Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      An Aerial photo of the back of 7417 Johnson Road SE, with a view of the pool

      Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on…

      A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      a woman laughs while playing with a foosball table at Legends Arcade

      Shop, Dine, Explore and Bank LocOly: It Means More for You…

      Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

      The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to…

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business

      Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent…

      An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

      Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving…

      a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

      Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston…

      outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

      WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking…

  • History
    • A life-size cardboard cutout of reformer Susan B. Anthony stands next to the red velvet chair she reportedly sat in at the Bigelow House. A desk with flowers and pamphlets are behind the cut out and a tied shelf is next to the chair with different porcelain vases and pitchers on it.

      Suffragist Susan B. Anthony Visited Olympia in 1871 to Address Territorial…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

      Arleen Webb Crooks Helped Make Olympia a Better Place

      Olympia History: Remembering the Daylight Bakery

      The Marie Bed & Breakfast in olympia

      From Historic Charm to Cozy Retreat: The Story of Our Victorian…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • three people stand in the back of the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's new truck, with two people standing on ground next to it.

      South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Expands Work Effort With New…

      a group of kids and two adults stand under a ductless A/C system, pointing to it with one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other.

      In-Kind Donations Help Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Focus…

      a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      Chris Hyde stands in a kitchen, writing something on a notepad, three woman stand behind him behind a counter

      The Food Source Foundation and ‘Hometown Hero’ Finalist in Olympia Heat…

      a large group of men and woman with a couple kids post for a photo, four are kneeling, the rest are standing. They are in front of a pop up tent that says 'TOGETHER!" with three hand prints next to it One woman is holding a gift basket

      The League of Foundations Unites Three Local Nonprofits to Extend their…

  • LocalTalk
    • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15

      Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather…

      Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park to Implement Campfire Restrictions…

      adults sitting at tables with computer screens in front of them. Their backs are to the camera. A person stands at the front of the from next to a large projection screen

      Saint Martin’s University and Oracle Prepare Military Community for In-Demand Careers…

      Bear Gulch Fire Update: Staircase and Lake Cushman Areas Closed, Crews…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

      State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

      a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

      Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

      Polson Logging Company steam engine pulling the Mt. Rainier Scenic train through the forest

      Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Still in Operation After Fire, Take a…

      young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

      New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water…

  • Events
    • A little girl in a cowboy hat and sequin blue, teal and silver western show shirt standing with a black miniature horse with a white face and white legs at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds

      Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30…

      Hell's Belle rock group performing on stage to a crowd of people

      Rock Out With Hell’s Belles and Nite Wave During Downtown Olympia’s…

      Lavender growing in a field with buds on the stems at Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

      Closing After 13 Years? The Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm in Olympia…

      a group of people stand next to a red motorcycle, two of them are holding a giant check.

      An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of…

      long sticks with salmon attached them over an open flam. A black belt runs in front of the fire pit that says Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

      Heat up Your Family’s Summer at the Barbecue Festival in Yelm

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Don't Miss Thurston County Veterans Services: Helping Veterans in Need

Thurston County Veterans Services: Helping Veterans in Need

By
Gail Wood
-

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

As a military veteran from the Vietnam era, Bob Jones remembers the harassment soldiers took, the ridicule for fighting in an unpopular war.

Today, fortunately, veterans who have served in the ongoing battles in the Middle East are greeted with a thank you and a handshake of appreciation. And Jones wants that thank you to include a voice of support and a hand up, not a handout. To do that, Jones established the Thurston County Veterans Services (TCVS), a nonprofit charity, three years ago.

“I’ve found a network and I’m utilizing the network to benefit those we support,” Jones said. “It’s a calling for me.”

Jones, an Army veteran who served 22 years and is now 71-years-old, was moved to action when he learned that veterans weren’t taking advantage of the VA programs offered and that many veterans were struggling with personal issues as they suffered through PTSD.

“Many, many veterans out there do not access the official programs like the VA,” Jones said. “And they need help in putting something together that would give them a hand up.”

TCVS connects veterans with all the programs available, pointing them in the right direction. And TVCS also gives veterans money to pay for the programs like legal services and rehab that they are going through. It’s all about being a helping hand.

Bob Jones
Bob Jones is fundraising for Thurston County Veterans Services.
Photo courtesy: Bob Jones

“The first part of our mission is to educate veterans concerning assistance programs that they have earned by virtue of their military service,” Jones said. “So, the first part of our mission is to educate veterans.”

The second part of their mission is to coordinate with service providers to ensure that veterans have access to the assistance programs provided at all levels of government and by private organizations. So, in effect they march together with a coordinating mission and they’re educating vets about the services. Jones coordinates with service providers and helps with financial support.

And in summary, Jones said the last part of TCVS’s mission is a lot shorter.

“We work to reduce barriers to veterans seeking assistance programs,” Jones said. “To capsulate, we’re educating, coordinating and reducing barriers. What we try to do is find programs where with our financial support we could help reduce a barrier or coordinate the service or educate a veteran what’s available.”

Currently, Jones and the TCVS board are in a fundraiser campaign to raise money to help veterans benefit from available programs. Individual or corporate donations can be given by going to TCVS’s website. You can also reach out via their Facebook page or email Jones at bobjonesmilitary@comcast.net. All funds go to work with vets to assist them with their psychological, physical and financial problems.

A program that TCVS wholeheartedly supports and helps veterans get connected to is Thurston County Veterans Court, which was established in 2009. The purpose of Veterans Court is to help veterans who are suffering from mental illness or substance abuse issues and have been arrested or charged of misdemeanors. By connecting these veterans with rigorous treatment and promote sobriety, recovery and stability through counseling programs, these veterans then get the legal offenses cleared from their records.

TCVS Bob Jones
Bob Jones, as president of Thurston County Veterans Services, is committed to helping veterans. Photo courtesy: Bob Jones

Mike Steadman, a Lacey city councilman and actively involved with TCVS, has seen the saving power of the Veterans Court. But Steadman said Veterans Court isn’t a “free ticket to get out of trouble either.”

“They’re pretty strict on it,” Steadman said. “It’s designed to change lives and to get the tools you need to get back on your feet.”

If veterans don’t do what’s required and go to treatment and counseling, then the punishment is applied. But Steadman has heard the success stories.

“It’s a life changer,” Steadman said. “It doesn’t mean they never drink again. Nothing like that. It gets them in some cases the little help they needed that they didn’t know they had a problem with.”

As president of the TCVS, Jones is a volunteer, as are the other eight members of the board. Jones’ payment is knowing he’s helped a veteran get connected to a program that helps veterans find work, get health care or further their education.

“My satisfaction comes when any veteran of any service finds success in what they need to compensation them for their service to this country,” Jones said. “I can tell you they’ve earned every bit of support that they’re authorized.”

Jones said the programs available to veterans are not an undeserved handout.

“They’ve earned this. This is not a welfare system,” Jones said. “This is a support to the veterans who have earned the compensation that they deserve.”

And surprisingly Jones said many veterans are not aware of all the programs that are out there. They’ve heard about the GI bill for school or they’ve heard about a VA loan and they’ve heard about other programs.

“But there’s many, many more programs that are there to support veterans,” Jones said.

Steadman has seen the powerful support of the Veterans Court up close. A friend of his got a DUI when he came back from Iraq after several deployments. He was in special forces, a Green Beret.

Mike Steadman
Mike Steadman, a Lacey City councilman, supports the mission of Thurston County Veterans Services.
Photo credit: Gail Wood

“It was like the movie ‘12 Strong’ and all that,” Steadman said.

Steadman’s friend came home from Iraq and his wife had a baby while he was on deployment. After he got home, his wife divorced him.

“He’s seen things that no one should have to see,” Steadman said. “He comes back to the one solid thing, the anchor of his life, and it’s ripped out from underneath him. Then he starts drinking a lot.”

Steadman’s friend then got out of the military and lost that support.

“I was in the Marines so I know about that,” Steadman said. “You take all the supports that help you deal with those kind of things and you take them away. He went to the bottom. He ended up getting a DUI.”

And Steadman said that’s where the Veterans Court and TCVS can stand in the gap and help a veteran get through a problem.

“He recognized it was a problem,” Steadman said about his friend. “He went and saw some professionals. Got some services. He’s better for it now.”

And TCVS is there ready to help a veteran in need.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleAJB Landscaping & Fence Makes Backyards (and Front Yards!) Better
Next articleOlympia Farmers Market Welcomes Our Table
Gail Wood

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

A little girl in a cowboy hat and sequin blue, teal and silver western show shirt standing with a black miniature horse with a white face and white legs at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds

Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30 Through August 2, 2025 for This Summer’s ‘Big Foot! Big Fair! and Big...

three people stand in the back of the South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity's new truck, with two people standing on ground next to it.

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Expands Work Effort With New Truck and Trailer

a group of kids and two adults stand under a ductless A/C system, pointing to it with one hand and giving a thumbs up with the other.

In-Kind Donations Help Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Focus on the Kids

Upcoming Events

Jul
16
Wed
all-day Little Red Schoolhouse Project-S... @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Little Red Schoolhouse Project-S... @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Jul 16 all-day
Little Red Schoolhouse Project-School Supply Drive @ Drop Off At Participating locations through July 31st
Welcome to the Little Red Schoolhouse Thurston County, Washington State Who We Are What we do and why Donations What we need Getting involved How you can help Email signup Subscribe to our mailing list Distribution of Supplies How it[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent...

The transition from renter to home ownership is a big one. If we’re lucky enough to take the plunge, having a supportive, helpful real...
An Intercity Transit bus on a road with green grass next to it a tree full of cherry blossoms

Intercity Transit Embarks on Year-Long Process to Redesign Bus System Serving...

a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston...

outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking...

A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and...

Trending Now

Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15

Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather...

An Aerial photo of the back of 7417 Johnson Road SE, with a view of the pool

Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on...

Editor Picks

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,...

young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water...

Oksana Skillings in her classroom showing huge playing cards to the seated students

North Thurston Public Schools Celebrates Educators Who Embody Joy of Learning 

Recent Posts

  • Bear Gulch Fire: Update July 15
  • Thurston County News Release: Heat Leads County to Declare Hazardous Weather Event
  • Helping Clients, Problem Solving and Trust-Building are Key for Redfin Agent Kareem Dixon
  • Sotheby’s Broker Courtney Drennon Offers a Unique, Multifunctional Acreage Property on the Market Now
  • Gates of the Popular Grays Harbor County Fair Open July 30 Through August 2, 2025 for This Summer’s ‘Big Foot! Big Fair! and Big Fun!’
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap