Staff Spotlight: Meet VBC Liliana Edwards!
This week’s Staff Spotlight features our Veteran Benefits Counselor Liliana Edwards, who recently received the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services VBC Most Improved Award!
Name: Liliana Edwards
Role at ADVS: Veteran Benefits Counselor
When did you start at ADVS: December 12, 2022
Did you serve in the military: Yes, in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years as an E-5 and Sergeant Field Radio Operator.
Where did you serve: I served in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and Iraq.
Did anyone in your family serve: No
What do you do at ADVS: My purpose and role at ADVS is to advocate for service members, Veterans and their families. Counseling clients pertaining to but not limited to; claim procedures, benefits, public/military assistance, beneficiary information and eligibility requirements. I provide information that will increase their knowledge, experience and overall chances of success, when applying for benefits.
Why did you decide to join ADVS: I decided to join ADVS because I wanted to a part of an organization whose main focus and purpose is to truly care and look out for the best interest of Veterans and their loved ones.
Why is your job important to helping Arizona Veterans: My job can significantly change the lives of Arizona Veterans. It can potentially increase their quality of life, both financially and physically. It opens the doors for better medical care, counseling, employment assistance, as well as financial stability for Veterans that can no longer do the things they once could. It can be the difference between continuing to live on the street or in a car, to affording a small room or home. It also opens the doors to assist the families that have supported service members and their contributions to our country.
What do you enjoy about working at ADVS: I enjoy working with Veterans and changing their lives. I feel appreciated at ADVS by my clients, my co-workers and my superiors. I feel as though our agency understands that employees have a personal and home life.
Outside of ADVS, what do you enjoy doing: I am a youth wrestling coach after work. I also enjoy fishing whenever I have the opportunity. My family, spouse and children are of upmost importance in my life.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be: Super speed!