Wisconsin Veterans Network (VetsNet) Names Director

Quentin Hatfield, a Vietnam veteran who spent a career as a business executive and has “a passion for helping veterans who have been displaced in our society,” has been named as the Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Network, called VetsNet.

VetsNet is a collaborative effort of a dozen governmental agencies, veterans service organizations, and non-profit groups designed to be a one-stop resource for service members, veterans and military families. It began operating in the spring, but Hatfield is its first full-time director.

VetsNet was launched to “fill the gaps in the safety net that is supposed to protect the men and women who have served our country in uniform,” Hatfield said. “We will help anyone who served, including in the Reserves and National Guard, with a minimum of red tape.”

“For lots of veterans, we are the last resort,”” Hatfield said.

“Many do not qualify for federal veteran benefits or programs. The Veterans Administration is the main provider of veterans services, and our local VA hospital gets high marks for its service. But only 41% of Wisconsin veterans receive VA health care. There are many barriers to receiving help, including the definitions of “veterans” and “homeless.”

VetsNet partners include Milwaukee County & Waukesha County Veterans Service Offices, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wis. Depts. Of Veterans Affairs and Workforce Development, Community Advocates, Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, Catholic Charities, Outreach Community Health Centers, Women Veterans Initiative (WOVIN), La Causa, and other service providers to veterans.

Services offered through that network include emergency relief, homelessness, benefits counseling, financial counseling, substance abuse, mental health, legal assistance, personal & family counseling, and employment counseling, training & placement.

Hatfield served as chief executive officer of three large companies in Missouri and Iowa, and volunteered at the VA hospital in Lexington, Ky. before moving to Wisconsin.

VetsNet is located at 6317 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, near the VA hospital and county veterans service office. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.