(a) The Department of Veterans Service and all officers and employees thereof shall work consistently and diligently in all matters and particularly shall undertake to conduct an educational program for the information of veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependents, as to any and all rights accruing to such veterans under national, state, and local law. The commissioner of veterans service and the members of the board are directed to conduct educational programs by making personal appearances before veterans' organizations, service clubs, fraternal groups, and other such organizations so as to acquaint the public generally with the work of the department and the rights and privileges of veterans.

(b) The commissioner of veterans service, the board, and the department are authorized and directed to make available in any regions, locations, and areas throughout this state representatives of the department to assist veterans, surviving spouses, and dependents in the preparation and filing of claims for benefits and in acquainting them with all legal rights and privileges.