BENTONVILLE -- Benton County Judge Barry Moehring, citing the value in continuity and experience, has promoted Patrick Robinson to the top position in the Veteran Services Office.
The county advertised for applicants and received resumes from a number of interested individuals, including Robinson, Moehring said. Renona Crowden held the position from January 2014 to August 2016. Robinson ran the office after Crowden left in August. Lou Meredith was hired Nov. 14 and wasn't retained when former County Judge Bob Clinard's term ended Dec. 31, according to Brenda Guenther, comptroller.
Veteran Services
The Benton County Veteran Services Office is in Room 301 in the County Administration Building, 215 E. Central Ave., in Bentonville. The staff may be reached by phone at (479) 464-6123.
Source: Staff report
Moehring said he worked with Robinson, then assistant veteran services officer, while he was acting head of the office and decided to retain him in the post.
"I realized we didn't need to gather any more resumes," Moehring said. "We had the right person right here."
Robinson, 36, is a Marine Corps veteran whose service includes two tours of duty in Iraq. He was honorably discharged in January 2005.
"It was a very strange feeling," Robinson said of the rapid change from military service to civilian life. "I went through a big transition very quickly."
After leaving the service, Robinson remained in the San Diego area and worked in private security and as a detention officer for the Corrections Corporation of America until June 2015. He loved the California desert, frequently camping there, but found city life less appealing. Looking for a change in lifestyle -- "getting out of the rat race," he said -- Robinson spent time doing Internet research looking for a growing and economically vibrant area that remained a relatively quiet area where he could indulge his interest in hunting and the outdoors. He moved to Rogers in June 2015 and was hired by Benton County as a staff assistant in the Veteran Service Office in September. He was promoted to assistant service officer in April 2016.
Pete Rathmell is a Garfield resident and Navy veteran who is active with USS Snook Base, a group of submarine vets, and the Northwest Arkansas Veterans Coalition. Rathmell has helped a number of veterans get help through the Veterans Services Office and has come to know Robinson. Rathmell said he and Robinson play their parts in the traditional, mostly good-natured rivalry between Navy and Marine Corps veterans.
"It's always been my impression when I've visited him that he's a 'gung ho' guy," Rathmell said. "He doesn't let the grass grow under him."
Rathmell said the Veteran Services Office is vital to veterans who have problems that relate to benefits or Veterans Administration rules and regulations. Rathmell expects Robinson will keep the Benton County office running smoothly and focused on the needs of veterans.
"A well-run, responsive VSO is a real asset to the veterans in the county," he said.
Robinson has had to learn more about the Department of Veterans Affairs as he works with the veterans who come to the office. Talking with other veterans makes the paperwork and routine easier to take, he said.
"I'm not just sitting here in front of a computer for eight hours a day," he said. "I have a veteran sitting here with me. I get to hear all the stories. That part of it is wonderful. You get to meet amazing people, real patriots with amazing stories. That's something to look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy what I'm doing and as long as I'm able to help people I'm pretty confident I'm going to stick with it."
NW News on 02/04/2017