Veterans priority #1 for Heidi Fier
Just over two months into her job as Lyon County Veteran’s Service Officer, 20-year Air Force veteran Heidi Fier admits that each day involves something new and exciting.
“The position is much more than I expected, and that makes it even better,” she said. “I’m excited to get up each day, go to work each morning and meet great people that I get the opportunity to help.”
Fier was told by other VSO’s that it generally takes a year to fully grasp the processes that come with the position. “However, there are never two cases alike so every day is a new day on the job, which is exciting,” Fier said.
“I enjoy working with each veteran and their family as each has their own story and circumstances.” “I also work with an impressive group of people (other VSOs) that want to work with each other and be successful in helping veterans.”
Fier replaced Terry Wing as Lyon County VSO on Oct. 30. A VSO is responsible for working with veterans and their families to ensure that they are made aware of all the benefits that are provided at the federal, state and local levels.
“We also assist them in navigating through the bureaucratic process to obtain their eligible benefits,” Fier said.
“As their advocate in the system, I can work with several state contacts to stay up to date and adapt to changing rules and processes.”
Fier grew up in Brownwood, TX. Her family moved to Aberdeen, SD, when she was in eighth grade.
She attended Aberdeen Central High School, graduating in 1984. “My father worked for 3M so we moved around a bit,” she noted. Fier’s first name is actually Amy. “Heidi is my middle name,” she explained. “Amy was my paternal grandmother’s name and my parents always called me Heidi.”
Fier comes from a military background as her father served in the U.S. Army and her brother was active duty in the Air Force. “I also wanted to try and make a difference and serve my country when I applied for a ROTC scholarship,” said Fier.
“After accepting the ROTC scholarship at South Dakota State University, I received my commission in 1988 and served 20 years in the Air Force.” Fier’s military assignments included Ohio, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah and Colorado.
Those included various positions in program management, computer support, collegiate instruction, systems engineering, planning, programming, budgeting processes, and program transition.
While in Ohio, Fier obtained her Masters in Management Science from the University of Dayton in 1996.
Fier and her husband, Dale, have been married for 29 years and have two children; Megan, who attends college at SDSU; and Jacob, who attends Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO.
After Heidi retired from civil service in Colorado, the Fiers moved back to Dale’s family farm in rural Taunton. At their farm, the Fiers also enjoy hosting events at their Heritage Event Center, which is a setting for barn weddings, family gatherings, class reunions and corporate events.
Heidi is now settling into her new position assisting veterans in need. “I’ve always wanted to work with local veterans,” she said. “So when the VSO position became available, I applied.”
“I’m very proud and humbled to work with our local veterans and their families. They are our neighbors and co-workers who have served their country and I’m excited to be able to give back to these wonderful people.”
As part of her job as Lyon County VSO, Fier will travel locally to visit community military organizations such as VFW and American Legion posts.
“There is also a spring and a fall VSO conference that provide continuing education credits that are required,” she said.
“A rewarding past is to be able to visit the veterans in their homes and see that they are receiving care from the VA.”
When asked if anything has surprised her in the two months on the job, Fier told of the overwhelming support the veterans have for one another.
“I have found it interesting that so many of our World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans have just powered through their challenges and do not expect anything,” she said.
“The strength of these veterans and their concern for one another is an amazing bond where they are more concerned with protecting the benefits of others than utilizing the benefits themselves.”
“They did their service and don’t want to take anything away from our younger troops coming home, but I have to help them understand that there is not a set level of support where they might take away from others. There is enough there to help them, too, if they need it.”