BOISE, IDAHO - -- A reserve operations planner attached to Northwest Detachment, 4th Marine Logistics Group, was appointed as the acting administrator of the Division of Veterans Services for the entire state of Idaho Aug. 2.
As acting administrator, it is Col. David E. Brasuell’s job to oversee the office of Veterans Advocacy. This means ensuring veterans know their rights and what benefits they have earned. Brasuell and his staff are also responsible for taking care of the vets when they file claims and helping them if they are unable to make it to the nearest veterans’ hospital.
A 28 year veteran himself, Brasuell knows the importance of being able to take full advantage of benefits earned.
“Don’t underestimate the training you receive as Marines,” Brasuell said. “Everything I’ve accomplished in the last 30 years is mostly because of what I’ve done in the Corps. All military veterans deserve the benefits they have earned, and it’s my job to help them receive those benefits.”
Brasuell was appointed to this position by the Potato State’s Governor Jim Risch.
“I’m very pleased to appoint Col. Brasuell as the administrator of Veterans Services,” said Risch. “He is extremely qualified with his management experience and has a depth of knowledge that he brings from serving on the commission and with his length of service in the Marine Corps. It is an honor to appoint Dave to this position, and I know that the veterans in the state will be well served by his leadership.”
Brasuell had been the program manager for the Department of Corrections Women’s facility in Pocatello, Idaho. There, he was responsible for education, counseling, university research and internship programs. He has been there since June 1992. Brasuell also serves as the chair of the Idaho Veterans Affairs Commission, to which he was appointed in 2000. He is an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corps League and the Military Officer’s Association.
As busy as he is, Brasuell still finds the time to do his weekend drills.
“I plan to implement some of the Marine Corps values in the operations of our division,” Brasuell said. “To be able to provide quality care and assistance to those who have served our country is something that I look forward to doing to the best of my ability.”
With all of this on his plate, Brasuell still has a lot of work ahead of him. Veterans Services is responsible for the operations of the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, a 76-acre site that was dedicated in 2004. He plans to work towards a veteran’s cemetery in north Idaho. The new administrator also vows to continue the excellent service that is provided in the three Idaho Veterans Nursing homes.