Retired Navy petty officer now serves as county’s go-to advocate for veteran benefits
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — For veterans in Walker County, navigating the maze of federal paperwork can feel overwhelming. But Bob Kane, the Walker County Veterans Service Officer, is helping make the process easier—at no cost to veterans or their families.
“I help veterans maneuver that labyrinth of forms… to get their benefits, their disability benefits or unemployability benefits,” Kane said during a recent appearance on Good Morning Huntsville. “When the veteran passes, I help the family get the benefits they deserve for burial and for any survivors benefits.”
Kane is a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class and spent 43 years in healthcare, including service in the Navy and with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Since taking the VSO role in late 2021, he has become the go-to resource for veterans seeking assistance.
“When I run into these situations… I simply pick up the phone and I call Mr. Bob,” said Billy Cauthen of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. “I don’t know what type of magical form book he has, but he clears hurdles and obstacles for them every day.”
Kane is fully accredited with the Texas Veterans Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows him to assist with claims at no charge—unlike so-called “claim sharks” who may charge fees for unaccredited services.
“There is legislation in D.C. right now to shut them down and make it nothing but fully accredited veteran service officers,” Kane explained.
Born in Philadelphia, Kane met his late wife, a fellow Navy veteran, while stationed in Pearl Harbor. After 21 years in the Navy and decades with TDCJ, Kane settled in Huntsville in 1994. He personally understands the challenges of filing claims—having initially been denied before learning to advocate for himself.
Now, he brings that experience to others. “I said, ‘Okay, you’ve got 43 years in healthcare. You can do this yourself.’ So I did. I’m now at 40% and still working on it,” he said of his own disability benefits.
Kane’s office is located on the Walker County website under “Veteran Services” and is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. He encourages veterans to schedule appointments by calling 936-435-2474. You may also reach Kane by email at bkane@co.walker.tx.us.
Perhaps the best example of his impact came early in his tenure. A World War II veteran had passed away in 2019, but no one could find his discharge papers. Kane found the DD-214 buried in one of five filing cabinets and helped secure a bronze grave marker.
“That’s what I do,” Kane said plainly. “And it’s a pleasure.”
