Damien Crawley, at left, receives the TVC Excellence Award from TVC Deputy Executive Director and Army veteran Shawn Deabay.
Tarrant County Veterans Service Officer and Navy Veteran Damien Crawley is effective. His claims work has resulted in millions of dollars in awards. When meeting with veterans, should he hear something about employment, health care or education, Crawley refers them to TVC staff that can assist. Additionally, he’s reached over 400 transitioning service members at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth with a class he developed and leads.
Crawley’s outstanding performance earned him a TVC Excellence Award. Congratulations Damien!
Crawley assisted over 500 veterans last year. In his claims work, he processed over 350 claims, leading to over $766,000 in monthly awards and $2.15 million in retroactive awards.
“When Damien meets with clients, he is very invested and thorough with his time and efforts. When clients leave after meeting with Damien, they have a better understanding of the claims process, benefits information and get their questions answered. For anyone receiving that kind of customer service, it is a very significant and positively impactful experience,” said Katasha Gray, TVC Employment Services North Texas Distirct Outreach Coordinator and Army veteran, who nominated Crawley for the award.
To reach those service members about to become veterans, “He single-handedly developed, implemented, and instructed a monthly veteran services class to provide essential information and guidance to transitioning service members located at the NAS Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth,” said Gray. “Through this program, Crawley has reached over 400 customers and empowered them with the knowledge and resources they need to successfully navigate the complexities of the VA benefits system. He is sought out for assistance by those on the base because of his classes.”
Crawley joined the Tarrant County Veterans Service Office in 2019. He had to learn about VA disability benefits including how to file for and process them. He now knows claims information and processes well and successfully advises veterans and new team members about the benefits.
It’s not just the number of successful claims and veterans assisted that sets Crawley apart, it’s also his team work, leadership and patience.
“Damien is a true mentor to his coworkers especially with regards to advising on ways to maintain patience with upset customers,” said Gray. “He is always willing to take time out of his busy schedule to assist with questions. He is very knowledgeable and understands the forms and navigating through the VA system and their terminology. He has been a true leader to the new staff member that is training to become accredited and filing claims.”
