Anzac Day (April 25th) - a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations".
A personal day for me. I visited New Zealand and found a little old Anglican church called St. Pauls. I have a lot of connections over the years with various "St. Pauls" churches, schools etc, so I went in. As you might guess, I had to learn about why the American and USMC flags were "front and center" in the sanctuary. I learned that, during WW II, the Australians and New Zealanders had all gone to Europe to fight with Great Britain. BUT, the Americans were in New Zealand training for the Pacific war. The New Zealanders felt very safe, knowing we were there.
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Military Brat Day (April 30) - The culminating day of the Month of the Military Child. The connotations of being a military brat include the expectation that military families move often, may have difficulty setting down roots in any one area because of duty requirements, and the potential for extended stays overseas for the same reason. Military brats experience frequent school changes, make friends and acquaintances all over the world, and experience regular major life changes due to the shifting nature of military life.
Military Brats Day is a holiday created at the grassroots level and has been celebrated on April 30th since its inception.
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The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2022 will be held on the following dates:
May 18, 2022
September 21, 2022
November 16, 2022
At the Gurnee American Legion Post (749 Milwaukee Ave).
All meetings begin at 10:30 am.
Visitors are welcome to attend.
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Veteran Memorials
Around Lake County -
Round Lake Beach
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Thanks to all our
Afghanistan
Veterans
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Did you know that the BRIDGE Program (Building Recovery In service of Development of Growth and Enhancement) at Lovell FHCC now offers Recreation and Creative Arts activities, which are open to any outpatient veterans plus active duty members?
Some highlights include Zentangle meditative art, guitar lessons, open music jam, nature hikes, equine therapy, photography, women’s watercolor class, yoga, and a PTSD creative expression group.
Please contact BRIDGE Program Music Therapist Elizabeth La Combe for more information or to sign up: Elizabeth.lacombe@va.gov, 224-565-1860 or 224-610-5886.
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Its Tax Time!
If you can shop on the internet, read books on an ereader, find and bring down movies from multiple streaming services then you can use the very friendly tax software that is available to do your own taxes today.
Turbo Tax and HR Block are two most popular today - they ask you very friendly questions and walk you through the entire process. The Military Wallet provides a list of other software tools. Click here to review them.
There are also several on line tax filing tools where you can complete a simple return on line and file it directly. Check to make sure you get a printed return if you chose one of those services.
If you are uncomfortable doing it alone, try doing your return it in parallel with a return prepared by your selected preparation resource the first time.
If you still want a professional preparer to do your taxes, remember that:
- If you retired from the military or have been honorably discharged within 365 days, you can take advantage of a tax assistance service at the Great Lakes Naval Base.
- AARP provides certified Tax Aides to help you file - There are some income limitations for that service, and also some constraints relative to filing complexity.
- Check your area to determine whether there are other assistance services - usually for lower income filers.
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Stimulus Checks – what happens if…
There are too many potential issues to detail them here, but, basically:
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Most of you should have received your third stimulus checks by now, and also a letter from the IRS telling you the check was mailed. A letter for each recipient. If you earned an adjusted gross income over $75,000 (single) or $150,000 filing jointly for tax year 2020, you will NOT receive the check.
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If you haven’t received the letter OR your check (in 2021), report that you didn’t receive the check on your 2021 Tax return. This becomes a credit on your return and will reduce any payment required or increase the size of your refund.
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If you received your letter, but you have no evidence that you received the check(s), you will need to do some research on how to get the check. An easy solution is to say you didn’t receive it on your tax return, but you will run the risk of the IRS coming back to you and saying you did receive it and you will get a bill to pay it back. Other alternatives all require researching and working with the IRS to track the payment.
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Free Tax Preparation Available
Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially for military families, but programs like AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide can help you file your state and federal tax returns. Tax-Aide is free and available (appointment only) to all Veterans, service members, and their families regardless of age or whether they're AARP members.
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Another Benefit You Don't Want To Miss At Tax Time
If your county provides real estate or other tax adjustments for VA disabilities, you will need a letter to document the VA compensation dated in 2022. In Lake County, IL the real estate tax adjustments are:
- A disabled veteran with a 70% or higher service-connected disability will be tax exempt.
- A disabled veteran with at least 50%, but less than 70% service-connected disability will receive a $5,000 reduction in the property's EAV.
- A disabled veteran with at least 30%, but less than 50% service-connected disability will receive a $2,500 reduction in property's EAV.
To get this letter, you must be able to log into the VA eBenefits website. If you click on this disability letter link, it will prompt you for your sign in and take you directly to the page to download your disability letter.
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Lake County Honor Flight is in the Air Again!
Flight 18 departs for Washington DC with 24 veterans and 24 guardians on April 30th, returning in late afternoon on May 1st. One of the very cool parts of the event is the motorcycle and corvette escort up to Milwaukee Airport and/or on the return trip back to North Chicago. If you want to be part of this very fun event, Click here to get all the details on the Lake County Honor Flight website.
Another rewarding part of the trip for the veterans is Mail Call. Each veteran receives a bag with letters from everywhere - school kids, interested veteran supporters, congressional representatives and anyone else whom cares enough to write a letter. Click to go to the Mail Call page of the Lake County Honor Flight website to see the veterans on the trip and to select ho you will send a letter to. |
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8th Annual Sporting Clays Event
Thursday July 7th 2022
“Shooting in the company of heroes”
McGraw Wildlife Foundation in East Dundee, IL
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7th Annual Swingin' for the Vets Event
Friday August 26th 2022
Have you played White Deer Run Yet?
White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills, IL
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7th annual Shoot For The Vets event
Saturday October 8th 2022
Support Our Veterans.
Illinois Largest Outdoor Shooting Facility.
Aurora Sportsman’s Club in Waterman, IL
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Create an ID.me Account Using VA.gov
Whether you’re currently receiving GI Bill benefits or plan to in the future, click create a VA.gov account using ID.me to better manage your benefits and access all VA resources. ID.me combines My HealtheVet and eBenefits and other sign-ons that I don't know about into a single sign-on for all VA systems.
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File a Claim for Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Find out if you can get disability compensation (monthly payments) and other benefits for illnesses or other conditions, like the ones listed below. These are illnesses and conditions we believe may be caused by contact with harmful chemicals or other hazardous materials while serving in the military. This article lists several different types of contaminations and the diseases related to them including:
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Designed specifically for people living with physical challenges.
Our focus is on helping people contend with conditions that affect their mobility, balance, strength, gait, coordination and speech. Participants come to us because a diagnosis has changed what daily life looks like. Their independence is being threatened by a medical condition. Most are living with chronic, progressive disorders that impact mobility and movement. These conditions include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neuromuscular and autoimmune diseases.
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New VA rule relieves financial distress for thousands of veterans with medical bills
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) took a major step towards protecting veterans and their families by announcing a change to when it will report information on outstanding medical bills to consumer reporting companies. Under the VA’s new rule, the agency will only report a medical bill after all other collection efforts have been exhausted, largely eliminating coercive credit reporting as a debt collection technique. Coupled with the other announced changes by the VA, which provide additional protections to the most financially vulnerable veterans, these changes will result in a 99% reduction of unfavorable debt that it reports to consumer reporting companies.
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The IL Veterans' Home in Chicago is accepting applications for veteran residents.
For a brief virtual tour, please click here to see highlights of the new Home.
Admission to an Illinois Veterans’ Home is based upon:
- The ability of the Home to provide adequate and appropriate care and services required by the person’s medical diagnoses and assessed needs, and:
- An available bed in the category required by the veteran’s medical conditions and assessed needs.
For further information, please contact:
The Adjutant Illinois Veterans' Home - Chicago
4250 N. Oak Park Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60634
Phone: (773) 794-3763
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The Department of Veterans Affairs will propose adding certain rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities in relation to military environmental exposure to particulate matter. When the proposal becomes final, dependents, survivors, and Veterans who had claims previously denied for any of the below respiratory cancers are encouraged to file a supplemental claim for benefits.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx;
- SCC of the trachea;
- Adenocarcinoma of the trachea;
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea;
- Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung;
- Large cell carcinoma of the lung;
- Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung;
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung and;
- Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung.
Any Veteran who had one of these cancers manifest to any degree at any time during active duty or after separation would become eligible for service-connection.
The VA intends to focus its rule on the rare respiratory cancers above in Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations and other locations. The VA will invite and consider public comments as part of this process. The publication date of the federal register will occur in the coming weeks. Once rulemaking is complete, the VA will conduct outreach to impacted veterans and survivors to inform them about potential eligibility.
The Southwest Asia theater of operations refers to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the neutral zone between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, and the airspace above these locations.
If you are a Veteran who has been diagnosed with one of these conditions, but have not filed a claim, contact the VAC (847-377-3344) to get assistance in filing an intent to file a claim.
In addition, the House of Representatives has passed bill H.R. 3967 to the Senate. This bill, called "The Honoring Our PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act" will expand healthcare to 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in service and acknowledge that exposure to burn pits and other toxic airborne hazards have a substantial impact on veteran health, amongst many other things. Rep. Underwood is an original co-sponsor of the bill which came out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
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PGA HOPE is the Illinois PGA Foundation’s flagship military program that introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental six-to-eight week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency, These session are at no cost to the Veteran!
Contact JimNelson nelson-james@att.net to get notified when registration is available to sign up for a clinics.
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Clinic #1: Veterans Memorial GC/Spring
Homeless Veterans
Wednesdays, April 6-May 11, 4:00-5:30pm
Clinic #2: Veterans Memorial GC/Spring
All Veterans
Wednesdays, May 4-June 8, 5:30-7:00pm
Clinic #3: Pine Meadow GC/Spring
All Veterans
Thursdays, May 12-June 16, 5:00-6:30pm
Clinic #4: Harborside Int’l GC/Summer
All Veterans
Wednesdays, May 18-June 22, 4:30-6:00pm
Clinic #5: Cantigny Golf/Summer
Female Veterans
Tuesdays, June 21-August 2, 4:30-6:00pm (no class July 11)
Clinic #6: Veterans Memorial GC/Summer
After HOPE (Veterans who have previously participated)
Wednesdays, June 22-July 27, 11:00am-12:30pm
Clinic #7: Veterans Memorial GC/Fall
All Veterans
Wednesdays, September 4-October 12, 5:00-6:30pm
Veteran Play Day at Pine Meadows GC
One day Veterans only outing
Wednesday, July 6
Veteran Play Day at Veterans Memorial GC
One day Veterans only outing
Wednesday, October 5
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Chicago Botanic Garden
Veteran Intern Program
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Don't Miss Out on These Veteran's Benefits
This article was first seen on BottomLine Personal, written by Captain Ryan Guina, Illinois Air National Guard and founder of the website TheMilitaryWallet,com.
Some veteran benefits programs that are usually misunderstood, are brand new or have been modified.
- Whole life insurance for disabled vets.
- Expanded VA Home Loan eligibility for National Guard and Reserve veterans.
- VA home loans may be used for rental properties and second homes.
- Property tax breaks.
- Better burial benefits.
- GI Bill education benefits no longer expire for vets who served in or after 2013.
- New ways to get vet discounts.
The VAC can also assist you with many of these issues, so if you think you could use help on any of them, contact us at 847-377-3344.
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The VAC's on publicity roll!
We know we are only serving 25% of the veterans in Lake County, Note the two signs in Hawthorn Mall, and watch for the billboards to further raise awareness. If you know a vet, ask them if they know of the Veterans Assistance Commission and point them our direction.
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Did you Know?
The VAC is managed by the Delegates appointed from each post of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League and other veteran organization in Lake County. That means there is a board of over 40 members, appointed by the post members. That board is then managed by its Board of Trustees. Click here to review the Board members and the post delegates.
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Crisis Hotline Information
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or via www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Editor’s note: This article by Patricia Kime originally appeared on Military.com, a leading source of news for the military and veteran community.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is planning to drop copayments for outpatient appointments and decrease medication copays for veterans considered at high risk for suicide.
In a notice published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, the VA announced a proposal to modify copayments for medical appointments and medications to encourage veterans to seek medical care and mental health treatment.
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You don't need to go all the way to Washington to see the Vietnam Memorial! Take a driving trip South of St. Louis to see the wall and other memorial related exhibits in the heart of the Midwest.
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From left to right:
Daryl Burkett (Det 1395), Brad Wilson (son), Jim Wilson, Bruce Johnson (Det 1395)
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Congratulations to Sgt Jim Wilson |
Jim Wilson, a dedicated member of Marine Corps League Detachment 1395, was recently awarded the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for his continued work in Scouting. Jim earned Eagle rank in 1949. He has participated in 260 the Kabar knife award ceremonies since 2010 presented by Detachment 1395 to new Eagle Scouts including 9 young women in Girl Scouting.
NESA is a group of men who achieved Eagle rank and have continued to support and mentor young Scouts and scouting organizations through NESA sponsored events and activities.
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Visit Our Website
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County has recently implemented a new, much improved website. The site is easy to navigate and provides information on how we can support you in different types of services. The site also includes all the documents a veteran or family member might need to get the ball rolling to file for any potential deserved benefits.
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Contact the VAC (847-377-3344) for information packets for each of its major categories of support:
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Are you trying to decide how to support the Ukraine?
There are two basic choices to begin with - First, you want to send clothing and essentials through a program (and there are more every day) that will combine your donation with other donations until they have a container load, and then they will ship it to an organization in Poland or somewhere else near the Ukraine and distribute it to the refugees.
The second alternative is to send money and count on the fund raising organization to work its magic to magnify your donation through other philanthropic matching efforts. Of course this pre-supposes that you know a good organization to send your money to. This is where Charity Navigator comes in for me. They have recently identified and vetted 35 organizations that are in the international charity world that you can evaluate and decide among. You can find their list of 35 organizations by clicking here.
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House Bill 3967 - the Honoring Our PACT Act - Is Moving Ahead!
The bill will expand healthcare to 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in service and acknowledge that exposure to burn pits and other toxic airborne hazards have a substantial impact on veteran health, amongst many other things. The bill has passed the House and is moving onto the Senate.
Rep. Underwood is an original co-sponsor of the bill which came out of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. See the message below for further details. Click to learn more details.
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Get your Vaccination!
Get your Booster!
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Are you the spouse or surviving spouse of—or a child of—a Veteran with disabilities or a Veteran who has died? If you don’t qualify for TRICARE (the Department of Defense’s health care program for active-duty and retired service members and their families), you may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Through this program, we cover the cost of some of your health care services and supplies. This is called cost sharing. Find out if you qualify for CHAMPVA and how to apply.
Find out if you qualify and to file for your benefits by contacting the VAC at 847-377-3344.
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We (the VA) are the world's leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.
PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. If symptoms last more than a few months, it may be PTSD. The good news is that there are effective treatments.
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Don't let the Coroners put COVID-19 on Veterans’ death certificates instead of the underlying issues as the cause of death
If you have a veteran death to deal with, check to make sure that any service related underlying cause of death is properly documented on the death certificate. If Covid-19 is recorded as the immediate cause, and if the contributing service connected conditions are not listed on the death certificate, a surviving spouse may lose their Dependent Indemnity Compensation . See item 5 in RSO Notes for further details. However, if the death was also caused by Covid-19, the survivor should investigate and apply for the FEMA Covid burial expense assistance discussed in the article to the right
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Covid Test At Home?
At-home rapid tests are antigen tests, which use a different mechanism to detect infection. These tests can be processed in your home using a kit that looks similar to an at-home pregnancy test and gives results within 10-15 minutes. Antigen tests are fairly accurate, when someone is experiencing symptoms and their viral load is very high. However, when someone has a lower viral load, such as in someone without symptoms might get false negative test results.
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An Alternative Death Benefit
One of our readers pointed out to me that FEMA also offers a death benefit - IF the death is attributed to Covid-19.
Therefore, if you are dealing with a death caused by Covid-19 and there is no question about veteran survivor benefits, you should apply to FEMA for their death benefit. Here's an extract from the FEMA information.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for funeral expense assistance, you must meet these conditions:
- For deaths that occurred after May 16, 2020, the death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
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For deaths that occurred from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020, any death certificate that does not attribute the cause of death to COVID-19 must be accompanied by a signed statement listing COVID-19 as a cause or contributing cause of death.
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What is Whole Health?
Whole Health is VA’s cutting-edge approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.
Find out how you can #LiveWholeHealth from home through VA’s ongoing self-care blog series. This series highlights Whole Health resources—such as video sessions for yoga or meditation—that you can follow along at home to live healthier and happier.
OR, If you are interested in taking your own personal inventory, click here.
For more information about Whole Health at the James A Lovell FHCC, contact:
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VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SUPPORTING MCHENRY, LAKE, WINNEBAGO COUNTIES AND SURROUNDING AREAS
A VETERANS PATH TO HOPE, HEALTH & HAPPINESS
Many veterans experience unexpected barriers to success. Our goal is to provide them with hope, health and happiness by helping them gain access to:
· Employment assistance for homeless veterans
· Transitional living shelter
· Support and education for veteran caregivers
· Outdoors program for camaraderie and connection
· Housing assistance prior to or following eviction
· Delivery of food, furniture and household items
· Peer support, counseling and food pantry
· Supportive housing program
After helping veterans for nearly 25 years, we’re making a lot of exciting new changes so we can help them for at least another 25 years. Our name TLS Veterans will be changing to Veterans Path to Hope to more accurately reflect the work we do with and on behalf of veterans in need. We’ve also moved our offices to 805 S. McHenry Ave., Suite D, Crystal Lake IL to allow easier and greater access to the agency. And as you can see, we have a new logo and website which will help you stay connected with Veterans Path to Hope.
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In all the situations below, you can always contact the VAC (847-377-3344) directly for further assistance. If you are struggling with rent or mortgage payments with the elimination of pandemic forbearance programs, Call the VAC immediately!
- Rent or Mortgage payments or Emergency Housing
- Utility payments
- Food - Northern Illinois Food Bank - See Schedule or
- Midwest Veterans Closet (See the calendar below)Medical Care - Contact VAC when civilian benefits lost - Do not go to VA if not registered with them. Contact the VAC to get you registered.
- Most VA visits are currently by Video Conference
- Family problems - In Lake County, contact 211 for referral to proper resource.
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Call 211 for Social Services
in Lake County
Anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human service support can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. Lake County 211, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live.
The 211 network also answers dozens of crisis hotlines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Know Someone Who Can Use Veteran Benefit Assistance?
If you have a veteran parent or know someone who might be eligible for some kind of benefits for their service, we encourage you to mention the VAC to them. We can assist with many different issues:
- Aid and Attendance Assistance
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Survivor spousal benefits
- Burial arrangements
- Upgrading disability status
- Job skill preparation
- Referrals for services we cannot support.
If you or another veteran you know needs help, give us a call at 847-377-3344.
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Your Coin Helps Vets In Need Through the VAC Not For Profit
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Coins are $5.00 and you can pick one up when you come into the office, or you can send a check (make the check out to "Lake County VAC - Not-for-Profit - and mail to the address below) and we'll mail it to you. Mail check to:
Veterans Assistance Commission
501 North Route 21, Suite 106
Gurnee, IL 60031
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If you're wondering what the VAC and other veterans organizations are doing. Be sure to call first since many of these events and activities have been cancelled or deferred during the Covid-19 pandemic: |
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The Trickster Cultural Center is a registered nonprofit 501c3 Native American and community arts center that also serves Native American veterans and their needs. The center features contemporary Native American art (post-1960's) and augments its multicultural exhibits with featured speakers, panel discussions, school tours, and educator workshops.
VFW Post 2202 meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm at the Trickster Cultural Center. All are welcome to attend!
Contact Gina Roxas at ginar@tricksterculturalcenter.org
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805 McHenry Ave Ste D, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-321-HOPE (4673)
Food Pantry and Home Furnishings
Coming events
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Midwest Veterans Closet
Mobile Food Pantry and Clothing
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Food (Grocery Style selection)
Clothing, Housewares, and
LOTS of Furniture
2323 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL
847-354-2108
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Mundelein Park District
Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies
1401 N. Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL
Lake Zurich American Legion Post
51 Lions Drive
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Coffee and Donuts - Every Tuesday, 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Check for open operations since new Covid-19 rules
Chicagoland North Chapter, Team RWB
Contact David Christensen
Lots of events scattered around Lake County
Lake County Honor Flight Reunions
Meet 4th Saturday each month (Dec meet 3rd Saturday)
Lunch - Mission BBQ, Gurnee - Feb 18, 11:00
Breakfast Golden Corral, Gurnee - Mar 22, 2022 10:00
Animal Therapy for Veterans
Veterans and their families are invited to
Veterans’ Weekend at the SOUL Harbour Ranch, Barrington, IL
Last Sunday of each month.
TIME: 10:30am to Noon
WHERE: SOUL Harbour Ranch
22093 N. Countryside Lane, Barrington, IL 60010
RSVP: Jodie @ 855-408-SOUL (7685)
QUESTIONS: Contact veteran liaison
USAF Pilot, Lt. Colonel Gina Stramaglio 316-708-9788
Northern Illinois Food Bank
There are three types of resources within NIFB
Pre-register at the link and order from list of items - limited locations and times
See below for the Lake and McHenry locations and times
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“Son,” the general replies: “We don’t need wood choppers in the Air Force, what do you know how to do?”
“I chop wood!”
“Young man,” huffs the general, “You are not listening to me, we don’t need wood choppers, this is the 20th century!”
“Well,” the young man says, “You hired my brother!”
“Of course we did,” says the general, “He’s a pilot!”
The young man rolls his eyes and says: “So what! I have to chop it before he can pile it!”
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Why do they actually prefer non-swimmers in the Navy?
They defend their ship with a lot more enthusiasm.
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Contents From Our Previous Issue
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I
t Helps to Stay In Touch With the
James A. Lovell FHCC
To stay in touch with the James A. Lovell FHCC,
subscribe to the “Launch”, the Lovell Newsletter.
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Reminder about C&P Exams
What are C&P Exams? The C&P Exam (short for "Compensation and Pension") is an exam per-formed by a VA salaried or contracted physician to document the current severity of a condition that is being considered for VA Disability or for which you are currently being compensated. These exams are being conducted in person.
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Quick Links
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I blame my lack of observational skill on my age now, but I just noticed that there are a set of menu tabs on the #VetResources page of the weekly VA News (Vantage Point). These tabs have lots of information and are generally easy to follow. |
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Do you receive all VA benefits you're eligible for? Women Veterans often underutilize VA care and services, despite being eligible for the same benefits as male Veterans. From benefits like pension or support for small businesses, to VA health care and mental health services.
The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep reading to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.
See the article in this newsletter above– The VA recently announced its intention of adding nine rare respiratory cancers to the list of presumed service-connected disabilities in relation to exposure to toxic chemicals in the air, water, or soil for Veterans who served any amount of time in the Southwest Asia theater of operations
Whether looking for a higher paying job or seeking a promotion, an American Corporate Partners (ACP) mentor can help guide Veterans toward great jobs—and the right jobs. Learn more about ACP's free mentor program for Veterans
Do you like to create artwork that honors Veterans? VA and the Veterans Day National Committee are currently accepting design submissions for the 2022 Veterans Day poster contest.
The 2022 GI Bill Summit will feature a Q&A with Education Service Acting Executive Director, Mary Glenn, highlighting various topics, including GI Bill modernization, enrollment verification requirements, and COVID-19 protection of monthly housing allowance benefits. Submit your GI Bill questions by March 18.
When armed conflict arises — no matter where in the world it happens — Veterans can experience a range of challenging emotions as events unfold. This can be especially true for combat Veterans who may be reminded of their own deployment experiences.
The History of VA in 100 Objects explores the history of the nation’s efforts to honor and reward Veterans for their service by spotlighting individual objects that tell key parts of the VA story. To join the journey through VA’s past, visit the 100 Objects Gallery where new entries are posted each week.
Tai Chi is a mindful movement that pairs breathwork with a meditative movement that can be relaxing, restoring and energizing. Learn the seated cloud hands movement in this guided instruction.
VA is growing! The much-anticipated Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) report details plans for a great deal of growth and expansion as we look to modernize care for Veterans throughout the country.
Work on the report began in January with a nationwide review of facilities to determine how to better invest our resources for our Veterans. The goal was to determine which facilities are underused and outdated, as well as examine the demand of services and the needs of Veterans in each region.
Veterans and survivors who believe they may be eligible for compensation for asthma, rhinitis or sinusitis that emerged within a 10-year period after separation from military service are encouraged to file a claim for benefits.
In 2020, commissary shopping benefits expanded to include more Veterans, as the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 (part of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019) authorized the Department of Defense to expand access to commissary shopping privileges to additional valued members of the military community.
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MOAA 3/9/22
From online resources to sample questions to critical definitions, know what you’re seeking before you begin your search.
A system crash at a VA hospital in Washington last week was the latest issue with the $16 billion upgrade.
Need a flexible career? Want to be your own boss? Here's how to find the support you'll need.
MOAA 3/16/22
Another 30 facilities would be built or replaced under the plan. Get all the details on this wide-ranging reorganization.
Learn more about the process, including MOAA’s ongoing work to help shape a modern, high-quality health system.
Our online guide includes details on new VA regulations, up-to-date forms, respite care information, and much more.
MOAA 3/23/22
Thousands of veterans have taken advantage of this benefit, but the funding will end later this year.
Two free April events – one in person, one online – will offer expert guidance. Here’s how to join us.
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Here're some sample articles I found recently:
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There is far too much in the various issues of Military.Com to write or even extract from them. The trick is to find the pieces that are important to you. Therefore, we have provided a graphic that shows the various dropdown choices. As you will see, there is information on general news – with the choice to see the news for your own branch, service benefits, Job and transition support, military life and family issues. I get several versions, and then I’ll scan for titles that seem to be related to me. For example, I decided to try the the Veteran Jobs tab for Lake County. It provided over 400 postings for Lake County and Northern Cook County. See the dropdowns below. Then you can click on military.com to set up a subscription and select versions that you are interested in.
In addition, there are a wide assortment of resource links (including discounts for vets and families) to find other specific information. You might want to give the magazine a look. |
Below are the available hot links to some of the various VA Resources available. The actual hot links can be accessed at the bottom of the welcome kit . |
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How do you get "Veteran" on your driver's license?
Effective January 1, 2020, it will be easier to get "VETERAN" recorded on your driver's license. To get the “VETERAN” designation, veterans can bring their DD214 or other acceptable discharge document directly to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
If veterans choose to add the designation prior to their renewal date, they may obtain an updated driver’s license for $5 and an updated ID card for $10. Veterans over the age of 65 can obtain an updated state ID card at no cost.
A special note - If you are an older Vet and your DD214 was lost in the St. Louis fire in the early 1970's, you can obtain a "certificate" that replaces the DD214. However, for one vet we know, the DMV didn't accept that certificate.
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If you need a complete set of your military records
If you need a set of your military records for any reason, you can obtain them by faxing or mailing a request to the National Personnel Records Center. While they will accept a letter (if you get all the right information into it) it is best to use the standard form SF-180 to request it. You can download that form at Standard Form 180
Mail the completed form to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
OR
Fax the form to 314-801-9195
If you need the records in emergency circumstances, contact our office (847-377-3344) and we can help you expedite the process.
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Deerfield - co-located with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Deerfield Facility
1755 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 1409
Deerfield, IL 60015-5209
847-948-6981 and 847-948-6982
Hours Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Palatine - located in the Palatine Township offices at:
721 S. Quentin Rd, Room 102
(847) 485-2772
Hours Monday -Thursday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Factual Accuracy and Disclaimer:
Accuracy is important to us. if you believe an error has been made, please email the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission at veterans@lakecountyil.gov. Use of social media does not imply endorsement on the part of the VAC. Content on these sites is not edited for accuracy and may not necessarily reflect the views of the VAC.
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Have a good week,
Veterans Assistance Commission, Lake County
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