POST FALLS - Darryl Heisey, Kootenai County Veteran Services Officer, has heard thousands of stories.

Some break his heart, some fill him with joy, but at the end of those stories is Darryl, quietly helping North Idaho's veterans receive the help and the benefits they deserve.

Always there are the former soldiers who need disability help, financial help, help with the GI-Bill to go to school, or vocational rehabilitation. They need help filing for non-service connected pensions, or Veterans Affairs Healthcare.

So many soldiers need help after returning home. And there's Heisey, former Army Chaplain Assistant Supervisor, helping them every step of the way from his Post Falls office, dedicated to giving veterans the benefits they deserve.

"We are," said Heisey, at command in the local post since 2004, "veterans helping veterans."

He's trained in suicide prevention and crisis management as well, but most veterans just don't know where to turn when they need help finding services.

The stories that break his heart are from the Vietnam veteran, who Heisey thanks and welcomes home from his duty.

"You are the first one to ever thank me for my service and welcome me home," the veteran will tell him.

"Now that is sad," Heisey said.

Kootenai County has more than 14,755 veterans, the second largest veteran population in the state of Idaho.

But the help his office, at 120 E. Railroad Ave. in Post Falls, produces is thanks enough, he said, although he admits the job isn't for everyone.

"Helping people for the first time with claims and realizing that these benefits have been available to them for years and no one has ever told them they could file a claim," he said. "I know our veterans appreciate the work we do for them and the work we do is a privilege and an honor."

How difficult was it to become a Veteran Service Officer?

It was a natural fit after serving in the United States Army Chaplaincy as a Chaplain Assistant Supervisor. The natural thing for me was going into a career field where I could make a difference in people's lives.

What's the most rewarding part of your career?

It comes down to helping veterans and their family members. I have the opportunity to hear stories of what they experienced in combat and what they did after the service. The impact the veteran has on our freedom makes this career a vocation to me. What we do as veteran service officers can literally change the lives of our veterans and their family members. The impact on my life has been one of fulfillment.

Have you seen some difficult situations?

Post traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma are among the hardest cases because the process puts the individual veteran through the ringer. My job is to see them through the process and providing them with a game plan.

Would you recommend this career?

It's not for everyone. It's best if the VSO (Veteran Service Officer) is a veteran himself. It is imperative that the individual helping veterans understand the sacrifice of what it means to be a veteran. It helps to have a passion for your work and this career field is no exception.

How do you separate the stress of work from your home?

When I was in the Army I told my wife that I need about 30 minutes when I first got home to just debrief myself. I would go into my bedroom; close the door get out of my uniform and get into my civilian clothes and come out ready to face the family. That literally helped me to shed work and engage the family. I still do that to this day. Although I am not wearing a uniform any longer, I still dress down when I get home.

Could you share a story about a veteran you came to know?

The VA has a benefit called the non-service connected pension; it helps low-income veterans get to a prescribed income level set by law. I had a World War II couple come to my office asking for assistance in getting registered for VA Healthcare. I asked them into my office and discovered they only received between the two of them $720 a month. I asked them if I could help them with this and they smiled and said yes. A few months later they came back to the office and stated that this year they would be able to buy their grandchildren Christmas presents. The benefit increased their income by 120 percent. The sad part about this story is the couple were eligible for this benefit for over 35 years and didn't know it.

What does it take to be a good Veteran Service Officer?

Be in a state of perpetual learning. The VA law changes; know how to read and understand medical terminology. Be a good listener; strive for excellence in all that you do. Be an honest broker in the process of filing claims. Be compassionate; caring and understand the individual standing across the county, or sitting on the other side of the desk, is there because they need your help. Be willing to go the extra mile.

Would anything change your decision to become a Veteran Service Officer?

This is my calling in life. I love people and I love serving them.

What's ahead for you?

Hopefully, opportunities to serve more veterans and their families; our goal at the office is to get the word out that an office exists at every county to assist veterans in filing for VA benefits. No one should have to pay for this service.

Snapshot: Meet Darryl Heisey

Education: Twenty one years of military training; associates degree in general studies from Pikes Peak Community College; bachelor of science degree from Madison University in human resources management

Number of hours average you work in a week: 40-45

Number of Hours average you sleep in a night: 6-7

Hobbies: Playing guitar, wood-working, bow hunting

Favorite travel destination: San Juan Islands, Washington

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite type of music: Gospel, Christian contemporary, Hawaiian

Favorite leisure activity: Camping with my family

Person who most influenced your life: Mom and Dad and my uncle Pete who was a Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army, retired

Quality you most admire in a person: Honesty

Best advice you ever received: From Dad: go into the Army and serve the Lord as a Chaplain Assistant

One thing you consider your greatest accomplishment: My four children

Favorite quote: Jim Rohn: "Help people with more than their work. Help them with their lives."

Historical figure you would most like to meet: John Adams