U.S. Navy Veteran Albert “A.J.” Spiess has joined the Granville County Veterans Services Office as a Veterans Services Technician.
Spiess will work under the direction of Veterans Services Officer (VSO) Chris Dethmers to assist local veterans and their families with navigating the complex processes to access Veterans resources at the state and federal level.
The Lula, GA native retired from the Navy with 26 years of service and rose to the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms (Military Police). Spiess served on six ships (USS Butte, USS Simpson, USS Briscoe, USS Truman, USS Harpers Ferry, and USS Wasp). Before reaching the rank of Senior Chief Master at Arms, Spiess also served as Deck Seaman and Signalman.
Spiess also has extensive experience serving as Anti-Terrorism Officer/Physical Security Officer conducing anti-terrorism training, Department Leading Chief Petty Officer/Lead Investigator where he investigated larcenies, assaults, suicides, and other security violations, and Senior Master Training Instructor at the Navy Police Academy overseeing major curriculum changes and teaching students at all levels of experience.
In addition to his professional experience, Spiess previously volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans and, as chapter veterans services officer, helped veterans and their families obtain benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies.
Spiess has an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He and his wife Corie have one child, Brooke, who is currently attending nursing school.
“I feel so privileged to serve veterans and their families in Granville County,” Spiess said. “I have always volunteered with various organizations throughout my life and when I retired and started volunteering with the DAV, I found my true passion. This position with the Granville County Veterans Services Office is a direct extension of my work with the DAV and I feel honored and privileged to speak with veterans from all branches and learn their experiences. I know that dealing with the VA can be difficult. Please come let the Veterans Services Office help ease the process.”
The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro St., Oxford. To learn more about the services and programs offered, visit (https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services) or call Veterans Services at 919.693.1484.