DICKINSON COUNTY VETERAN Service Officer Denise Formolo has been honored for her efforts “going above and beyond” for service to veterans and their families. Formolo received the 2023 Veteran Service Provider of the Year award from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and the All-Star Community Advocate Award from Tyler Technologies. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Denise Formolo has been recognized for her dedicated service to veterans and their families at the state and national level.

The Dickinson County Veteran Service Officer was named the 2023 Veteran Service Provider of the Year by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and the recipient of the All-Star Community Advocate Award from Tyler Technologies.

“It’s very humbling to receive both these awards,” Formolo said. “There are a lot of good veteran service providers out there doing fantastic work who are just as deserving.”

The MVAA received nominations from across the state for its nine different 2023 awards. Formolo, along with other winners, were honored last month at the annual Michigan Military and Veterans Gala in Novi, Michigan.

“Receiving the Provider of the Year award is a testament to my commitment in making sure our veterans receive the care, support and benefits that they deserve,” Formolo said. “I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf.”

The Iron Mountain resident was among five recipients from across the U.S. selected by Tyler Technologies’ for its first VSO Excellence Awards program. Chosen individuals showed exemplary service in helping veterans access all the benefits they have earned during their time in military. She was recognized for “going above and beyond” her job duties.

Formolo also collaborated with the state’s congressional representatives to propose amending federal law so veterans who receive hospice care at home rather than at a Veterans Affairs medical facility during their final days can still receive burial benefits.

“What I was most proud of is the fact that not only did my veterans nominate me, other VSOs in the state of Michigan did,” she said. “When your contemporaries that are doing the same job send in your nomination for a national award, you got to know you are doing something right.”

Since taking the VSO position five years ago, Formolo said the office went from serving an average of 100 clients a month to more than 350 a month.

“In the summer it’s sometimes more than 400 veterans we have contact with a month,” she added. “We went from part-time office hours to full time.”

The office brings in about $3 million a year in benefits for local veterans, which is money in hand that doesn’t include other received benefits, Formolo explained.

“We started about $1 million in the first year I was here,” she added. “This number shows you the tremendous growth we have in the last few years.”

This also brought the need for a larger office space, so in early September they moved into a new location at 2301 Woodard Ave. in Kingsford.

“We have elevated to better serve our community and have created a great rapport with our veterans,” Formolo said. “We service our veterans — that why we changed the name from Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs.”

Formolo also is vice president of the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors; accredited with the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers and MACVC; and supports all local veterans organizations as well, including American Legions, Veterans of Foreign War Posts, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans Alliance.

“We strive to bring all the service organizations together,” Formolo said.

In addition, Formolo provides monthly newspaper articles and is featured on the radio, promoting upcoming events.

“These are just a couple little things that has improved our office,” she said.

She long had an interest in the VSO position, as she would tease two former Veterans Affairs Officers that when she retired from her job as the corrections coordinator for Dickinson and Iron counties she would take over, Formolo said.

Her motivation stemmed from her family’s time in the armed forces, including her son, Army Command Sgt. Major Duane Formolo, who retired after 24 years.

“I grew up in that environment,” she said. “Because I didn’t serve, I thought what better way for me to serve our veterans who have given so much for us.”

The position opened up after she had recovered from a bad accident that laid her up for three years, she said. “I’m so happy the county hired me, because I have had a blast,” she said. “It’s such a great job — I really enjoy it.”

Formolo also credits her co-worker, VSO Lacey Ellison, for her work and support. “I have a good co-worker with Lacey — she’s right there next to me,” she said.

When not serving her community, she enjoys spending time with sons Duane and Mario and family, outdoors activities, painting, reading and cooking.

Formolo said she looks forward to continuing her office’s mission and welcomes anyone who has questions to contact her at the Dickinson County VSO at 906-774-2820. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for appointments and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays for walk-ins.