Shawano County gets new veterans service director

Shawano County residents can expect to see a new veterans service director, as Paul Pionke has taken over the position.

“I have been in the veterans service office business for about five years,” said Pionke. “My first position was in Portage County, Ohio. I did that for about 3½ years, and then I got an opportunity to join the Brown County staff and then this opportunity presented itself.”

Pionke said that when he first started in the business, he was looking at moving into a director role in the future.

“That doesn’t happen very often, because we only have 72 counties in Wisconsin,” said Pionke. “I am in one of 72 spots with 11 tribal nations.”

He said that having 23 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and having experience in supervising roles, attracted him to wanting to be a director.

“I am a good grunt in the trenches, but I think that I am a better leader,” said Pionke.

Pionke added that, with his past leadership positions in the Air Force and in other jobs, he is prepared to serve this role in Shawano County.

“I did nine years of security in field conditions and 14 years of administration,” said Pionke. “Then I got some background working at the National Security Agency and Defensive Intelligence Agency after I retired, working in mobility and budgeting. That made me very well-rounded for this position.”

Pionke said that his day-to-day duties are not the same every day.

“I have to do budgeting, file the compensation claims, pension claims and claims for veterans,” said Pionke. “There is no normal day here in the office. I always say that we are like Pawn Stars, you never know what is going to come through that door.”

In regards to how this position differs in comparison to Pionke’s other positions, he pointed to the size of the Veterans Service Office in Shawano County.

“There is just myself and one part-timer here,” said Pionke. “In previous positions, I was the benefits councilor with a larger collection of co-workers and staff. It is very positive to be smaller. This way, you can get more involved and build stronger relationships with veterans.”

Pionke’s initial thought of what he wants to accomplish in this role, includes getting more outreach and becoming more visible in communities around Shawano County.

“Shawano County is a humongous county — I want to let everybody know that we are trying to outreach to every service organization that is out there,” said Pionke. “I don’t want to just hover around Shawano either. I know Shawano is the county seat, but it is not the only municipality in the county.”

In order to reach this goal, Pionke said that he plans to send out letters and attend meetings.

“I know there are events that are coming up that I want to make an appearance at,” said Pionke. “I just want to explain what we have and reach out to those veterans who are in rural communities that may not have internet or get the newspaper.”

Overall, Pionke said that assisting veterans is very important to him, due to his prior experiences, as well as just wanting to help those who deserve it.

“A lot veterans don’t know their benefits,” said Pionke. “When you can reach out to a veteran and explain their benefits, its very rewarding to them. If a veteran passes, due to a service-related illness, their spouses are entitled to programs as well. You can explain to a veteran all of the benefits and some of them will take it and some won’t. An educated veteran is a compensated veteran.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com