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Hello {First Name},
Please Note>> Click here to load the entire newsletter into a new window
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Before we jump into Summer,
let's remember those who gave all for us.
This month is a busy one for the military. For those of us over a certain age, VE (Victory in Europe) Day is May 8th. Yes, I remember the parade around the neighborhood that day! Armed Forces Day is May 21 this year.
For those who get confused, Armed Forces Day honors all who currently serve in the Military. Veteran's Day (in November) honors all living who served in the Military.
Of course, the most important day is the day we honor and pray for those who didn't come back. So, first, we'll pray, and then, like a good New Orleans funeral, we'll have parades and celebrate their lives and say "Thank you!"
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The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2023 will be held on the following dates
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 -
Highland Park
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Thanks and prayers to all our
Vietnam Veterans
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Il SILENZIO'...BEAUTIFUL AND HAUNTING
About six miles from Maastricht, in the Netherlands, lie buried 8,301 American soldiers who died in "Operation Market Garden" in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall/winter of 1944. Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries, has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate it, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of "their" soldier in a place of honour in their home.
Annually, on "Liberation Day," memorial services are held for "the men who died to liberate Holland." The day concludes with a concert. The final piece is always "Il Silenzio," a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of Holland's liberation. It has been the concluding piece of the memorial concert ever since.
This year the soloist was a 13-year-old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu and his orchestra (the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands). This beautiful concert piece is based upon the original version of taps and was composed by Italian composer Nino Rossi.
Click to listen to this beautiful piece
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If you are a member of a local Veteran Service Organization that has not provided your delegate appointment for Calendar year 2023, please contact your organization’s Commander to name a delegate, and to submit a signed delegation form to VAC as soon as possible. By law, delegate appointments are required annually between January 1st and March 1st. If your organization does not have an authorized delegate, it will not be able to vote on Commission programs.
If you are a member of a local Veteran Service Organization that is not currently represented, we are interested in having you join our commission by sending a delegate to our meetings, so please contact us at 847-377-3344.
In any case, if you would like to learn more about the Veterans Assistance Commission, you are welcome to attend our Commission meetings. The next one will be held on May 17, 2023 at the Gurnee American Legion Post 771, 749 N. Milwaukee Ave, Gurnee at 10:30 am.
The VAC (Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County) is chartered to represent all Veterans in Lake County, IL. Therefore, the membership of the Commission is composed of delegates from various local veteran service organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion (AML), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Veterans (AMVETS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and many others.
The VAC was founded in 1926, in response to veterans looking for a source for assistance with a myriad of needs. The Military Veterans Assistance Act requires the VAC to serve as the central service office within each county, providing any needed services for all Veterans and their families. Since our founding, the VAC has continued to act as the premier Veterans Service Organization in Lake County by serving Veterans from all eras and conflicts.
We conduct quarterly meetings to discuss advocacy for the benefit of Veterans, budgeting, staffing, VA, Federal, and State legislative activities related to veterans.
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- WE REALLY ARE MOVING!! The new offices are located at 1790 Nations Drive (second entrance to Nations Dr just north of Grand Avenue, off of Dilley Rd). Move-in will take place in late June or early July and we expect to be fully operating at the new facility by mid to late July.
- We are still actively working with the James A. Lovell FHCC to get our new space in Building 135 up and running. The offices will be accessible from the new parking garage.
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Rachael Burke
Administrator
Rachael obtained an Associate Degree in Health Information Management from College of DuPage and a Bachelor's Degree in Intercultural Communications from Elmhurst College. Professionally, she has been a 911 operator, a legal administrator, and a health insurance adjuster. She currently holds a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) professional certification.
She is extraordinarily proud of her stepfather who served in Vietnam in the 1st Cavalry and recently took his Honor Flight. It is her distinct privilege to serve veterans with us here in Lake County, Illinois.
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Welcome Aboard
to the newest contingent
of our growing staff!
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Jonathan Kellogg
Veteran Service Officer
Jonathan holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and two other degrees from Northern Illinois University. He has several years of professional experience working in municipal government.
Jonathan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2003 during his senior year in high school. He served most of his time in the Marines as a field military policeman and was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom three times between 2004 and 2007. During his final years in the Marine Corps, he obtained a secondary military occupational specialty as a combat marksmanship coach and served as a marksmanship instructor training Marine recruits.
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Anthony Roberti
Administrator
Tony was born and raised in Chicago and enlisted in the Navy shortly after completing high school. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer and retired with over 25 years of service in 2015.
His career consisted of duty assignments including Battle Group Staff 8 onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Commander Naval Forces Europe/Africa-US 6th Fleet (CNE-C6F) operating in the Black Sea. In 2005, he completed a tour at the Navy Recruit Training Command (NRTC) as an instructor where he achieved certification as a Master Training Specialist. In 2009, he mobilized to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served as the Communications Manager for Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kalagush.
Tony’s military awards include a Combat Action Ribbon and several commendation medals. He has an AAS degree in Marketing Management. He has both completed and facilitated many military leadership courses and certifications.
Then, when he got out, he retired from AT&T. He is still an active member of his church and veterans’ organizations in his community.
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Governor’s Challenge -
Suicide Prevention Training
IDVA is a proud partner of the Illinois Governor’s Challenge, a campaign to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). The Governor’s Challenge is encouraging people from across the state to become part of this crusade to prevent suicide among SMVF. Most recently, it launched its training portal for people to become trained in suicide prevention. Its ambitious goal is to train 70,000 medical professionals, including hospital staff, primary care physicians, police, fire, EMTs and correctional officers, state and local Veteran Service Organizations, social workers and therapists, workplace leaders, school principals, teachers and counselors, faith leaders, and others interested in joining this effort.
Participants will be trained in best practices for preventing suicide by professionals in the field of behavioral health and suicide prevention. They will will better understand the challenges and barriers to treatment and how to reach a Veteran before and during a crisis. Participants will also learn to identify the signs of a person considering suicide and how to communicate effectively along with strategies for safely storing firearms.
The online and in-person program includes 15-20-minute training modules. Training participants will earn certificates of completion and licensed employees can earn CEU’S upon course completion. Please Click the link to learn more about the Governor’s Challenge: Join the Governor’s Challenge in protecting those who have sacrificed to protect our nation. The Military and Veteran Crisis line number has been simplified. Any Service Member, Veteran, or Family member can Dial 988, then press 1, or text at 838255 to be connected to a medical professional.
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Dear grateful veteran supporter:
Each year a group of veterans representing the various veteran service groups throughout Illinois plan a day at the Illinois State Fair dedicated to recognizing the military veterans of the state. Included in the day’s activities is:
- a recognition breakfast for Gold Star families,
- musical entertainment,
- static displays,
- JROTC drill competitions,
- free lunch for attending veterans.
Individual, corporate, veteran, and community donations have historically funded this event.
The Veterans Day at the State Fair Committee, a 501 (C) (3) organization, working through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, invites you to partner with us in sponsoring this day of recognition. Any contribution, large or small would be appreciated as we take time to recognize, and thank our service veterans for their contribution to our freedoms.
Contributions can be made to: Veterans Day State Fair Committee and mailed to:
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Crystal Womack
833 South Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62704
Thank you for supporting our veterans!
Click here for more information - as we get closer to the fair.
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Approved Site A at 23rd St. NW and Constitution Avenue NW | |
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Friends and Supporters,
Today the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) announced that the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has authorized the Foundation to embark on a design for a Memorial that will align with the specifications surrounding Site A located at 23rd Street NW, Constitution Avenue NW, and Henry Bacon Drive NW. This is the third essential authorization that the Foundation has received this year, joining those received from the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). This authorization also moves the Foundation into steps 13-19 of the 24-step Memorial construction process after being in steps 9-12 since August of 2017.
“This is an incredibly momentous day for progress toward the Memorial’s completion. The NCPC’s favorable review of our plans launches our efforts into a new Design Approval phase, during which we will begin to formally plan a design for the Memorial that conforms to Site A,” said GWOTMF President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. “We will continue to stay in close touch with the NCPC and other authorities responsible for preserving the glorious aesthetics of our nation’s capital.”
“The entire Board of Directors celebrates and gives thanks for the NCPC’s speedy approval of our intentions for Site A,” said GWOTMF Board Chair Ted Skokos. “Those who have participated in the Global War on Terrorism, their families, and all Americans can have confidence that the Memorial is closer to reality with each passing day, and that our momentum will continue.”
With Much Gratitude,
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Theodore “Ted” Skokos
Chairman, Global War on Terrorism
Memorial Foundation Board of Directors
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Michael “Rod” Rodriguez
President and CEO,
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
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The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Is Enthusiastic about Giving Back
MOAA emphasizes the value and importance of continuing to give. Therefore the Northern Illinois Chapter has volunteers serving at the the Midwest Veterans Closet, Northern Illinois Food Bank and a team from Great Lakes.
This photo is a day at the Closet led by MOAA members Eliseo Lopez and Carter Bell (behind the MOAA sign). Mary Carmody, the Founder of the Closet, and her prime support person, Carrie, are on the right side of the sign.
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What do you get when you mix community gardening with veterans?
Tons of beautiful produce and maybe a little healing for our struggling brothers and sisters in arms. Since 2016 Growing Healthy Veterans, a Waukegan-based non-profit, has created two community garden programs to provide the healing power of working with the soil and helping communities in need for those who have served our country. One program is at the Gurnee American Legion Post 771, and the other on a 14-acre plot of land in North Chicago.
“We’re here to help Veterans and Active Duty Military,” GHV Board President Ellen Ewing said,
“Whether they’re struggling with whatever happened while they served, grappling with substance
abuse or mental health issues, or simply needing the peace and quiet and healthy food that
come from our gardens. All Veterans, Active-Duty Military and community members are
welcome.”
This spring brings exciting progress at Growing Healthy Veterans. Thanks to a grant from the Allen J. Lynch Foundation, the hoop houses at the Gurnee American Legion will receive new covers. This will extend the seasonal production of tomatoes and peppers, which Legion Post 771 plans to purchase to make into spaghetti sauce. New raised beds will provide interested Veterans throughout Lake County with a venue to grow their own food. And, most importantly, this grant will provide the funds to create a permanent and reliable irrigation system.
GHV has long dreamed of expanding the garden in North Chicago to utilize all 14 acres, which would make it one of the largest urban community gardens nationwide. Thanks to generous donors like 100 Women Who Care, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, and a state grant secured by Senator Adriane Johnson (D – Waukegan), a plan is being drawn up that will transform North Chicago from a food desert into a flagship example of food independence. Infrastructure enhancements include the installation of hoop houses, raised beds, and an irrigation system. This garden will also provide opportunities for community members to work and learn alongside Veterans.
Volunteers are welcome to gather for work and fellowship every Saturday from noon – 4pm. Check the calendar on our website, www.growinghealthyveterans.org for the location each week.
Everyone is invited to the Gurnee American Legion site 749 Milwaukee Avenue, Gurnee on Saturday, May 13th from noon–4 pm to assist in putting new coverings on both the hoop houses. For more specific information, please call or text GHV Operations Manager, Calvin Piktel at 224-944-9226.
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Click here to visit the Museum website | |
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Register your Vet-owned Business to be posted on the VAC Website
The VAS is all about helping veterans in any way possible. One of those ways to to refer vet-owned businesses to our readers. To see what you can present, Click to go to the Partners page and scroll down to the Veteran Owned Businesses. Send an email to the VAC (veterans@veteransasstistancecommission.com) with a subject line of "Veterans Business", or contact the VAC through the VAC website directly.
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Finding Caregiver Support While Trying to Build a Life We Don’t Want to Escape From
Thank you Rally Point and Rachel Moyers
Caregiving and caregiver are words that have become everyday vocabulary for many in this country. I not only use these words in my professional life, I also proudly claim veteran caregiver as part of my personal identity.
Over the years, life has thrown my family a few sets of brick walls that we had to navigate around, one being medical retirement. When my husband went through medical retirement, I had no idea that there was a name for the new role I was already taking on. I felt isolated and stressed. We were navigating medical appointments, medications, 2 children under the age of 5, out processing, finding a new place to live and I was in the process of completing my doctorate. In the midst of all this stress, I realized I was lonely and missing the connections I once had with our active-duty family. They didn’t quite understand since we were now on the other side of active-duty life. I ultimately learned I needed what was called peer support.
Click to read the complete article.
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What Are Witness Slips
and how do we use them?
Witness slips are a device we can use to communicate with congressional committees as a group of people with a specific interest. Once you figure out how to use them, they are quite easy and allow you to provide your opinion on specific legislation coming through the process.
Click here to see the ILGA user manual that describes how to enter a slip, or to see the slips that are entered.
To make life easier if you are willing to sign witness slips, you probably want to register so you don't have to repeat all your personal information every time. Then it becomes pretty straightforward to get to hearings where you want to post a witness slip and to see who else has posted. You do need to be told what the house or senate bill number is that you are witnessing to.
Click here for a step by step with screen shots to enter and to view witness slips.
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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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File Disability Letters
for Property Tax Relief Now
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If you are a disabled vet you might be eligible for a reduction in your property taxes.
Click here to see the specific requirements and the level of reduction you are eligible for.
Click here for disabled adaptive exemption.
You will still need an annual letter from the DOD showing your disability. The letter can be either obtained on line through your eBenefits account, or ordered by mail. Click here to download your disability letter on line.
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The Illinois State Treasurers Office is in custody of unclaimed Purple Hearts and needs assistance trying to get them to their rightful owners. These are turned over to the Treasurer's Office after they are removed from unclaimed bank deposit boxes and many other channels.
For a stirring story of one case, and more details,
Read more
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Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Yearly Mental Health Summit
For further information or to request the invitation, contact:
Devin C. Stieber, L.C.S.W., C.A.D.C., A.C.S.W.
Local Recovery Coordinator,
CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Phone: 224.610.8727
devin.stieber@va.gov
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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 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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Attention Veterans
If you are looking for extra pay, extra GI Bill benefits and Tricare insurance look no further than the Navy Reserve. Max age to join is 42. If you've been out for less than 7 years you won't take a reduction in rank. Don't let your years of service go to waste; work towards 20 years and retire with benefits that last a lifetime.
For more information, contact:
Petty Officer Scott Larson
NRS Great Lakes, IL
Cell: 847-390-2005
salarson272@gmail.com
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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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Heads Up, Folks -
Some Lovell support functions are moving to Bldg 135: Med Records; Release of Info; DAV; Amvets; others. The VAC LC is also expected to have offices there shortly.
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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. | |
Fisher House is Coming to James A. Lovell FHCC! | | |
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No, not on the back of a motorcycle!
But the ride will be contributing to Fisher House Illinois.
About the ride:
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Registration for ride can be done online anytime at our website fofhil.org
- Registration day of ( if no pre-registration) begins at 9 a.m., at Miller's Meadow.
- Kickstands up at 10:30.
- Food, beverages, entertainment available at the end rally point, Lakeshore Harley Davidson dealership, Libertyville (Green Oaks).
This is a state police escorted ride (safety - not because we're rowdy - really?).
About Fisher House:
The current Fisher House adjacent to Hines VA is operating at near full capacity. The need is so great a second Fisher House is planned for Captain James A. Lovell FHCC here in North Chicago.
Learn more in the attached brochure or go to the web at Friends of Fisher House of Illinois
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AllenForce was founded in memory of Donna's father, Don Allen, Army Veteran. Serving the veterans today of ALL ERAS has brought a personal fulfillment of getting to know the character traits her deceased father must have shared. There are 4 main programs: HMHB was founded in 2009 through NEDSRA, to assist veterans who are injured, visibly or invisibly, through positive health and fitness training and social networking. Since the launch of HMHB, the project has been well received by veterans and their families and is growing nation-wide. SheForce, VETANK and Vet Rec have brought services through health fitness and recreation fostering empowerment and confidence in transition from the military.
AllenForce was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in May of 2012 to meet the needs of an ever growing Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program and requests by veterans to offer much more to meet needs not yet being met in the community. Once this not-for-profit organization was formed, other programs and projects have been included so that AllenForce can achieve its goal—To promote a healthy and successful lifestyle for all veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces and their loved ones.
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Volunteer to 'Carry the Load' and Honor Veterans, Service Members During 'Memorial May'
Sign up now to 'Carry the Load' and be a part of the 20,000-mile cross-country trek honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. The march takes place between April 27 and May 29 and will travel through 38 national cemeteries along five separate routes covering 48 states. .
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PGA Hope Golf Program Is
Returning for 2023!
| There are only a few spots left for PGA HOPE clinics in Illinois. There are about 30 slots available for the veterans play day at Pine Meadows on July 12 th. The cost is $25. This is a non competitive outing for vets only, 18 holes with cart, tee gifts, and lunch. To check out or sign up, click here. | | |
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The Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies® program is offered at the Mundelein Park District for wounded, ill or injured military personnel was created to provide a way of transitioning back into the community as a civilian, through fitness. The program offers: two, FREE one-year memberships to the Health & Fitness Center; one for the veteran and one for a workout partner of their choice. Also includes up to 15 FREE personal training sessions, networking opportunities, monthly socials and support. Call the Health & Fitness Center for details or to take a tour, 847.388.5430.
Veterans must meet the following qualifications which must be verified:
- Honorable/medical discharge on DD214
- 10% disability rating or higher assigned by the VA
- Disability rating applied for, in medical review, or under appeal
- Non-service connected injury, note from your civilian doctor, or a general endorsement from a VA counselor, VOC/PVA representative
For more information, contact Christine Lopez at clopez@mundeleinparks.org.
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Assorted Military Association Meetings
We have now compiled a list of posts, detachments and various associations (currently MOAA, MOWW, ROA, Navy League) and their normal meeting dates and locations. This schedule will expand as we get additional information.
Click here to find your favorite meetings
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Post Your Event Flyer
If you want a vet oriented event posted, please send a flyer to the VAC (veterans@lakecountyil.gov) with a subject line of event flyer not later than the 25th of the month for the next month and we'll include it.
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See website for VPH Support Resources
805 McHenry Ave Ste D, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-321-HOPE (4673)
Food Pantry and Home Furnishings
Click for Food Truck - every month, 3rd Thursday)
Click for other upcoming events
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Mundelein American Legion Post number 867 is pleased to announce
the following upcoming activities:
- Members of the post will provide American Flags for deceased veterans at three cemeteries from May 23rd through June 5th. They are the Diamond Lake Cemetery, Ivanhoe Cemetery and the St. Mary’s Cemetery in the Fremont Township area of Mundelein. Members of the post will be distributing poppies on May 26th and 27th at several locations in Mundelein.
- As always, post 867 will participate in this year’s Mundelein Memorial Day Parade followed by a brief ceremony at Memorial Park. Once at the park, this year’s guest speaker will be Col (ret) Mike Peck.
- On Tuesday, June 13th , the post (867) will host its 20th annual Benefit Golf Outing and Luncheon at Village Green Golf Course located at Winchester Road and Midlothian Road in Mundelein.
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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
Breakfast Anistasia, Waukegan - Apr 22, 2022 10:00
Lunch - Mission BBQ, Gurnee - May 20, 11:00
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
Native American Heritage Council
Building 617 - Base Library
Naval Base Great Lakes
2nd Thursday of Month - 10:00 am
Click here to see complete flyer
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 -
See below fore the Lake and McHenry County locations and times, or click to see other counties.
-- Mobile Food Pantry and CLC Pop-up Pantry
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OK, so let's not lose our sense of humor! | |
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**A small boy was staring at the names on the wall of an old church when the pastor noticed him.
“What are you looking at?” asked the clergyman.
“All those names. Who are they?” the boy asked.
The pastor nodded, and said, “They are the reason we have Memorial Day. They are those who died in the service.”
The little boy considered that, then asked quietly, “The 9 o’clock service or the 11 o’clock?”
** The new backyard grill I got for Memorial Day weekend is actually assembled in America.
The box of components are imported, but I had to put it together myself in my garage.
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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 - April 2023
If you have a service-related disability that prevents you from driving, VA can help you buy a specially adapted vehicle or adapt an existing vehicle to make it drivable for you! Learn how to apply for automobile allowance and adaptive equipment grants.
When separating or retiring from the military, it is important to consider your time-sensitive VA benefits, starting with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The program helps provide the skill-building, resources, and tools needed to achieve emotional health, physical health, and economic stability in civilian life. Learn about TAP and other time-sensitive benefits you may apply for.
VA News - 3/29/23 -
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for expanded VA disability compensation under the PACT Act, a law passed in 2022 which increases access to VA benefits and health care for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service.
VA News - 4/5/23 -
Are you studying to be a mental health professional? Applications are now being accepted for the VA Vet Center scholarships, which assist individuals pursuing graduate degrees in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling.
VA News - 4/12/23 -
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How Do I Check the Status of My PACT Act Disability Claim?
Have you recently filed a disability claim related to the PACT Act? The new law expanded VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation and other toxic substances. You can easily check the status of your claim once it's been submitted.
VA News - 4/19/23 -
Service dogs have allowed many Veterans a chance to reunite with their families, head back to school, find renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduce their medications. Learn how K9s for Warriors is helping Veterans and dogs find one another.
VA News - 4/26/23 -
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month and year-round, VA works to raise awareness of its many resources and care options to help military sexual trauma (MST) survivors heal. No matter how long it’s been since the MST occurred, VA is here to support you. Learn more about VA care for MST survivors.
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Insights from MOAA
(Military Officers Association of America)
MOAA 3/29/23
Members of the wider uniformed services community outpaced the nation in a troubling statistic, according to a new report.
MOAA 4/6/23
Your first 90 days in a new position will set your course for years to come. Follow these tips to succeed.
This often-overlooked benefit could be a useful tool for homebuyers (and an advantage for sellers) as interest rates rise.
Learn the details of the new benefit, which was part of the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.
MOAA 4/13/23
The VA event marked the department’s latest effort to keep the process of helping millions of veterans open and transparent.
Scrutiny of the new system has increased over the years. So has the price tag, now estimated at $16 billion.
MOAA 4/19/23
Stories like these are why MOAA has made preserving access to this benefit a key priority.
From retirement to estate planning and more, don't miss out on this exclusive member benefit.
As many as 250,000 Gulf War veterans have reported a series of problems with no clear cause.
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Here're some sample articles I found recently:
There are mistakes on your resume. Wrong words. Missing words. Misspelled words. Repeated facts. Why is it that veterans and spouses work so hard on their resumes and still make embarrassing mistakes? You are not stupid. Your brain is sometimes a really clumsy helper. Be sure your resume is error free with our guide.
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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. Click here to subscribe to the Weekly VA Newsletter. | |
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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