JEFFERSON COUNTY, Neb. -- Air Force Veteran Frederick Cowles’ life was flipped upside down just about eight years ago. 

After a house fire destroyed everything he had while living in Endicott, he needed help. 

That was when the Veterans Service Officer at the time, Kenneth Dodge, stepped in to support him and his family. 

“We had a fire in 2016 and lost pretty much everything,” said Frederick Cowles, U.S Air Force Veteran. “The Veterans Service Officer here was an enormous help.”

Through Jefferson County and Nebraska’s Veterans Aid, he was able to receive support.

“They helped with rent and utilities until he was able to get back on his feet,” said James Carpenter, Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer.

Dodge has since retired, but still nominated Cowles to be honored as Jefferson County Veteran of the Month.

“He’s the one who put me in for this,” said Cowles. “After fits and starts after the last couple of years, and for it to finally happy, I’m very appreciative."

The Jefferson County Veterans Office helped around 150 veterans over the last year. 

Jefferson County Service Officer James Carpenter said he will always help veterans, even if he can’t assist them in that specific problem. 

“Like I said, I don’t keep a quota,” said Carpenter. “If I can’t help you, I will find somebody who can or do my best that I can.”

Carpenter said any veteran that needs help, should stop by the office during its open hours.