The Good Life – May-June 2023

“IT’S BEEN ONE OF THE MOST
REWARDING JOBS IN MY
CAREER.”
Every veteran that walks through the doors of
the Clay County Veterans Service Office in North
Moorhead has a story. And with each story comes
a unique set of obstacles they must get through in
order to survive and thrive in civilian life.
“It’s been one of the most rewarding jobs in my
career,” he said. “You’ve got a veteran sitting across
from you crying because they don’t know what to
do, they don’t have health care, they’re going to lose
their job or their house, and you have resources to
help. And you get them into the VA and now they
have a lifetime of health care, or you provide a
resource that helps them pay their rent, mortgage
or utilities. There’s nothing better than that.”
Transitioning back into civilian life is a drastic shift
for many, and that little bit of magic can make it a
little easier.
“(While you’re stationed) you take orders, you
deliver orders, you do a mission and hope everyone
is safe. You were fed, your laundry is done for
you, and you have no bills. There is daily stress of
missing your family and hoping your soldiers stay
alive, but you execute the mission to best of your
abilities, serve your time and come home to your
family,” said Cannon.
“Back here, you have the home fight. — I mean, how
do you cope with that? That’s the biggest question.
Can you cope when you return to civilian life? That’s
where we come into play. We’re dealing with way
more than just taking orders. You have housing,
kids, spousal, social, financial, employment…
Those compound and it can make or break you.
Some can handle the heat of the daily stressors,
and some can’t, but our job is to try to turn the heat
down.”
From housing allowances and retirement benefits,
to medical care and disability with everything in
between, Cannon and his colleagues wear multiple
“hats” to make the process as smooth and easy as
possible.
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