Bradley Hazell - Fellow

Bradley Hazell is the Veterans Caseworker in the office of Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar, a position he earned through the U.S. House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Program. “Pretty much, if a veteran calls up with a concern that has to do with the federal government, I’m here to help them out,” he says. It’s an important job and, like most things worth doing, Hazell learned early on that it comes with its fair share of challenging and rewarding moments.

During his first week, for example, Hazell helped a veteran constituent get some much needed medication in less than 48 hours. “He was told it wouldn’t be available for about three weeks,” Hazell says, “and it felt great to help.” But the next week, on another case, a Korean War veteran passed away while he was waiting for some paperwork to get through on a claim. “That made for a rough time,” Hazell says.

Still, he’s quickly learning how to meet the needs of his veteran constituents. “When people call, you can tell they’re not sure we’ll be able to do anything,” he says. “After I spend some time with them on the phone though, they know they’re going to get a response.” Sometimes, that response isn’t the outcome Hazell or his veteran would like to see. In those cases, Hazell says the vets are still happy to have had his help through what can be a complex claims process. 

In addition to managing a hefty caseload, Hazell is also building relationships in the district through outreach efforts with the local chapters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. “I’m just getting out and talking to different groups to let them know, ‘I’m here and these are the things I can help you with.’”

Hazell, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, is a self-described Air Force brat, and he lived in Germany with his parents while he was growing up. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999 and was among the first to enter Iraq during the 2003 invasion, where he served as a Scout Team Leader with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (L.A.R.). Hazell returned to Iraq in late 2004 for a second tour as a Squad Leader for the 2nd Batalion, 24th Marines.

Hazell says his main goal right now is to learn as much as he can about his current job, but he’s also studying psychology. One day, he might put that degree to use as a counselor in the VA. Until then, though, he’s honored to be right where he is. “It feels good to be giving back.”