POULSBO — A retired Navy captain who helped reopen the Veterans Service Office in Poulsbo will be honored Nov. 9 for “contributions to Washington State’s veterans and their families.”

Earl Jones of Poulsbo is one of eight recipients of the 2013 Outstanding Service to Veterans Award. The awards are co-sponsored each year by the Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the state Department of Veterans Affairs. The awards recognize individuals who devote time and energy to improving the lives of Washington’s veterans.

The awards will be presented at a special luncheon in Auburn, following the awardees’ participation in that city’s annual Veterans Day Parade. The parade starts at 11 a.m.; the luncheon begins at 1:30 pm.

Jones, a Vietnam War veteran who was treated for exposure to Agent Orange, volunteers to help other veterans and their survivors connect with benefits to which they are entitled. Jones volunteers at the Veterans Service Office at 19068 Jensen Way, Suite 3A, Poulsbo. The office is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is supported by American Legion Post 245 in Poulsbo.

Jones has helped veterans with service-related injuries or disabilities obtain benefits they earned — benefits that improved their quality of life. He’s helped veterans obtain medals to which they are entitled. He’s helped veterans with children obtain one-time grants so they can meet financial needs, and he’s helped survivors apply for VA-covered funeral costs and survivors benefits.

The Veterans Service Office was formerly located in the old National Guard armory in Poulsbo, but had to move when the armory was demolished. It reopened in its current location on June 2, 2011.