2024 VSO Excellence Award Winner - Joshua Morrison

For veterans around the Batesville, Arkansas area, there’s a good chance you’ve heard this. For those who haven’t heard it, give it time.

The Josh referenced here is Joshua Morrison, an Army veteran himself. Serving as a military policeman from 1997 to 2003, Joshua saw stops in Bosnia, Kosovo, and finally, the Pentagon after the harrowing events of September 11.

An Unexpected Yet Welcome Challenge

“How I got started as a VSO (Veterans’ Service Officer) is quite amazing,” recalls Morrison.

The story goes like this: Six years ago, Joshua’s pastor was approached by a courthouse worker asking for the name of anyone who would be a good fit for this position. Joshua’s name made its way into the conversation, and the rest is history.

“I ended up being the last of 19 applicants to interview for the job. I left the interview, and within one hour, they called me back and gave me the job,” Morrison remembers.

Six Years of Lifetime Impact

“I have never looked at my position as VSO as a job; I am excited each day I get to assist others,” explains Morrison.

The past six years are definitely a testament to this outlook.

So far, Joshua has helped more than 200 veterans obtain a 100% disability rating with the VA, extending well past Arkansas’ state lines. A total of 60 of these veterans hail from Texas, Tennessee, Washington, California, New York, and Florida.

Joshua’s impact doesn’t end there.

Along with two other veterans, Joshua founded a weekly “breakfast club” that allows local veterans to come together and discuss issues impacting the veteran community. What began as only a handful of people quickly ballooned into 25, with many assisting Joshua in reaching out to veterans they’ve encountered who haven’t yet filed for benefits.

Another initiative spearheaded by Joshua is the Batesville Park veterans’ memorial. While no official completion date has been set, the project will ideally be completed in two years and will feature bricks with the names of veterans comprising the foundation and walls.

Finally, Joshua has established a regular cadence of submitting his column, “Veteran’s Pulse,” to three newspapers to reach those who may not socialize much. This column focuses on changes at the V.A., information about filing disability claims, and much more.

Inspiring Others

What’s Joshua’s advice for others looking to help veterans?

“Put the paperwork second to the personal care of the person in front of you. Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care,” says Morrison.

Are you a veteran looking to get plugged in with other veterans and get the help you need?

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