutes describe as available by Board action without a ballot; a partial millage covering about half of operations; and a full operating millage. MCL 35.21 in fact says the board "shall annually levy" up to a tenth of a mill for veterans relief (see the Michigan entry). No decision had been recorded by the September 10, 2026 meeting.
Discharge records. The County Clerk's page on military discharge papers only sends readers to the National Archives. The committee was told in September 2026 that about 50 discharges are filed a year, and MCL 35.32 requires it to record any discharge presented and give the veteran copies free (see the Michigan entry). Vital Records: 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, 616-994-4531.
Where. 12251 James Street, Suite 300, Holland, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the department expects to open a new office on November 11, 2026. Phone 616-393-8387 (616-393-VETS), email [email protected].
Thresholds
Thresholds for Ottawa County Department of Veterans Services
Gate
Rule
Any Ottawa County veteran or family member
Claims help is free; grants, burial and rides have their own tests. No rating is needed.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.