If there’s one message Craig Furst, VA Outreach Coordinator with the Center for Development & Civic Engagement could share with his fellow veterans, it would be: “Please get enrolled in the VA and get your service eligibility. You earned it. You deserve it.” Part of his role as VA Outreach is educating veterans and their families about the array of services the government provides. “If you serve one day on active duty, after a certain date, you are eligible for benefits,” Furst said.

Furst served in the Navy for two years of active duty and 20 years in the reserves. He was deployed four times, on the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and USS George HW Bush and served in Bosnia. His time in the Navy took a toll on his back and knees, moving big tires around the carriers. Furst understands the challenges and barriers connecting to the services and support veterans have earned. He has been through the process himself as a 100% disabled veteran. He encourages veterans to find out their disability rating and not give up if they are denied the first time. He has resources that can help them make their case for a review of the denial, along with other community groups that can help with applications and follow-up. Programs and qualifications have changed through the years and veterans may be missing out on important benefits.

He finds it frustrating when a veterans tells him to give their benefits to someone who needs it more. “I didn’t serve in war, I don’t deserve it,” Furst said they tell him. “I always say, ‘you wrote a blank check made payable to this country for an amount up to and including your life.’ Being a veteran doesn’t mean you went to war. You served. You have earned these benefits.”

He also shares a hard truth: “If veterans don’t get enrolled with the VA, they are hurting other veterans. More people signing up means the VA receives more funding to support important programs, including PTSD counseling, electric wheelchairs, medicine, prosthetics, knee braces and other services.”

Furst has worked for 3 years in his position, which is unique in Arizona. The Phoenix and Tucson VA’s use their public affairs departments to do their outreach. Prior to this, he worked for the VA medical center director Steven J. Sample, who helped create the position for him. “I’ve been very blessed and thankful he believes in what I do.” Furst said. “I hope we can continue to provide this outreach to get veterans enrolled and direct them to the services they have earned and deserve.”