Jefferson County Welcomes Brandie Hanson as County Veterans Service Officer
Jefferson County is pleased to announce that Brandie Hanson has been confirmed as the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) following approval by the Jefferson County Board at its January 13 meeting. This position was formerly held by Yvonne Duesterhoeft, who is retiring as CVSO following 19 years of service.
As County Veterans Service Officer, Hanson will serve as the primary advocate for Jefferson County veterans and their families, assisting them in accessing federal, state, and local benefits related to disability compensation, healthcare, education, pensions, survivor benefits, and other earned services.
Hanson brings 15 years of professional experience in veteran advocacy, case management, and public service to the role. Most recently, she was a Veterans Ombudsman Services Specialist with the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, where she served on behalf of more than 500 residents at Wisconsin Veterans Homes. In that position, Hanson investigated resident rights concerns, worked with administrators and care teams to resolve complex issues, and led outreach and education efforts to strengthen partnerships with veterans, families, and local agencies. In addition to her civilian experience, Hanson is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, having served from 2000 to 2012. Her service included two combat deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Her military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support Jefferson County veterans and their families,” said Hanson. “My goal is to build strong relationships, improve access to earned benefits, and ensure veterans feel respected and supported. This office exists to serve, and I look forward to continuing that mission.”
“What I have enjoyed more than anything in this work is having the tools and network to weave together solutions that give veterans the support to move forward through difficult times and thrive,” said retiring CVSO Yvonne Duesterhoeft. “I’m certain that Brandie comes to this role with more knowledge and experience than I had 19 years ago when I started. She has the heart, passion, and skills to advance our mission in important ways.”
Brandon White, Jefferson County Board Supervisor and member of the Veterans Service Commission, observed that “Brandie brings a combination of military experience and deep professional expertise in veteran advocacy. As Veterans Ombudsman, she demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned.”
“The CVSO is often the first point of contact for veterans navigating complex systems,” said Jefferson County Administrator Michael Luckey. “Brandie’s experience positions her exceptionally well to serve Jefferson County veterans with compassion, professionalism, and accountability.”
County officials encourage veterans, service members, and their families to contact the local CVSO at (920) 674-7240 or jeffersoncountyvets.org to learn more about available benefits and services.
