Thousands of veterans call Kern County home. For the past 14 years, one local veteran has lead a passionate movement to care for our military heroes. Chuck Bikakis is the Kern County Veterans Service Department Director. He's retiring soon.
Motivated, passionate, a take charge kind of person. Just a few words other veterans use when describing Chuck Bikakis. They say he's leaving behind some big shoes to fill.
Bikakis says, "I'm cleaning it all up and getting it ready to move out."
For more than a decade, you might call the Kern County Veterans Service Department, Chuck Bikakis's second home. The former marine and Vietnam veteran has tried to make good on a promise this country made to its veterans.
"These are the services that our country owes these people," says Bikakis. "I can't imaging what it will be like when I won't be coming in here. I have thoroughly enjoyed the things that have gone on with our people here."
One of his many accomplishment includes the Standdown for homeless veterans, to help them get back on their feet.
"We always gaged our success on if we can help one veteran, if we can take one veteran from the streets and put him into a lifestyle that he was comfortable with,"
says Bikakis.
The new Vet Center next door is another accomplishment. "Having their services next to our service we have something unique in the whole country," says Bikakis.
Former marine Casey Schaubshlager credits Bikakis and his entire staff for turning his life around. "So not only did I get on the right road with counseling and straightening out my life from booze, bottle and things," he said. "I now have compensation and retirement."
Former marine Jenny Frank says, "His passion, we need more people like that in our community of veterans. We are gonna miss him."
Bikakis says, "I think it's healthy for the department to have new visions and new leadership, and I am comfortable with the things we did here for the veterans."
Bikakis takes leave for surgery soon. He will retire in April.
