Schmidt hires local vet

A combat-wounded Iraq war veteran from Union Township has been hired by Rep. Jean Schmidt to help other veterans navigate the VA health care system.

Paul Brondhaver, recently retired from the Ohio National Guard’s 216th Engineer Battalion, said he would work eight-to-10 hours a week, mostly from his Union Township home, assisting other returning Iraq veterans who need help claiming their VA benefits.

“I’m kind of the pioneer from my generation because I’ve already had to figure out the VA medical system for myself,’’ said the 37-year-old Brondhaver, who was severely injured in July 2004 when his Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. One of his fellow soldiers from the 216th was killed; and Brondhaver was left with over 300 pieces of metal in his body.

Brondhaver said that veterans who call Schmidt’s office for help will be referred to him.
“I can get them through the red tape and not only tell them what office to contact, but what person in that office they should talk to,’’ said Brondhaver, who said he would keep his full-time job with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission. “

I can do that because I’ve done it for myself.’’

Brondhaver said he doesn’t see his part-time work for a member of Congress as a political job.
“I would have done this for a Democrat, if one had asked me,’’ Brondhaver said.