Jim Mash hired as Veterans Service Officer

By Carrie A. Mizell

A former active duty Marine and longtime member of the Florida National Guard, Jim Mash knows what it means to serve the United States of America with pride.
As the newly hired Gilchrist County Veterans Service Officer, Mash is looking forward to assisting the 1,600 veterans who call Gilchrist County home.

“To me, being a veteran is about taking pride in the country, my service and my ability to maintain deep and lasting friendships all over the country,” Mash said.
Since starting work on February 15, Mash said he has already had the opportunity to meet six local veterans who came to his office looking for help on filing claims and beneficiary forms.
“I hope to be able to satisfy the needs within the community and establish a rapport with each and every one of the county’s veterans and their families,” Mash said.
Mash began working with veterans in 2002 after serving as an active duty Marine for 17 years, followed by eight years in the Florida National Guard.
“I had just turned 18 and graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa when I joined the Marine Corp in 1972,” Mash recalled.
During his 25 years in the military, Mash served in the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. His primary duty while in the Marine Corp. was telephone teletype technician, or as he says, “The Marine Corp. thought that meant anything with an electrical wire was my responsibility.”
A West Virginia native, Mash said he brings new thoughts and fresh ideas to the veterans service office, and hopes to continue helping veterans in Gilchrist County know what is available to them. He also looks forward to taking an active role with Veterans Day programs going on in the county and working closely with the Gilchrist County Historical Society.
“I hope to one day see all the businesses in Gilchrist County, both large and small, flying the US flag to show support for our troops,” Mash said.
To contact Jim Mash at the Gilchrist County Veterans Service Office, call 463-3188, or stop by the office, which is located at 214 East Wade Street in Trenton.