A day in the life of a veterans' advocate

A day in the life of a veterans' advocate: Helping those who served

Posted: Wednesday, November 9, 2011
By Gail T. Boatman Special to the BCT

WESTAMPTON — Walter Tafe is a man with a message to deliver.

He believes that if more people knew what he knows, the world would be a better place.

"I want to get the word out that many veterans and widows of veterans don't know about the benefits they may be entitled to,'' the Eastampton resident said.

A veteran himself, with 30 years of Air Force service behind him, Tafe is director of the Burlington County Department of Military and Veterans Services.

His office is in the county's Human Services Facility, a large brick building at Route 541 and Woodlane Road. A steady stream of veterans and their families files into his book- and photograph-filled space looking for help.

Many are frustrated, bringing with them heartbreaking stories. Others leave with a new sense of financial well-being. These are the success stories, and Tafe celebrates them.
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