NACVSO Member Monthly Spotlight - October

NACVSO Member Monthly Spotlight

Name: Robin Ghent

County/State: Lancaster County, SC

Location: Lancaster

How long? 18 years

Branch of military and YEAR JOINED-YEAR SEPARATED (if applicable): N/A

How did you become a Veteran Service Officer?

My background is in corporate benefits, where I worked for a corporate headquarters in South Carolina. The area had a large military presence, and both of my grandfathers served in the military, which always inspired me to keep an eye out for opportunities to work with veterans. When the chance came to transition into this role, it felt like a natural fit. My experience in HR has been incredibly valuable, particularly in understanding the broader VA system. In a way, we’re a bit like the HR department for returning military personnel, helping them navigate their compensation and benefits. While there are many differences, there were enough similarities to be helpful for me in my transition.

What do you enjoy most about being a veteran service officer?

What I enjoy most is being able to help not just the military community, but also educating civilians about the VA and the benefits available to veterans. So many people—veterans and civilians alike—don’t fully understand what’s out there, and I love doing outreach to bridge that gap. It’s incredibly rewarding to provide people with the knowledge they need to help veterans access the benefits they’ve earned.

How, if at all, has being a CVSO changed how you view military service?

Being a CVSO has really opened my eyes to the unique nature of each veteran’s story. No two experiences are the same, and that has given me a deeper appreciation for what my family members went through during their service. Some veterans have incredibly positive memories of their time in the military, while others are less so about their experiences. My view has changed because I now understand that military service impacts each person differently, and it’s important to honor every individual’s journey.

How, if at all, has being a CVSO changed your view of VA for the better?

I’ve come to realize that, while the VA isn’t perfect, they are tackling monumental challenges—like ending veteran homelessness—that are incredibly complex. There will always be people who slip through the cracks, but that’s where our role as CVSOs comes in. Our job is to help veterans navigate the system, cut through the red tape, and fix what’s broken. Despite its flaws, the VA does a lot of good, and at the end of the day, it’s staffed by people who are doing their best. No system is perfect, because no human is perfect, but we can make a difference by continuing to improve it.

Without divulging any personal information, can you discuss one of your most memorable claim(s)?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t be doing this job today if it weren’t for a particular veteran I helped early in my career. I was just 28, brand new to the role, when a vet came into my office who had been diagnosed with cancer. He didn’t have insurance, no savings, and the cancer had already spread. All he wanted was access to basic health care.

As I got to know him, I learned that he had worked in a mill all his life and was also a Vietnam veteran. I realized that I could do more than just help him get health care. I managed to get the Regional Office to expedite his claim due to his diagnosis, and within three days, it was processed. The veteran came back into my office, crying, saying, “I was only looking for care.” Not only did we secure health care for him, but we also made sure his family was taken care of.

That experience was life-changing for me. It made me realize the true impact I could have in this role. If I can help one person like that, how many more can I help? This job allows me to fulfill my passion for helping people, and I’m grateful for that every day.

What would you want people to understand about CVSO’s or what misunderstanding would you like to see corrected about CVSO’s?

One of the biggest misconceptions is who we work for. A lot of people think we’re working for the federal government, but that’s not the case—we work for the veteran. We are your advocate and represent them. In South Carolina, every county is required to have a service officer, and we’re appointed by the state, not the federal government. While we sometimes act as the face of the VA, our main goal is to advocate for veterans and make sure they get the support and benefits they deserve. We’re here to help them. Full stop.

If you had one request for your legislators to impact the lives of veterans or CVSO’s, what do you believe would be most beneficial to request?

I would ask that lawmakers, policymakers, and VA leaders consult the CVSO community more often before making legislative or policy decisions. Just like we help veterans navigate the benefits process, we can help leaders understand veterans’ needs in a way that’s clear and actionable. CVSOs have a unique perspective because we see the system from top to bottom, and we can provide invaluable insights into the real-world impact of policy decisions. There are important things that need to be understood before decisions are made, especially when they will have a wide-reaching effect on veterans.

Anything else you would like to add or let others know about CVSO’s?

If you’re looking to make a positive impact on the lives of those who have served our country, there’s no better job in the world. Being a CVSO gives you the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families, and that’s incredibly rewarding.