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Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the annual 20 Under 40 magazine which was a part of the LaGrange Daily News July 31 edition. If you would like to pick up a copy of the 20 Under 40 magazine, please visit our office at 115 Broad Suite 101.

Helping veterans is a passion for Amber Haire. It is currently her job as Office Manager and a Veterans Field Service Officer for Georgia Department of Veterans Service in LaGrange but Haire says she has been helping vets long before taking the position.

Haire, 35, is originally from  Houma, Louisiana, where she was born and raised. She moved to Troup County after meeting her husband Cpl. Todd Haire aboard a cruise ship in 2013. Amber said when she was getting out of the military, they decided to make Troup County their home due to family ties, job prospects and the quality of education for their son, Brock.

Todd is from Troup County and currently serves with the LaGrange Police Department.

Amber served as a cryptologist technical technician in the U.S. Navy and completed four overseas deployments before she was medically retired in 2014 as a Petty Officer 1st Class.

At the Veterans Services office  in LaGrange, located at West Georgia Tech, Amber is responsible for providing comprehensive support, advocacy and resources to veterans and their families where she assists veterans in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to, including healthcare, education, disability compensation, pensions and other services. Amber also serves as a suicide prevention specialist for the department.

“There is no greater feeling than witnessing the joy and relief on veterans and their family members faces when they receive the benefits they truly deserve. Veterans have made significant sacrifices in service to our country. Ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to is a way to honor and recognize their contributions and sacrifices,” Amber said.

Amber and Todd have both coached baseball and soccer with Troup County Parks and Recreation for the past five years and they share a passion for helping our local youth.

Amber strives to bring more awareness to the community about suicide prevention, not only for military veterans but also in youth. She was selected to represent the Georgia Department of Veterans Service in Washington DC for the Governors challenge for suicide prevention in veterans and recently participated in the Let’s Connect Summit in Pine Mountain hosted by Kennesaw State and Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant.

“Our Society has a moral obligation to support those who have defended its freedoms and security. Advocating for veteran benefits fulfills this responsibility and upholds the values of justice and gratitude for their service,” Amber said.