November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. We honor all Veterans, including Buck Carmichael.
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to a community member and library patron who is making a positive difference in the lives of East Bay Veterans, Veterans in Person Services contact Buck Carmichael.
Buck served from 2001 to 2005 in the United States Marine Corps with a combat deployment to Ar Ramadi Iraq in 2004. He now acts as a Veterans Service Representative at Contra Costa County’s Veteran’s Service Office. As part of the Contra Costa County’s Veterans Outreach Services at the Brentwood library, he is a lifeline for Veterans transitioning to civilian life, and acts as an advocate for the Veteran when claims are filed with the Department of Veteran Affairs.
“This is the best job I’ve ever had,” Buck said. “I have had the opportunity to serve World War II veterans in their 100s to those who are currently transitioning out of the military. It is an honor to serve those who have served our nation.”
Using the Brentwood Branch’s 2nd floor conference room as his office, Buck takes eight prescheduled appointments with veterans every Monday between 10 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling the Contra Costa County Veterans Service office at (925) 313-1481.
Buck explained how the library setting is extremely welcoming and unintimidating to veterans who are often not used to asking for help. He is also impressed by the vast range of community resource information and the friendly attitude of the entire library staff.
“Seeking help is sometimes the hardest step for Veterans to take,” he said.
From housing support and tuition fee waivers for dependents, the list of community resources Buck can help Veterans connect to is long. In addition, here are other resources found through the Contra Costa or State Library:
VetNow: Job tools, resume help, skills-building resources and more specifically for veterans.
Park Passes , free, day-use entry for California state parks and Discover & Go, free tickets to a number of Bay Area attractions. Buck says these are great for veterans who may be experiencing isolation.
General office information:
Veterans Connect: Resources for Serving Veterans - California State Library
Veterans Service Office- Contra Costa County
