Statewide, AZ – (Dec. 15, 2024) –

In the Leader Lens series, we are exploring the insights and visions of leaders committed to supporting veterans and enhancing the systems that serve them. At a recent Team of Teams meeting, leaders answered the question: If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about our work or our military and veteran community, what would it be? Today, we delve into the vision of Amanda French whose focus is on extending the reach of veterans’ resources to every corner of the community. Her goal is to ensure that isolated or underserved veterans have access to the benefits they have earned.

As the Assistant Director at the Phoenix Regional Benefits Office, Amanda is driven by the mission to connect veterans with the support they deserve. Her work highlights the challenges many veterans face in simply becoming aware of available benefits, especially those in rural areas or those who have faced denial or obstacles in the past. Amanda has seen firsthand that while resources exist, they are often out of reach for those who need them most. Her vision is focused on breaking down these barriers and building an inclusive support system that spans every part of the community.

Amanda also believes that employers play a critical role in bridging these gaps. She advocates for a policy requiring employers to inform employees about veterans’ benefits, ensuring that veterans are aware of the assistance available to them, whether in healthcare, education, housing, or career development.

The Vision: Expanding Outreach to Connect with All Veterans

Amanda’s vision tackles a fundamental issue in veterans’ support: accessibility. Veterans who live in remote areas, lack internet access or are unaware of their benefits are at risk of missing out on essential services. Amanda’s approach is based on reaching “the four corners” of the community, meaning that no matter where a veteran resides—urban, rural, or remote—they can access the resources they need. This vision calls for active outreach that goes beyond traditional channels, meeting veterans where they are and creating inclusive pathways to assistance.

One of Amanda’s key ideas is to engage employers as partners in veterans’ support. In her view, employers should be required to inform employees about veterans’ benefits as part of their workplace policies. This approach would bring critical information directly to veterans in their everyday environments, making them aware of benefits they might otherwise overlook. This requirement could take the form of informational sessions, employee newsletters, or benefits orientations that highlight veterans’ resources. By involving employers, Amanda hopes to build an additional layer of support, helping veterans access benefits regardless of their familiarity with veteran services.

Furthermore, Amanda envisions targeted outreach efforts to connect with those who may have previously been denied access to services or who are unaware of the system altogether. By leveraging community organizations, local events, and partnerships with veterans’ groups, she aims to ensure that all veterans, especially those who feel isolated or left out, receive the help they need.

Amanda’s vision encourages us to think creatively about how we reach veterans and how we can include more voices in veterans’ support. Imagine a future where no veteran is uninformed about the support available to them.