Shircliff continues work; picks up as director

Hillsdale Daily News, The (MI)

Feb. 02--HILLSDALE -- Renae Shircliff continues to create a welcoming atmosphere in the Veterans Affairs office on the second floor of the Hillsdale County Annex building.

Shircliff was recently named director of the Veteran's Affairs Office following the retirement of Ken Benge in mid January. Both came to the office the same year, with Shircliff starting in August of 2013 as Benge's assistant. The team each worked part-time to insure the office door was always open with the motto of "respect, integrity and due diligence" still in operation.

Shircliff will continue to work part time as she is also employed with the Hillsdale Community Action Agency where she is a Veteran Housing Advocate. The two positions compliment each other, making the jobs a "unique situation" that allows support services for veterans.

"The whole dynamic works in a circle to help veterans in this community," she said. "Making a connection between the two agencies helps with their health issues and housing."

At the VA Office, she helps veterans file for health benefits, compensation, pension and for elderly vets that need in-home health care aide and attendance. This includes widows and families of veterans, she said.

Other services available through the office include facilitating, coordinating and scheduling transportation to VA Facilities through driver Phil Ladd, who has volunteered his services for nearly five years. Shircliff said Ladd establishes a rapport with clients and takes care of the van.

Counseling services are offered as well. Shircliff said it's much like social work.

"I enjoy talking to people to help them navigate through the health system to get them the help they need," she said. "Often times they just want to talk, to have someone listen to them."

Shircliff said being a female in a man's world has been something she's found herself doing throughout her career, starting in the armed services.

"Early on, I was being a female put into a tank mechanic position," she said. "That led to being an education duty driver for a company commander in Germany from 1985-87."

Shircliff said that even though it was during peace time, there was still a threat of terrorism. Having shared experiences some veterans have faced has given Shircliff a way of understanding veterans.

"Some talk a little crass, but I'm okay with that," she said. "My job is to help them feel comfortable."

Having a strong board of directors consisting of veterans who are "very supportive" and "very actively involved" with the office helps, she added. Down the road, she said another part-time employee is expected to help with the work.

Over her tenure, Shircliff was nominated for the Veteran's Hall of Fame and is the first woman to serve on the board after recently being nominated for Veteran's Service Officer of the Year.

"Our first meeting is in February at the Jonesville Police Station," Shircliff said. "It's an honor because it's a challenge to stand up in a man's world and be heard."

Shircliff said being outspoken comes in handy when being an advocate for someone in need, but having compassion is just as beneficial.

Outreach throughout the community is huge, she said, with radio spots and other means of advertising, such as having a presence at the Hillsdale County Fair. She also likes being involved with the Jonesville American Legion Post, "where they do so much for veterans in this area."

Shircliff is nationally accredited to be a service officer in any state in the country. She also attends training at Higgins Lake, where the American Legion Leo Leggett Award is given. The local office was awarded for having the most claims written for the size of the county.

"I like helping vets become more aware of services available," Shircliff said. "There are still many who don't know what's there, especially Vietnam Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and are entitled to disabilities."

Moving in a positive direction in the future, Shircliff said she is excited to work towards the Veterans Treatment Court with District Court Judge Sara Lisznyai, who is "on board" with the project. This will provide needed therapy for veterans, she said. It is state court driven and is expected to come into play in October, when funds will be dispersed.

Also in the near future, possibly in July, the offices will move into the former Daily News building on McCullom Street.

Presently, the office is in the Annex building in suite 200. Hours are from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call the office at 517-437-3630.

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