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Hello {First Name},
Please Note>>
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This is the first day of the rest of your life. If you were comfortable and satisfied with how your life went in 2022, then do your best to carry that forward into the new year. If there are things you'd really like to change, then now is the time to make the resolutions for change. But when you think about the changes, try looking outside yourself and see whether you might get better feelings by opening your heart and giving more to others - how about a couple hours a week at a food bank, or keeping someone company for an hour a week. We, as vets, gave while we served. Now that we're out, we can continue serving in other ways. If you're interested in exploring how you can serve others, email us at veterans@lakecountyil.gov with a subject of "Help Others".
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The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2023 will be held on the following dates
March 15, 2023
May 17, 2023
September 20, 2023
November 15, 2023
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 -
Grayslake
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Thanks to all our
Iraq War Veterans
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Operation Rising Spirit 2022
This program runs through January 31, 2023
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Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website.
Click here to send a note.
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Get Your Estate Documents in Order!
If you are being treated at Lovell or any other VA center, and you are relying on your spouse or other caretaker to get information, you must have them named and appointed in your Power of Attorney, any HIPPA document and Living Will needed to make decisions about your care. Without the appropriate legal documentation, the staff at Lovell or other medical facilities cannot provide any information to them.
While you're at it, be sure that you have a current will and/or trust documents so that you have defined your desired plans for your estate. Case in point - the children of a deceased vet are attempting to claim assets from a second wife. The trust and will have been able to prevent that.
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Dear Community Partners,
I hope this email finds you well. You may be aware that veterans may now be eligible for expanded health care and benefits from the VA thanks to the PACT ACT. The bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act is historic legislation, which Rep. Underwood co-sponsored, that will provide millions of toxic-exposed veterans the benefits they deserve. The PACT Act:
o Expands health care to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
o Streamlines VA’s review process for establishing toxic exposure presumptions.
o Establishes a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits and toxic exposure.
The VA began considering all presumptive conditions established by the PACT Act presumptive on the date the bill became law. If a veteran has a presumptive condition, they do not need to prove that their service caused the condition – they only need to meet the service requirements for presumption.
The VA encourages individuals who may be eligible for VA health care or benefits under this new law to apply now
If you are working with a veteran who is struggling to receive answers on their pending applications, please visit Rep. Underwood’s Help with a Federal Agency page. Rep. Underwood’s staff are always available to assist with issues like veterans’ benefits, Medicare benefits, military benefits, Social Security issues, and more. In fact, team Underwood has helped recover over $23 million in earned benefits and savings to IL-14 constituents.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office by emailing or by calling (630) 549-2190.
Thank you for your continued assistance and support to veterans in our community.
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With the passage of Public Act 102-0732, the Illinois legislature has reinforced the defined budgeting for the Veterans Assistance Commission. The Lake County Board has also approved a budget for 2023 reflecting that change. This means that the VAC will be able to expand its resources, both staffing and facilities, beginning now.
There are two major improvements you will see quite quickly:
Since the VAC is looking for additional staffing, they will need more space fairly quickly. Watch for the latest on where this space will be located. A hint - it will still be in Gurnee!
The VAC has already begun to search for additional staffing. They are looking to add the following team members:
An additional Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
o Gurnee, IL
o Full-Time - $53,653.91 - $84,057.69 Annually
o Category: Veteran Services
o Department: Veterans Assistance Commision
Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment. Seeking accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for this position. If you are accredited, provide your Office of General Counsel (OGC) accreditation number. If you are not accredited, please submit your application and it will be considered.
Click to see complete job description.
2 additional Administrative Assistants
- Gurnee, IL
- Full-Time - $42,057.60 - $65,852.80 Annually
- Category: Administrative Assistant / Veteran Services
- Department: Veterans Assistance Commision
Seeking Administrative Assistants to join the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County (VACLC) team. The employee must be a qualified veteran, spouse of a veteran or a veteran’s dependent . A veteran is defined as any person who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for at least 180 consecutive days, or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty, or be the dependent of an honorably discharged veteran. Under the supervision of the Superintendent, Asst Superintendent, Chief of Staff and the Executive Assistant. This position requires a confident, secure, intelligent, public speaker, with a positive attitude that fully understands and embraces the VACLC mission and embraces the fact they are the first person that everyone sees or hears.
Click to see complete job description.
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Northern Illinois Food Bank provides food through a network of 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, youth and senior centers, and has a number of other direct distribution programs to assist hungry neighbors. The Food Bank acquires donated food directly from manufacturers, as well as retail stores through our Food Recovery and Direct Connect programs.
You might have noticed the schedule of mobile food pantries further down in this newsletter. In the newsletter, these only cover Lake and McHenry Counties. However, there are also mobile pantries in 9 additional Counties. In addition there are "Pantry Express" sites where you can order food to be picked up at one of the Pantry Express locations, or, if you meet to mileage requirement, have the food delivered to your home.
If you are interested in supporting Northern Illinois Food Bank by volunteering (as I do), Click here to see the types of volunteer opportunities you can sign up for and where they are.
If you have any questions, contact Allan Ayers at 847-377-3344
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If you, or someone you know is struggling with prostate cancer, the most prevalent cancer among men, and one of the presumptives of agent orange, Click here to learn more about the disease, treatments and living with it.
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From the Defense Finance and Accounting Service
As you may know, Congress made changes to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to phase out the offset for surviving spouses who are also receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
On January 1, 2023, the SBP-DIC offset will be fully eliminated. That means, beginning in 2023, SBP payments will no longer be offset (reduced) by DIC. Spouses will receive full SBP (issued by DFAS) and full DIC (from the VA).
There is no action you need to take as a retiree for the changes to apply to your surviving spouse. However, you should check your RAS to ensure your SBP beneficiary is up to date. This is especially important if you have a former spouse. Find out more: https://www.dfas.mil/SBPforspouse.
Also, if your monthly premiums are not automatically deducted from your pay, you should ensure your account does not have unpaid monthly premiums. If you pass away with unpaid monthly premiums, this could cause hardship for your survivors. Learn more: https://www.dfas.mil/payforSBP.
For more details on the changes to SBP, see our special SBP-DIC News webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/sbpdicnews
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Free Chicago Wolves Tickets
If you enjoy going to the Wolves games as much as I do, here's an opportunity to get tickets for free through the Chicago County Clerk's Office by registering with them for a Veterans Discount Card. This card offers discounts at retail companies throughout the Chicago area.
You need to register for the card first - Click Here
Then Click Here to request the game tickets.
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Congratulations to
Leon Mangum!
As a recipient of the
Mick Yauger Pointman Award
This is presented to veterans who exhibit the daily willingness to assist with taking a Veterans life just a hair above a decision to commit suicide, or a fall into a situation of being unhoused and unemployed are all in-line with being at the point position; the pointman. This recognition represents the point man, who takes responsibility alongside others and assists them as they move through challenging terrain. The award, named for that role and responsibilities is in honor of "Mick Yauger". It recognizes the recipient’s forward leadership in supporting others through challenging times and/or transitions.
The Allen J Lynch Medal of Honor Veterans Foundation is proud to have Leon as one of its board members.
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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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How the VA Supports Long Term Care Needs
The VA long-term care services include:
- 24/7 nursing and medical care
- Physical therapy
- Help with daily tasks (like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine)
- Comfort care and help with managing pain
- Support for caregivers who may need skilled help or a break so they can work, travel, or run errands
You can get this care in many different settings—some run by VA and others run by state or community organizations that we inspect and approve.
Care settings may include:
- Nursing homes
- Assisted-living centers
- Private homes where a caregiver supports a small group of individuals
- Adult day health centers
- Veterans’ own homes
See our guide to long-term services and supports.
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How to Get a VA Certificate of Eligibility
If you couldn’t get in on the low interest rates of earlier this year, but you want to get a VA loan or a Native American Direct Loan to buy a house, interest rates are still about one percent below commercial rates. The first step is to get your COE. National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability. See the reservist details here.
In any case, the first step is getting your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It confirms for your lender that you qualify for the VA or NAD home loan benefit. Learn how to apply for your COE online.
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If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program—and what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty.
The VAC also assists in filing BDD Claims.
You can use the BDD program if you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You’re a service member on full-time active duty (including a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Coast Guard), and
- You have a known separation date, and
- Your separation date is in the next 180 to 90 days, and
- You’re available to go to VA exams for 45 days from the date you submitted your claim, and
- You can provide a copy of your service treatment records for your current period of service when you file your claim.
Learn more here.
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VA is Here for You During Times of Emotional Distress
Feeling distress is a normal response to negative events, especially events that feel personal. Veterans and those who care about them are encouraged to learn more about available mental health and healing resources.
Call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at 988.
Every VA facility has mental health specialists. Find one near you.
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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. | |
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Midwest Veterans Closet
Food Pantry,Clothing, Shoes/Boots
Housewares, Linens
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
Mundelein Park District
Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies
1401 N. Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL
mundeleinparks.org - 847-566-0650
Click for details
Lake Zurich American Legion Post 964
51 Lions Drive
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Coffee and Donuts - Every Tuesday, 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Mundelein American Legion Post 867
145 N. Seymour (Behind Taste of Paris, next to Rogan Shoes
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Coffee and Donuts - Every Wednesday, 8:00 - 10:00 AM
Chicagoland North Chapter, Team RWB
Click for Chapter website
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
www.soulharbourranch.com/
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
-- My Pantry Express
Pre-register at the link and order from list of items - limited locations and times
-- Mobile Food Pantry and CLC Pop-up Pantry
See below for the Lake and McHenry locations and times
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Did you know?
Dropping the Ball - Oooooh, shiny. The dropping of the New Year’s Eve Ball on New York’s Times Square is almost a century-old-tradition. The first ball, which weighed 700 pounds, was dropped on December 31, 1907. Roughly 3,000 pounds of confetti is dropped on the crowd in Times Square every year.
Penguin Party - Happy Feet. New Year’s Eve is big globally - it’s even celebrated in Antarctica! There’s a music festival every New Year’s Eve in the Antarctic called “Icestock“! Because who wouldn’t want to bring in the New Year with a bunch of penguins, right?
New Year’s Smooch - Kiss-kiss, hooray! Ready for some midnight loving on New Year’s Eve/Day? It is said that the traditional midnight kiss when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve has something to do with the first person you come across in the new year setting the tone for the next 12 months. So you better choose who you kiss wisely!
Hail New Year! - “When in Rome”? According to History.com, Roman Emperor Julius Caesar declared January 1st as a national holiday 4,000 years ago. So even when not in Rome, we’re still doing as the Romans do.
Unresolved Resolutions? - “This will be the year, I swear!” Statistics about the top New Year’s resolutions include losing weight (#1); getting organized; spending less money and saving more; staying fit and healthy; and quitting smoking. So how did that go for you last year?
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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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VA Benefits - December 2022
As the cost of living goes up, VA ensures that your benefit rates do too! Starting Jan. 1, 2023, all compensation benefit rates have increased by 8.7% to match adjustments made to Social Security benefits. This increase impacts disability benefits, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), as well as other VA assistance programs. If you receive VA compensation benefits, learn your new rates today.
Since the PACT Act was signed into law, Veterans have set an all-time record for filing online disability compensation claims. VA will begin to process all PACT-related claims on Jan. 1, 2023. If you have a pending claim or appeal, use VA’s online tool to stay up-to-date on its status.
- Apply for Your Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Veterans and service members can now receive an immediate, real-time education benefits decision, thanks to the simplified Post-9/11 GI Bill application experience. VA has updated the application process, allowing eligible applicants to apply for and receive their benefits decision within minutes. Start your GI Bill journey today.
VA News - 11/30/22 -
Creating a will is an important step in preparing for the future. Everyone needs a will, no matter your age, background or health. When you create a will, you decide what happens to your assets when your time comes. Beyond that, you also make a plan for your dependents, children and pets.
VA News - 12/7/22 -
More than one million users have downloaded VA's Health and Benefits mobile app. With the app, Veterans can send secure messages to their health care team, view upcoming appointments, view claims and appeals status, upload documentation, locate VA facilities, download Veteran benefits letters to prove Veteran status, and more. Veterans can also login using fingerprint or face ID.
Download the app
VA News - 12/14/22 -
Ask your VA health care team about Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA). BFA provides pain relief for many Veterans and can reduce the need for prescription pain medications. Unlike traditional acupuncture, BFA is performed only on the ear using 5 to 10 tiny needles.
VA News - 12/21/22 -
- Sports4Vets Throwdown returns to help #VetsLiveFit
Kick off the new year on a positive fitness note
“There is a place for every Veteran in this virtual community and the classifications and divisions ensure a fun, safe and equitable competition,” said Lafex. “The Throwdown strategically takes place in the beginning of the year to kick the year off on a positive fitness note. It’s also a great way to see what a Veteran’s fitness level is for upcoming national rehabilitation sports events.”
For more information or questions, visit Sports4Vets Throwdown or email the team at VetsLiveFit@va.gov
VA News - 12/28/22 -
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows people exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file new lawsuits. Veterans and family members who believe they were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, should contact VA to understand their options for health care and benefits. You can also contact the VAC at 847-377-3344 for support.
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MOAA 12/1/22
Grief is never easy, but finding a new purpose can help you navigate through the pain.
MOAA 12/8/22
MOAA 12/15/22
Disabled retirees may want to maintain Survivor Benefit Plan coverage now that survivors can receive both benefits in full.
The move comes weeks before work can begin on other claims at the start of the new year.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about TRICARE, the Survivor Benefit Plan, VA benefits, and more.
MOAA 12/22/22
The year-end federal funding bill includes updates to RMDs, contribution limits, and much more.
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Here're some sample articles I found recently:
Military.com | By Blake Stilwell
When filling a job opening, employers are often looking for someone qualified and knowledgeable for the role, someone coworkers could tolerate, if not outright enjoy working with -- and someone who actually wants to be in the position.
+ + + + + + +
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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.
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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 . | |
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
Saint Louis, MO 63138.
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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