Paulina Huffman is exactly who you’d want by your side if you’re a veteran in Porter County navigating the complex system of benefits and services.
As a veterans services officer, Huffman’s been making a meaningful difference since she stepped into the role in 2013.
“There is a Veteran Service Office in every county that acts as a local point of contact for veterans in their county to assist with all veteran issues,” said Huffman.
Huffman’s main goal is to support all veterans and ensure they receive all the benefits they are eligible for.
“We work closely with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as well as various veteran service organizations to assist veterans and their family members,” said Huffman.
Her deep understanding of veterans’ needs—ranging from healthcare and disability compensation to pensions—comes from a place of both professional expertise and personal commitment.
“Throughout my 20-plus year military career, I was always an administration specialist,” said Huffman. “Being a veteran’s service officer combines my military specialty and my passion for helping veterans.”
Huffman’s impact is undeniable. For example, Huffman is particularly proud of the times she supported a veteran that greatly impacted their life.
“There are numerous cases where a veteran was struggling financially, facing eviction, and things like that where we were able to help,” said Huffman. “Being able to help veterans get the benefits that change their life is very rewarding.”
The first step for Huffman when working with a new veteran is always learning more about who she is helping and making sure they have the correct support.
“At first, I always ask them their background and branch of service,” said Huffman.
Huffman and her colleagues then consider all this information, review all eligible options, and place the veteran with a service officer who can best support them.
“One of our officers is retired from the Navy, another was a member of the Marine Corps, and I was in the Air Force and the Army National Guard,” said Huffman.
Working with other veterans who understand both the branch of service and the types of experiences local veterans have faced ensures veterans receive effective support.
Huffman is also an advocate for ongoing training to stay up-to-date with policy changes.
“All veterans service officers receive annual as well as quarterly training to make sure we are always updated on any changes and improvements in benefits,” said Huffman.
Huffman’s personal story adds another layer of dedication.
“Growing up in the Netherlands, I always had an interest in a military career,” said Huffman. “I came from a military family: my grandfather, father and brother all served in the Dutch Army.”
Huffman became a naturalized citizen after joining the military and wanted to serve as a way to express gratitude toward allied forces after World War II.
“My parents grew up in the Netherlands that was occupied by the Germans and were liberated by American, English, and Canadian troops,” said Huffman.
Giving her entire life to service, Huffman encourages all veterans to reach out, even if they’re unsure about qualifying for benefits.
For more information on veteran benefits, visit va.gov or in.gov/dva.
To learn about Porter County’s Veteran Services and connect with a Veterans Service Officer, please visit its website.