HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) - Disabled American Veterans added an office in Hays, expanding veteran care in western Kansas.

The service officer for the new DAV says 45% of the state's 200,000 veterans live out west, but until the Hays office was built, the closest one was in Colby or Wichita, making it difficult for many to find help.

"We have folks in western Kansas right now that actually travel to Wichita from Colby to go see the DAV representatives in Wichita to file their claims with us, opening an office here in Hays, we cut that travel time and cost down for our veterans," Christopher Deitering, the Department of Kansas Service Officer for the DAV, said.

He says he wants this office to reduce the time it takes for them to receive their benefits.

"I have spent a lot of time dedicated to he

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