What do COSTCO and a VSO have in common?

Nothing actually.

It’s just that I happened upon one while I was there over the weekend.
He was super proud of the fact that he was a “County VSO”.

I commended him on that fact then told him and his spouse we needed many more people like him.

I was curious however, so I casually asked him how may Veterans had he helped this year?

He responded, “Hmmmm. I’m just a volunteer, so I really don’t know.”

I see.

I asked him, “So, how may did you help LAST year?”

Again he responded with, “Hmmmm. I’m just a volunteer, so I really don’t know.”

Ok, I said.

I asked him, “How many claims do you submit for a Veteran when you volunteer?”

“Well, I dunno. Just whatever they say hurts. I’m just a volunteer.”

I see.

“Can I ask another question?”

I sense he’s beginning to see me as the barrier to his date with his $1.50 hot dog and drink, so I promise him it’s my last one.

“Sure”, he responds.

“Ok. So when the VA denies and deferrs what you submitted, what do you do then?”

Can you guess what he answered with?

Yup…

“Hmmmm. I’m just a volunteer, so I really don’t know.”

Have a great day sir, enjoy your mystery meat.

My point here?

Options. You have several, of which a VSO is one.

VSO’s, IMHO, generally seem to be nothing more than a valve stem cap.
They exist, however don’t appear to serve any real purpose.

Side note: Each consultant at SOS is required to endure and pass the same level of training all VSO’s across the country do. So in that aspect, we are the same. However, we really are not, if you catch my drift.

I’m certain there will be a few ruffled feathers from the VSO community from this, but, I don’t care as it is what it is.