The board of county commissioners of any county in the state shall have power and authority and in its discretion may appoint a service officer whose duty it shall be to give aid and assistance to any veteran, widow, widower or dependent thereof in applying to the federal or state veterans’ agencies for all benefits and aid to which the veteran, widow, widower or dependent thereof is entitled by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. Such appointment may, in the discretion of the board of county commissioners, be a separate office or additional duty imposed upon an existing county official, or [,] at the discretion of the board, such appointment may be made, and the expenses and salary thereof financed in conjunction with any service organization or organizations operating within the county.