The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Orange County Commissioners met with the top four applicants for the Veterans Service Officer position today. Each applicant had a 30 minute interview with the four Commissioners (Pct. 1 David Dubose, Pct. 2 Owen Burton, Pct. 3 John Dubose, and Pct. 4 Jody Crump) and the Orange County Judge, Carl Thibodeaux.

Each interviewee was evaluated on their record, presentation to the court and ideas on how the VSO should be operated.

The top four applicants were F. E. “Gene” Smith, Billy Pruett, Charles Perry and Donald Sullivan. The Commissioners and County judge felt that Smith was the best fit for the county.

Thibodeaux explained that Smith’s qualifications and presentation on how the Veterans Service Office should be operate made him stand out.

Smith met with Jill Frillou, Orange County Personnel Director, this afternoon to fill out the paper work and review the Orange County personnel policy. Smith will need to select a benefits coordinator.

The need for a new VSO Officer came when the County dismissed the former VSO Officer and Benefits Coordinator at the beginning of June. The County found several issues that needed to be addressed and will be working with Smith and the VSO office to ensure the Veterans of Orange County continuing getting the service the require and deserve.

For more information on the VSO office and the services they offer to the veterans, please call 409-745-1535.