Office: Annex Building
920 Jackson St.
PO Box 217
Sidney, NE 69162-0217
Phone: 308-254-3300
Fax: 308-254-7349
Service Officer: Fred Wiedeburg, MSG, US Army (Retired)
fred.wiedeburg@cheyennecountyne.gov
Office Manager: Whitney Whatley, USMC Veteran
The Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office provides free, confidential assistance to veterans and their families in Cheyenne County. Our office is a county entity, employed by Cheyenne County and governed by a five-member Veterans Service Board, with a mission to advocate for and support those who have served.
We assist veterans and their families in navigating federal, state, and county benefits, including VA compensation and pension claims, appeals, survivors benefits, education benefits, Nebraska Veterans Aid, and other supportive resources. We understand the benefits process can be complex and overwhelming, and our role is to provide clear guidance, advocacy, and support every step of the way.
If you are unsure what benefits you may qualify for, are experiencing difficulty accessing services, or simply need help navigating the process, we encourage you to contact our office. You do not have to navigate the system alone — the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office is here to serve and advocate for you.
Monday through Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm (closed from 12-1pm)
Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
To provide the best possible service, we recommend scheduling an appointment with the Veterans Service Officer. This helps us give you the attention you deserve and allows time to gather any needed documents ahead of your visit.
To schedule an appointment, call 308.254.3300 or email Whitney.Whatley@cheyennecountyne.gov
- Assistance in application for county, state and federal benefits (see below for specific benefits)
- Liaison between the veteran (or family) and the VA
- Free transportation through the DAV to the Cheyenne VA, three days per week (see details below)
- Connection to services needed
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DAV van transportation is available to take veterans to the Cheyenne VA Medical Center. This service is provided by the CCVSO along with local, trained, volunteer drivers. The DAV van departs from the VSO office at 6:30 a.m. for scheduled morning appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
-
Advanced scheduling is required (by calling the CCVSO office at least 1 day prior)
-
Must be a morning scheduled appointment
-
Must be on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
-
The van does not run if no one is scheduled
-
This service is entirely volunteer-based
-
Weather dependent in the winter months
Veterans may be eligible for a wide range of county, state, and/or federal benefits, depending on their service history, discharge status, and individual circumstances. These benefits are designed to support veterans and their families with healthcare, financial assistance, education, housing, employment, and quality of life.
The Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office can help identify potential benefits, explain eligibility, and assist with the application process.
Not all veterans qualify for the same benefits, and eligibility can vary. Contact the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office for assistance determining what benefits may apply to you or your family.
The benefits listed are not exhaustive. Eligibility and available programs may vary, and additional benefits may apply.
Along with the free service of the VSO, Cheyenne County offers other benefits directly. These are those.
-
Assist in the application process for all County, State and Federal benefits
-
County Veterans’ Aid Fund
-
Assistance in filling for Nebraska Veterans Aid (NVA) (application locally)
-
Transportation assistance and coordination (DAV Van)
-
Referrals to local housing, employment, and community resources
-
Coordination with county agencies and veteran organizations
-
Records assistance and certified copies (when applicable)
-
Local veteran outreach and education
These are the benefits that are offered directly from the great state of Nebraska.
These are the benefits that are offered through the federal government.
-
Survivors Benefits (DIC, Survivors Pension)
-
Home Loan Guaranties (CCVSO can supply the application for certificate of eligibility, but loans are done through the banks)
-
VA Education Benefits (GI Bill, Chapter 35 DEA)
-
Appeals and Higher-level reviews
-
Correction of Military Records
-
Board of Veterans’ Appeals
-
US Court of Veterans’ Appeals
The Veterans Service Office Board holds quarterly meetings on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October at 10:00 a.m. in the Cheyenne County Commissioners Room.
How can I get a copy of my DD214?
This can be done in multiple ways. If you have come into a Veterans Service Office in the state of Nebraska, we can print it in our office, email or mail it to you. We can assist in requesting a copy from the Veterans Records Management in St. Louis, MO. You can also download an SF180 from the VA website and follow the instructions printed on the form to mail in.
Requesting your military service records
I heard that I can get a Nebraska hunt/fish/fur permit. Can you help me?
One of the many benefits that Nebraska gives military veterans is offering permits to veterans age 64 or older, active-duty military, deployed military, and disabled veterans at reduced or no cost. This also extends to park permits. You can go to the Nebraska Game & Parks website and the Veterans and Military Permits page. There you can download, complete and follow the directions on the forms. You can always come down to the CCVSO office and we'd be happy to help you complete the form.
How can I get a VA home loan?
To begin the VA home loan process, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). If you already have your COE, you may take it to a bank, mortgage company, or loan agency that offers VA home loans to get started.
If you do not have your Certificate of Eligibility, the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office can assist you with applying for one. A copy of your DD Form 214 (separation document) is typically required as part of the application.
My electricity is going to get turned off because I can't pay it. Is there any services that can help me?
Yes. Emergency assistance may be available through Nebraska Veterans Aid, which is applied for, locally, through the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office. This program may help eligible veterans and their dependents with essential living expenses, including utilities, when certain criteria are met. Nebraska Veterans Aid is intended for temporary, emergency situations and eligibility is based on factors such as income, assets, household size, and the nature of the emergency. Assistance is not guaranteed and is determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with state guidelines.
If you are facing a utility shutoff or other urgent situation, we encourage you to contact the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office as soon as possible. Our office can review your situation, explain eligibility requirements, and help determine what assistance or referrals may be available.
My bank is requesting a letter showing that I'm receiving VA disability compensation. How can I get that?
A VA benefits letter verifying your disability compensation can be requested through the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA). This letter serves as official documentation confirming that you are receiving VA disability benefits. Once requested, the letter typically takes 10–14 days to process and is mailed to the veteran’s home of record on file. Processing times may vary. You can either have our office assist in requesting this letter, or you can logon to va.gov and download there.
If you need assistance requesting this letter or have questions about the process, the Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office can help guide you and ensure the request is submitted correctly.
I am rated at 100% P&T disabled through the VA and need help getting my letter for the County Assessor. Can you help me?
Yes. Veterans who qualify may be eligible for the Nebraska Homestead Exemption, a property tax relief program administered by the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Homestead Exemption includes six eligibility categories, three of which apply specifically to veterans:
-
A veteran receiving compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a 100% service-connected disability.
-
A wartime veteran who is totally disabled due to a nonservice-connected illness or accident.
-
A paraplegic veteran or multiple amputee whose home was substantially contributed to by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
In most cases, the State of Nebraska now requires eligibility verification every five years for veterans (years ending in 0 or 5), unless eligibility was newly granted in the prior calendar year. Requests for Homestead Exemption eligibility letters may be submitted after January 1 through the County Veterans Service Office, directly through the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs or on va.gov.
After you receive your eligibility letter, you will file your application with the County Assessor by completing Form 458 (Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application) and submitting it along with your eligibility letter during the annual filing period, which runs from February 2 through June 30.
If you need assistance determining eligibility or requesting the required documentation, please contact our office. We are happy to help guide you through the process.
The Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office is not responsible for the content or updates of external websites; all information is published and maintained by the respective entities.
|
Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs News & Events Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs Legislative Updates |
Starting January 1, 2026, all disabled and/or blind veterans in Nebraska can receive an exemption for the Motor Vehicle Tax and Motor Vehicle Fee for ONE vehicle owned and used for their personal transportation. The exemption only applies to the Motor Vehicle Tax and Motor Vehicle Fee. All other taxes and fees (e.g. plate fee, sales tax, wheel tax, etc.) still need to be paid. NDVA Notice of Disabled/Blind Veteran Motor Vehicle Tax & Fee Exemption |
.png)
The Cheyenne County Veterans Service Office is looking for dedicated volunteers to drive our DAV van, transporting local veterans to the Cheyenne VA Medical Center. Just a couple of days a month can make a huge difference. We work with your availability and provide your schedule months in advance — making it easy to plan around your commitments. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to those who served, we’d love to have you on board.
An opportunity to serve the veteran community as a DAV Transportation Network driver is the chance to become a part of one of the nation’s largest and most critical voluntary transportation programs serving veterans.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VA offers benefits that can help Veterans in many ways. choose.va.gov is a great tool to explore those services and benefits.
