Former Marine to aid vets

The acting chief of the veterans service office, who was the assistant for a year, will take over the top job. J.J. Kenney says he is ready for the post.

By JIM ROSS

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 24, 2001

LECANTO -- Citrus County government leaders didn't have to look far for Royce Carter's replacement as the county's veterans service officer.

Taking Carter's place will be J.J. Kenney, who had served as Carter's assistant since January 2000. Carter served here for nine years.

He left last month to assume an identical post in Pinellas County.

Kenney has been acting chief since Carter left. He officially takes over the top job on March 5.

"The veterans had someone they could count on" when Carter was here, Kenney said Friday. "Basically, it's business as usual. I'm here to serve the veterans of Citrus County."

The veterans service officer helps veterans work with government agencies that control benefits, health care, home loans, pensions and other such programs.

County staffers said the office receives about 10,000 phone calls and 4,500 visits from veterans each year.

Kenney said he is ready for the job, having helped Carter sort through red tape for more than a year.

Kenney spent 22 years in the Marines, serving tours of duty in Southeast Asia and retiring as a chief warrant officer 4. He later worked in the private sector with military-related companies.

The veterans office is in the Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W Sovereign Path. The telephone number is 527-5411. A secretary helps Kenney help the veterans, and the county soon will begin seeking a full-time assistant.

"Right now," he said, "I'm on my own."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright