VA-Accredited Attorney Kristen M. McConnell, a Gulf War veteran, has moved to Clifton Forge and opened her office at 316 Commercial Ave., which is next door to the U.S. Post Office.
Specializing in veterans’ law, she plans to assist veterans with disability claims and appeals.
Due to the overflowing crowd inside and out of the facility that once served as Dr. Scott Turkewitz’s dental office, the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism moved its “Ribbon Cutting Celebration” outside onto the adjacent U.S. Post Office’s parking lot.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at noon on Thurs., March 24, under the cloudless sky.
Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Teresa Hammond welcomed those who had gathered, including Clifton Forge Town Mayor Jeff Irvine and Dr. Ronald Goings, the newest member of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors.
McConnell said that she and her husband, Ron McConnell, traveled widely having been in the military and that she enjoyed visiting the Alleghany Highlands while they were in the service (she has relatives in Iron Gate).
“The VA system is complex and can be difficult and frustrating for veterans to navigate on their own,” was printed on the flyer that was made available to members of media at the ceremony.
Kristen plans to assist veterans with initial claims free of charge, and she pledges to bill them only a percentage of back pay awards on veterans’ disability appeals should the veterans prevail in their cases.
She said, “My husband and I were military, and I want to help veterans.”
Krista Conner, Kristen’s relative from Iron Gate, has been hired as Kristen’s administrative specialist, and Ron will serve as her case manager.
Pearl Conner, Kristen’s great aunt who resides in Iron Gate, was on hand along with Sheila Keyser, Krista’s cousin. Kristen introduced her husband and her relatives to those present on the warm, sunny day.
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