Ashland,  Ala. – The Clay County Veterans Service Office in Ashland officially opened on Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony to serve the county’s veterans and their families.

“We are very proud of the men and women who have answered the call to serve in the military, and we are honored that we can participate in the process to retain a veterans service office here in the county,” Clay County Commission Chairman Bennie Morrison said at today’s ceremony.

Known as the “Volunteer County” for having a high rate of military service among its citizens during the first Gulf War, the county of approximately 13,000 is home to more than 1,200 veterans.  Additionally, Clay County has a significant Army National Guard presence with units based in the towns of Ashland and Lineville that were called to active duty during Desert Storm and then again in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The Clay County Office reopened after closing in 2012 due to budget constraints.  The veterans service office will assist veterans and their dependents with compensation and pension claims, educational benefits, VA home loans, and referral services for needs such as temporary housing, healthcare, counseling and job placement.

Located in the Clay County Courthouse Annex at 41771 Hwy 77 N. in Ashland, veterans and their dependents can make an appointment by calling the county veterans service office at 256-252-8509.  Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.