BEDFORD— After more than a decade of advocacy for local service members, Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough has announced his retirement, effective July 10, 2026.
Bough, a 1979 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School, has served in the role since January 1, 2013. During his 14-year tenure, he has worked under the direction of eight different county commissioners, maintaining a consistent focus on securing federal benefits for the county’s veteran population.
The impact of Bough’s office has been felt significantly in the bank accounts of local veterans. Last year alone, more than $24 million in pension and compensation was awarded to Lawrence County veterans.
“This was money directly deposited into their bank accounts,” Bough noted, highlighting the tangible results of navigating the often-complex Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system.
The long-term figures are even more staggering. According to the Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics’ annual GDX reports, the VA’s Gross Domestic Expenditures for Lawrence County veterans and their families exceeded $200 million between fiscal years 2017 and 2023.
Bough’s dedication to veterans stems from his own extensive military and law enforcement background. His career highlights include:
- Military Service: Served on Federal Active Duty as a Military Working Dog Handler in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army.
- International Mentorship: Served as a Subject Matter Expert under a Department of Defense contract in Afghanistan, where he trained the Afghan National Army in detainee operations.
- State Service: Retired as a Captain with the Indiana Department of Corrections before taking on the VSO role.
In addition to his county work, Bough has been a fixture in local leadership, serving as a Bedford City Councilman since 2020 and holding leadership roles with the Lawrence County Historical Society, the Men’s Warming Shelter, and the Indiana County Veterans Service Officers Association.
Throughout his time in leadership roles, Bough has been a vocal proponent of proactive community safety and health. He successfully navigated the intricacies of state government to secure flashing yellow lights for the Parkview and Bedford Middle School zones on US-50/16th Street.
Most recently, he has advocated for the return of maternity delivery services to Lawrence County, which has lacked them since December 2022. Bough has urged local leaders to lobby for federal “Cultivating Rural Health” grants to ensure young families no longer have to travel to neighboring counties for emergency deliveries.
Bough remains deeply involved in the fabric of Lawrence County through several organizations, including:
- Founder of the Lawrence County Christian Veterans (LCCV).
- Member of the America 250/Semiquincentennial Celebration Committee.
- Board member for the Greenhill Cemetery and the Bedford Animal Control Board.
As he prepares to step down on July 10, Bough expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve those who served the nation.
“In our office, we know the assistance we provide is essential for Lawrence County Veterans and their families,” he said.
The Lawrence County Commissioners are expected to begin the search for Bough’s successor in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the county’s veteran community.
