As the Veteran’s Affairs Director for Oconee County, Jerry Dyar is a devoted man. Not only when it comes to his family, but also when it comes to the veterans in our area.

His office assists veterans and their spouses with filing claims to determine eligibility for benefits, getting copies of discharge papers, filling out applications for deceased members for VA grave markers and flags, as well as many other duties.

Following a career in radio, in addition to being on county council and the school board, Dyar was appointed to the position as director.

Since taking the position, Dyar worked hard to obtain a van, which transports veterans to medical appointments, a project of which he is very proud. He’s worked tirelessly to restore the Veteran’s Day parade and rejuvenate the Memorial Day service. Under Dyar, the Oconee County Veteran’s Council (OCVC) was also formed in 1997. OCVC is a group with one member from each of the 14 service associations in Oconee County. It was formed to pull all of the organizations together to have a voice, another project that Dyar has seen grow to successful measures. In addition, the council also has an emergency relief for veterans and their widows.

Although he never served in combat, Dyar was drafted into the service during wartime and served as a military policeman in Germany.

Dyar says his office is the hub for everything veteran-related, and they are there to give whatever assistance is needed.

“The beautiful part of the job is to hear the stories they have to tell,” says Dyar. “It’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me, and I always look to honor the vets.”

Having been director since June 1, 1990, Dyar says he’s not sure if he’s ready to retire yet. The 8,000 veterans in Oconee County may not be ready for that either.