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Hello {First Name},
Please Note>>
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Spring Is Here!
We've made it through the challenges of another winter - albeit a mild one here in Northern Illinois. Now it's time to pull out the trowels and the bulbs and flower seeds and bicycles. My aging body is beckoning me to get out and start walking again. My excuse for another couple weeks is that I don't have time - I need to get our taxes done!
In the meantime, as we begin to celebrate the sunshine, lets also remember to say thank you to our troops still deployed far and wide protecting this great country. A good sign of spring - two programs - Lake County Responds and Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago - reported on below are working with vets to repair their homes.
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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 - World War I
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Thanks and prayers to all our
World War II
Veterans
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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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The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Foundation has created a new Crisis Relief Fund (CRF) program.
Source - Terry Prince, Director of IDVA and MOAA
Background on the CRF program: It’s a new initiative providing financial assistance to individuals and families who experience a natural disaster or crisis situation. As one of, or possibly the only, fund of its kind that doesn’t require a VA disability rating from veterans, this program has proven vital to the veteran community; in four short months, they have disbursed more than $50,000 to those in need.
Click here for a description of the program.
Please feel free to share with your vet friends.
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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 March 8, 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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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.
- We have hired another VSO, and 2 new Administrative Assistants who joined us in late March.
- With the hiring of three new staff members, the VAC will be moving to new, much larger facilities this summer. The new offices will still be on the east side of Gurnee, just north of Grand Avenue.
- We are actively working with the James A. Lovell FHCC for new space to support veterans right at the facility. The new space will be in Building 135 which is accessible from the new parking garage.
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In tax season, how can Veterans maximize their tax benefits?
As a Veteran, you may be eligible for certain tax benefits under the tax code. It’s important to file your taxes before this year’s April 18 deadline and be aware of the benefits that apply to you.
Here’s a summary of some of the key tax benefits for military Veterans provided by accountant and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis of TurboTax. And don’t forget: Tax advice that applies to civilians can benefit you too.
Read the complete article.
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2022 Tax rebates are not taxable
In Illinois, the State tax rebate ($50-100) and the property tax rebate (up to $300) paid in 2022 do not need to be reported on your federal tax return.
| If you have last minute questions about your taxes, call the VAC office. We are connected to AARP and their TaxAide services to help you with an answer, or click here for an article that describes your options. | |  |
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Lawmakers eye caps on attorney fees for Camp Lejeune suits
By Leo Shane III - Source - Military Times 2/28/23
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Congress will likely pass legislation this year to limit attorney’s fees for certain veterans benefits work to protect vets from being bilked by unscrupulous attorneys, according to Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. While veterans technically don’t have to pay anything to file a claim, some lawyers say they can simplify the complicated process and make sure claims aren’t rejected - services that can cost thousands of dollars.
“We have to make sure that ruthless folks out there don’t unnecessarily and for no good reason take some of these benefits from our veterans,” Tester said. “There are going to be bills put up that give the veteran choices, but also protection.”
Tester made the comments during an appearance at the American Legion’s Washington Conference Tuesday, where hundreds of veterans gather annually to lobby lawmakers on group priorities. He acknowledged that several proposals to cap attorney fees have already been floated in Congress and said he expects a compromise to be reached on the issue in coming months.
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Headline and part of this article are taken from Daily Herald, 1/23/2023. Click here to read the original article.
This article highlights the importance of getting to a safe place for crisis care at the nearest hospital facility and it implies that the treatment will be free for veterans. The initial, emergency care treatment will, in fact, be free – as it is for everyone (Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA ) passed 1986). The implication of the article is that the whole hospital stay will be free – if the veteran meets the veteran qualifications. However, there is a bit of a glitch in this implication. Not only must a veteran meet the service qualifications, but they must also be registered with the Veterans Administration. If they are not registered, it is likely that the bill for service beyond emergency care will be paid out of their own pocket.
Following the Daily Herald article, the VA had a more clarifying article:
VA Announces Free Emergency Health Care for Veterans in Suicidal Crisis - Discuss on RallyPoint Now
VA recently announced that Veterans in acute suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit.
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Our Vision and Mission
In 2017, Congress designated the Foundation as the entity authorized to plan, fund, and build a Memorial. Our vision for the Memorial is for it to be an inclusive, reverent, and apolitical place of honor for all who have served and sacrificed in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, as well as the countless civilians, family members, and others who have supported them. The Memorial will:
Honor: Salute all who served in this conflict: service members, civilians, and their families.
Heal: Provide a focal point for healing and reflection on a complex, multigenerational conflict.
Empower: Engage and educate civilian and military communities to build mutual understanding.
Unite: Foster and sustain the sense of patriotism that brought all Americans together in the wake of 9/11, and catalyze support for those continuing to serve.
Click here to see the Memorial website and learn more.
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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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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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It's Time to File Disability Letters
for Property Tax Relief
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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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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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PGA Hope Golf Program Is Returning for 2023! | Watch in the May issue for further details. | | | |
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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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The American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State is a week that shapes a lifetime!
If you haven’t heard about it, click here to learn more about it.
86th Session – June 10th – 16th, 2023 – Hosted at Eastern Illinois University
If you have a young an who might be interested in this program, contact the 11th District Commander, Virgil Oikian, at 815-302-3015 or email him at kingbear43@yahoo.com.
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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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Lake County Responds for Veterans
Assisting Veterans with home repairs, renovations and construction
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Lake County Responds for Veterans is hosting a luncheon to honor and give thanks to Veterans and active duty military and their families. This event is at no cost to our Veterans and current service members!
Click here to register, to be a supporting sponsor or to sponsor a vet to the luncheon.
LCRFV assists Veterans and their families in need, especially those with low and moderate income, by raising donations of money, building materials, and professional labor, and coordinating the process of repairing, building, and donating homes. Lake County Responds for Veterans is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides services to Veterans in need and those in crisis.
Click for more information on LCRFV.
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From Military Outreach USA
You are invited to participate in an educational ZOOM SBMH (Stand-by-me Heroes) Townhall – every 4th Thursday, 7 pm Central. The topic will be “Suicide prevention/Solutions”. These ZOOM SBMH Townhalls are meant to help those quietly suffering and asking for anyone to “stand-by-me”. Click here for the details about these ZOOM townhalls.
Stand-by-me Heroes (SBMH) is a program of Military Outreach USA MOUSA).
See www.militaryoutreachusa.org and Stand-By-Me Heroes – MILITARY OUTREACH USA
MOUSA CEO Major General (Retired) James H. Mukoyama and Executive Director Chappy Ferrer are dedicated to reducing veteran suicides (22+ per day, possibly 40+) and First Responder suicides. Since 2018, this grass-roots program has effectively impacted our heroes and their families changing mind, body and soul with a simple framework, called Warrior Hope.
MOUSA can be reached at 877-734-4244 • MilitaryOutreachUSA.org
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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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MUNDELEIN VETERANS APPRECIATION DINNER
Friday, April 21, 2023
Mundelein Hilton
The Mundelein Police Department is happy to announce this annual event will continue into 2023 at the Hilton in Mundelein on April 21, 2023.
RSVP by April 3, 2023. to Officer Sexton (jsexton@mundelein.org or 847-968-3783.
Please tell Officer Sexton if you are a Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Member when you call.
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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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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
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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For Easter
A parishioner was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed the parishioner by the hand and pulled him aside. The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" The parishioner replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?" He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."
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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 - March 2023
The VA monthly benefits newsletter for March has a lot of good articles and information.
VA News - 3/1/23 -
VA News - 3/8/23 -
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) is VA’s newest whole life insurance program. It offers guaranteed whole life coverage to Veterans age 80 and under with a service-connected disability, and there is no time limit to apply. Learn more about the program and find answers to some common questions.
The PACT Act expanded benefits for millions of Veterans. Download the Accessing Toxic Exposure Benefits guide and learn more about what you’re eligible for.
VA News - 3/15/23 -
Did you know there are Veteran gaming communities? Play with other Veteran gamers online!
Whether you choose to plant a tree, package boxes at a local food bank or offer to serve with a nonprofit, what matters most is that you go out and engage. VetServe is a celebration of service and a call-to-action to join the national day of volunteerism on April 21.
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Insights from MOAA
(Military Officers Association of America)
MOAA 3/2/23
MOAA 3/8/23
These resources, including several MOAA programs, can offer support at any stage of entrepreneurship.
Let MOAA help untangle the complex required minimum distribution rules that can apply to some heirs.
MOAA 3/16/23
Your time to quiz an employer can be your best chance to leave a lasting, positive impression. Follow these four tips.
Signing up for SBP is a multistep process. Here's what you need to know.
The FDA gave accelerated approval to Leqembi after research showed it slowed physical and mental decline in some patients.
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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.
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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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