NEWPORT — A decorated U.S. Army soldier who was gravely wounded in combat said he will fight for all veterans in his new role as the head of the Lincoln Co. Veteran Services Office.

“I will do anything I can to ensure our veterans here in Lincoln County receive the best services possible,” said Thomas Evans, a New Jersey native who joined the infantry in 2008. “Our office will be a fierce advocate for our veteran community and do everything within our power to connect them with their benefits earned through service, as well as any resources available at the state or federal level.”

Evans deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division for a yearlong combat tour before returning to Fort Stewart, Georgia at the end of 2010. He next reported to Afghanistan with the 2nd Infantry Division in the Panjwai District of Kandahar Province, a major Taliban stronghold. American troops faced ambushes and sniper fire wherever they went. Wounded by a mine in Oct. 2012, Evans was medically retired from the U.S. Army and returned to civilian life.

Most recently Evans was the VSO for Crook County, Ore. Married, he and his wife are expecting their first child. With military honors that include the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal with Valor, Evans brings authenticity and passion to the job.

“I truly enjoy working with veterans and have worked tirelessly to connect them to the benefits they earned through service,” Evans said, adding he is unafraid to tackle the more ‘complicated claims,’ for Trichlorethylene, AAAF, jet fuels and other toxic substances.

For example, Evans once pressed numerous appeals to get $100,000 in retroactive payments for a veteran who was exposed to poisonous jet fuel fumes, plus a critical organ transplant completely covered by VA Healthcare that greatly prolonged his life. The vet now receives 100% disability and free healthcare through the VA.

Evans said one of his first missions will be to improve veterans’ transport to get them to medical appointments outside of the area. He also wants to expand outreach, slating a Women Veterans Luncheon at 11 a.m. June 12 at the Lincoln City Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Lincoln County Veteran Services Office can be reached by phone at 541-265-0570. Visit the website for more information on the office: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/483