CURRITUCK CO., N.C. — After leaving the United States Coast Guard after a 26-year career in August, a veteran said he has a new way to be of service.

“I wanted to continue working and do something impactful again, always at public service and serving others. It’s just it’s just in me,” Robert Cain said.

His love of service started at a young age.

“I originally grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The suburbs. Always had a passion for public service. As a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter or police officer... I ended up volunteering with my local volunteer fire department,” Cain said. 

In October of this year, he was hired by Camden and Currituck counties to be a Veteran Services Officer.

“We have a state office in Elizabeth City. We have a satellite health clinic, and there’s a state…V.S.Os are is actually new to Currituck and Camden County,” Cain said.  

The position is a first for both counties and will help the growing retired military communities in the area find support from Veteran Affairs.

Commissioners from both counties recognized the need to prioritize military families and noted the increase in veterans moving to the area that sits between Elizabeth City’s Coast Guard Base and military bases in Virginia.

With his background, Cain said he’s perfectly suited to help other veterans.

“They are navigating the VA process and trying to access the benefits that they’ve earned. They are entitlements, but they are earned benefits. And it can be a daunting test for them to start to access those,” Cain explained.

The Veteran Services Officer acts as a liaison to the VA and identifies benefits and resources for military veterans and their dependents, such as pensions, compensations, medical services, rehabilitation training, education and home loans and death benefits. 

“I think that the demand is there, and I can already tell just in the three weeks that I’ve served in the position, the contacts I’ve made, there’s a lot of work,” Cain said. 

He said many know they need help but don’t know where to get it. In order to get the word out, Cain has been attending local senior and veteran events, trying to better connect with the community and build trust.

“There’s a lot of focus during your service and a lot of thank you’s. But once you’re separated from that service, things change and it can be challenging,“ Cain said. ”It’s certainly important to always remind them how important they were to this country in the service they provide, and how proud we are of them and then just supporting them in any way we can.”

If you live in the Currituck or Camden counties and are looking for help with veteran services, Cain has an office in Currituck’s Historic Courthouse and in Camden County Library. 

To schedule an appointment, citizens may call 252-435-4593 or send an email.