VSO, Shannon Nisbett, Becoming a Familiar Face for Local Vets

Meet the new VSO! Formally introduced to the town at a recent Town Council meeting, Shannon Nisbett, who hails from a military family, succeeded Dale Kurtz, who retired from town service several weeks ago. He, in turn, had succeeded Bob Fahey, one of a long line of Veterans Services Officers to serve the town and its Veterans.

Thus, as far as can be determined, Nisbett is likely the first woman to fill the role in Franklin.

But that’s not what makes her remarkable. Rather it is her professional background while serving in the Army and her work subsequently that, she believes, will benefit veterans.

With a father who spent his career in the Army, Nisbett got an “army brat” exposure to a huge swath of American life, both geographically and demographically. She herself earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Notre Dame University and a graduate degree in biological sciences from Texas A&M.

During her time in the Army she served in health care administration, a natural segue into her current role as Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Franklin. In addition, one of her more recent professional roles as a civilian was serving as the food access coordinator for the Hockomock Area YMCA.

“If Franklin veterans or their families have any questions, we are here to answer them and link them to resources for which they might be eligible,” she says.

And that includes navigating through “red tape.” No one “should have to pay money to access veterans’ services,” she adds.

Among the more innovative programs being offered locally is something called “Tune it Out” – a program led by Jamie Barrett, a local music educator and musician. Aimed particularly at those dealing with PTSD, Barrett and co-instructor Charlie Brewer provides free guitar lessons to participants. This collaboration involving the town’s public health team, veterans, and Barrett, is open to vets from any town. Nisbett’s musical husband Heath Nisbett and guitarist Mike Allard have also volunteered their efforts and local residents have donated many guitars to the project. The Franklin Elks Club has also contributed funds to support the program.

According to Veterans' Services Assistant Debra Martin, the project was inspired by a national program, Guitars for Vets.

Nisbett will be participating in her first Veterans’ Coffee Social on Wednesday October 6th at 10 at the Senior Center. She will be joined by Franklin Health Director, Cathleen Liberty.

And, Nisbett added, “If anyone is a veteran or a member of a veteran’s family and has questions about benefits or is facing hardship – including widows or other surviving family members, get in touch with our office.”