Contributed photo | www.lakecountyil.gov
Contributed photo | www.lakecountyil.gov
Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County issued the following announcement on Sep. 1
A few months back, we thought we had an exit plan to get the rest of our troops out of Afghanistan.. Now we see how fragile it was. There is chaos in Kabul and we've had to send troops back in to rescue those we should have helped to evacuate the country long ago. There are untold vets of the 20 years in the Afghanistan debacle who are now seriously struggling with what happened and how they are reacting to it. In addition, there are many other older vets - especially from the Vietnam era - who are seeing the same images they saw 50 years ago and from times since then..
There is a lot of pain out there. The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County has its doors open for any vet of vet family member who needs to come and just be with other vets, or to talk to someone. Call us at 847-377-3344 to arrange to talk to someone, or just walk in. We'll find you a place to sit, have a cup of coffee, tea or whatever and just know you are in a safe place.
20th Remembrance of
September 11, 2001
One of those days we never forget where we were! I was in a business conference in Mechanicsburg, PA with a video link to the Netherlands. A lady there interrupted the conference and told us to turn on our TV. Needless to say, the rest of the day was with our eyes glued to the TV as we witnessed the collapse of both buildings and then the news of Flight 93 and the Pentagon.
Where were you on that life changing day?
Happy Birthday to USAF - September 18, 1947 after serving honorably as the Army Air Corps all through World War II
POW/MIA Day - 9/17 - A day to remember and pray for those who never came back.
According to the Pentagon's Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office, there are currently 83,204 unaccounted for U.S. personnel, including 73,547 from World War II, 7,883 from the Korean War, 126 from the Cold War, 1,642 from the Vietnam War, and six from Iraq and other recent conflicts, including three Defense ...May 31, 2014
The VAC Commissioners meetings for rest of 2020 will be held on the following dates (Watch for notices about Covid-19):
Sept 15, 2021
Nov 17, 2021
At the Gurnee American Legion Post (749 Milwaukee Ave).
All meetings begin at 10:30 am.
Visitors are welcome to attend.
Veteran Memorials
Around Lake County -
Lake Bluff
Thanks to all our
Desert Storm
Veterans
Golfers Start Your Engines!
With 148 golfers and an additional 40 plus dinner guests, the Lynch Foundation rocked the rafters at White Deer Run Golf Club from late morning until they "kicked us out" after a delicious dinner and silent auction completion around 8:00 PM (2000 hours for you military types!)
Thanks to our Sponsors -
Event - Old Hickory Smoke House
Dinner - VAC of Lake County - Not for Profit
Lunch - American Heroes Coffee
Electric Conduit Construction
Hole-in-One - Liberty Auto City
Beverage Cart - AbbVie Veterans ERG
In-Kind Sponsor - ACE Hardware
All our Tee Sponsors
The VAC at the AJ Lynch Foundation Swingin' for the Vets Golf Event
As volunteers for the Lynch Foundation Event, the VAC team were major contributors to the Event's Success.
From left to right - Supt Andrew Tangen, Suzette Pawluk, Sherry Kruse, VSO, John Murray, VSO, Cong. Brad Schneider, 10th District, Nkick Konz, VAC President, John DeReu VAC Board Member, John Schwan, Lynch Foundation Board Member, Allan Ayers VAC Board Member.
Army Echoes
If you are retired Army and you aren’t already seeing this, the Army Echoes is a monthly? newsletter with lots of details about Retiree benefits and opportunities.
Army Echoes is the Army's official newsletter for Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses. It updates the retired Army community about changes to laws, policies, programs, and benefits that affect them. All Retired Soldiers and surviving spouses with active myPay accounts now receive Army Echoes electronically at their email address in myPay. Update your email address in myPay by visiting this link.
The new edition of Army Echoes is now available. Download current edition by clicking on the link below or by using your Army Echoes app (iOS and Android) when available:
The First Step Toward Southwest Asia Presumptives
VA is now processing disability claims for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis
based on particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas – if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.
This will expand benefits for Veterans who served in:
- Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, and Uzbekistan
during the Persian Gulf War, from September 19, 2001, to the present, or
- The Southwest Asia theater of operations from August 2, 1990, to the present.
If you have a pending claim for one or more of these conditions, you don’t need to do anything.
VA will send you a decision notice when we complete our review.
For more information on the new presumptive conditions, visit the VA website at Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures - Public Health (va.gov).
Governor Pritzker signed a set of seven bills that all provide strengthened benefits to veterans. According to Acting IDVA Director, Terry Prince: "Individually, each bill is integral to improving processes and protecting the states 650,000 veterans as they seek deserved benefits. Collectively, they reflect the Governor's and IDVA's commitment to amplify services and empower veterans, service members, and their families to thrive in Illinois."
Two of these bills warrant notice -
---HR Bill 1290 - Expands definition of Honorable Discharge to include those who were discharged due to sexuality or gender identity. Over 13,000 enlisted members of the LGBTQ community are affected by this bill.
---HB 3865 - provides for consumer protection for service members and veterans, requiring private companies that advertise member benefit appeals services for a fee to disclose that these services are available free of charge through county veteran service officers and other governmental agencies.
To review all the bills signed by the Governor, click here.
The VAC has a new Website!
The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County has recently implemented a new, much improved website. The site is easy to navigate and provides information on how we can support you in different types of services. The site also includes all the documents a veteran or family member might need to get the ball rolling to file for any potential deserved benefits.
Some common examples of compensation claims include, but are not limited to:
- A Blue Water Navy Veteran who served off the coast of Vietnam and has developed prostate cancer.
- An OIF Veteran who was injured in an IED while on patrol and now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and loss of hearing.
- An OEF Veteran who suffers from bad knees and a bad back from countless foot patrols in the mountains.
- A peacetime era Veteran who developed Type II Diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome while in service.
Injuries and illnesses do not have to be combat-related in order to file a compensation claim.
Military Outreach, USA
has introduced a new newsletter. This organization serves veterans and their families in several different ways. First, they are reaching out to support veterans dealing with moral injury and other emotional issues, including suicide. Second, they provide assistance for veterans exiting homelessness. Finally, they have a network of chapters throughout the US to provide peer to peer connections to vets to help address whatever needs they might encounter.
This newsletter is available by subscribing on the Military Outreach website. A printable version is also provided. Click for the attached PDF of their newsletter
I know that Mission BBQ has a big heart for veterans and first responders, but I didn't realize how big it was until I attended the Honor Flight lunch there in late August. Bill Kraus and Steve "Newt" Newton, owners of the Mission BBQ chain were making the rounds of some of their locations presenting their donation the the Honor Flight Program nationwide. While they didn't make it to Gurnee this trip, the check did. For the Honor Flight, ewe thank you for your donation of $386,324 to be divided among the Honor flight programs supported by Mission BBQ Stores.
If you've never been there for lunch, it is really emotional to stop everything at 1200 for the National Anthem - every day.
About the Campaign
The Lake County 2021 Ruck March is a 22 Day Challenge!
This year will mark our 5th Ruck March of Lake County. We may not walk together, but our mission remains the same: to raise awareness about this veteran suicide epidemic, to honor all veterans and service members lost to suicide, and to raise funds to help with services, programs and peer support.
Although this year's ruck march will be virtual, we can still stand tall, strong and proud of the sacrifices that our veterans made in service of our country, and we can march, walk, or ride to show our support. It's the least we can do, and with your help, we can make this a sustaining and continuing effort to do more for the veterans and families who need and deserve it.
Beat the Enemy
All funds raised will benefit our organization, which provides support to address underlying causes of veteran suicide.
Why 22?
In 2013, the VA released a study indicating that 22 veterans were dying by suicide per day. Since then the number has decreased, but the number 22 has shaped how Americans think about military veterans. The number has become a rallying cry to raise awareness of suicide among veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ruck Up!
"Ruck" is short for "ruck sack," which refers to backpacks servicemembers sometimes wear. To "ruck up" is to get through a particularly challenging or stressful situation.
So let's get after it! Register to participate, load 22 pounds in your ruck sack, and remember those we've lost.
If you can't do a 22 mile ruck march, do a 2.2 mile stroll -
we need to reduce the suicide rate –
identify, support, prevent!
Support Dark Horse Lodge
Darkhorse Lodge will be a retreat for combat veterans of all branches of service to come to relax, fish on Kentucky Lake, enjoy area activities and communicate with others who have walked in their boots. All at no cost to our guests.
Once completed, there will be five, 5 bedroom guest cabins, each room named for one of the 25 men lost from the Marine Corps' 3/5, Darkhorse unit.
This trek in Byron (See Below) is raising money to help complete the construction. Click to register for the Trek.
Attention Marines!
Darkhorse Lodge has been named in honor of the 25 Marines in 3/5 (3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment) who died at Sangin Afghanistan. Read more on the Darkhorse Lodge website.
Military Outreach, USA and Support Over Stigma Present:
Registration is now open for the Annual Veterans History Project.
Registered participants will be interviewed by volunteer lawyers regarding their wartime experiences. These oral histories will be recorded and transcribed by court reporters, and then archived in the Library of Congress.
Once archived, these first-hand accounts of American war veterans will be accessible online to serve as both an inspiration for generations to come, and to be available for use by researchers so that Americans can better understand the realities of war.
Civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts (war industry workers, such as “Rosie the Riveter,” USO workers, civilian flight instructors and pilots, medical personnel, etc.) are also invited to share their valuable stories. For Vietnam we would love to have a Donut Dollie participate!
Space is limited to 28 veterans. Breakfast and other refreshments will be provided courtesy of volunteer organizations. Registered veterans are welcome to bring family members.
To register for this event, please contact Lorena Hernandez at 847.377.3771 or lhernandez@lakecountyil.gov.
Joe Puzzo grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago and served 5 years as a Navy Corpsman, much of it with the U.S. Marine Special Operations Command in Afghanistan where he completed several deployments. Toward the end of his time in service, he began preparing for his future by going back to college and ultimately completed his Bachelor’s degree.
He returned to the Northwest suburbs and began working for School District 214 and became a full-time staff member of Buffalo Grove High School in 2018. Now, in 2021, he is the Head Coach of the BGHS wrestling team. They have some equipment needs that they are reaching out to the vet community to help fund. Among these items is a portable scoreboard that they can use during their wrestling meets.
Joe is now reaching out to those who can help: "I’m very fortunate that the military teammates I served with provided donations 2 years ago to support our team with new singlets. Any support and or donations are highly appreciated as we are continuing to build an inclusive, equitable, character driven program. They must be submitted through proper channels.
"Your support is greatly appreciated. Please know it will go to amazing student athletes, warriors of the future."
If you would like to donate, please make your donation check out to the Buffalo Highschool Wrestling Program. Mail the check to:
Buffalo Grove High School Wrestling Program
Attention: Joseph Puzzo
Buffalo Grove High School
1100 W Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
Click on the title of the document you'd like to review to see the entire document.
VAC Intake Packet – Provides the check list for completing all the preliminary information needed to begin the benefit claim process with the VAC. Completing this will insure that you have the necessary documents and information, and will facilitate the claim filing process.
FHCC Enrollment Packet – for getting started if you have never been registered at the VA for medical care
Financial Assistance Packet – A comprehensive document requiring complete information related to financial needs.
Credit Counseling – a brochure from a not-for-profit credit counseling agency.
Packet 3 (Survivors) - Information about the various survivor benefits and to-do check lists for survivors of veterans.
Pension AA packet – This document is the application for Aid and Attendance benefits and describes the minimum qualifications that must be met to be eligible for A & A support.
Marine Corps League Detachment 1395 has a dedicated veteran who is also a computer wiz! He has created a tool that allows any organization that wants a website to build something similar to their detachment website (Tri-county Leathernecks).
"We are veterans on a mission to bring technology to all our patriotic organizations. We want to enable you to use technology to reach your communities and to appeal to the younger generations. We provide you with the tools to help you succeed."
Don't want to spend thousands of dollars? Meet DETACHMENT io, a new service provided by Tri-County Leathernecks available for Marine Corps League, American Legion, VFW and Boy Scouts organizations. DETACHMENT io provides you with a specialized website that enhances your online presence. It allows for people to find you via search engines, send you contact messages, accept donations, and create posts to share with your members and the community. These are just some amongst other very useful features. The best thing about this service is that it is 100% free and consistently adds new features. To learn more and see sample websites visit DETACHMENT io.For further details, you can also send us an email at veterans@lakecountyil.gov with a subject line of "Detachment io".
Don't let the Coroners put COVID-19 on Veterans’ death certificates instead of the underlying issues as the cause of death
If you have a veteran death to deal with, be sure to check to make sure that any service related underlying cause of death is properly documented on the death certificate. If not, and Covid-19 is the immediate cause, a surviving spouse may lose their Dependent Indemnity Compensation if the contributing service connected conditions are not listed on the death certificate. See item 5 in RSO Notes for further details.
Still on the fence about the shots?
Read the latest.
By: Kevin Lilley - MOAA July 15, 2021
Military health officials are warning beneficiaries of the rise in transmission of the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, saying the best way to avoid potential threats from the mutation is to join the ranks of the fully vaccinated.
The variant spreads easier and faster than other strains, according to information provided by both the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and the VA, and results in a higher rate of hospitalizations and deaths. News reports blame the variant for an uptick in cases in some areas, including some states seeing cases double in early July. Increased transmission rates are more prevalent in areas with low vaccine rates.
In all the situations below, you can always contact the VAC (847-377-3344) directly for further assistance
- Food - Northern Illinois Food Bank - See Schedule or
Midwest Veterans Closet (Fridays 10-12:00 only)
- Rent or Mortgage payments or Emergency Housing
- Utility payments
- 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 - Contact 211 for referral to proper resource.
Get Your Coin and Help Vets In Need Through the VAC Not For Profit
Want to Give a Shout-out to a
Vet Owned Business?
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
If you need help dealing with the current events about Afghanistan, or any other issue
Call us - the VAC - at 847-477-3344
If you are a veteran and have your own business, or if you know of another vet who you think is doing a good job on their business, we’d like to know about it! The VAC is developing a reference directory in conjunction with Lake County Veterans and Family Services consisting of Veteran Owned businesses that come with good reviews. If you are interested or know someone, contact John Murray at the Veterans Assistance Commission (jmurray@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-3344). The directory will provide room for a business card, or a business card-sized logo or other high resolution image of your business.
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 Our Help?
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.
If you're wondering what the VAC and other veterans organizations are doing. Be sure to call first since many of these events and activities have been cancelled or deferred during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Midwest Veterans Closet
Mobile Food Pantry and Clothing
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Food (Grocery Style selection),
Clothing, Housewares, and
LOTS of Furniture
2323 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL
847-354-2108
Mundelein Park District
Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies
1401 N. Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL
mundeleinparks.org - 847-566-0650
Lake Zurich American Legion Post
51 Lions Drive
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Coffee and Donuts - Every Tuesday, 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Check for open operations since new Covid-19 rules
LCVFSF (Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation)
100 S Atkinson Road,
Ste 110
Grayslake Il 60030
Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation
has a lot of things going on, so rather than trying to copy it here,
Chicagoland North Chapter, Team RWB
Contact David Christensen
Lots of events scattered around Lake County
Still some adventure trips in August and September
Lake County Honor Flight
Benefit from Appreciation Day and Rocket Launch
Richard Bong Recreational Park
26313 Burlington Rd, Kansasville, WI
September 18, 9:00 - 4:00
Lake County Honor Flight Reunions
Meet 4th Saturday each month (Nov and Dec meet 3rd Saturday)
Breakfast Golden Corral, Gurnee - Sept 25, 10:00
Lunch - Mission BBQ, Gurnee - Oct 23, 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
RSVP: Jodie @ 855-408-SOUL (7685)
QUESTIONS: Contact veteran liaison
USAF Pilot, Lt. Colonel Gina Stramaglio 316-708-9788
Northern Illinois Food Bank
There are three types of resources within NIFB
Pre-register at the link and order from list of items - limited locations and times
See below for the Lake and McHenry locations and times
Two crows were flying along slowly minding their own business enjoying the scenery, when all of a sudden out of the blue an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet goes screaming past, barely missing the now somersaulting, and wildly flapping crows.
"Oh my God!" exclaims one crow in surprise. "He was sure moving!"
The other crow replies: "I reckon you would be too if you had two backsides and both of them were alight!"
Just for Fun!
I
t Helps to Stay In Touch With the
James A. Lovell FHCC
To stay in touch with the James A. Lovell FHCC,
subscribe to the “Launch”, the Lovell Newsletter.
Reminder about C&P Exams
What are C&P Exams? The C&P Exam (short for "Compensation and Pension") is an exam per-formed by a VA salaried or contracted physician to document the current severity of a condition that is being considered for VA Disability or for which you are currently being compensated. These exams are being conducted in person.
_________________________________
Quick Links
MOAA 8/26/21
- Check Out These Estimates of the Next 6 Years of Medicare Part B Premiums
- How Military, Veteran Caregivers Can Apply for Well-Earned Respite Relief
A recent webinar hosted by MOAA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation provided details on a new program providing respite relief for military and veteran caregivers, and a firsthand account from one caregiver who benefitted from the relief.
Each caregiving journey is unique. My role of caregiver for my husband expanded from not only getting him to medical care but also making legal decisions in his stead. Common issues that affect most caregivers include navigating VA procedures, obtaining help with specific disabilities and diseases, learning how to deal with dementia, organizing paperwork, and knowing what legal documents are needed with regard to consent issues, legal capacity, and decision making.
MOAA 8/12/21
Here’s what you need to know about the move, and how it affects claims made by Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism veterans.
- Seeking a New Job? Don’t Skip State Resources for Veteran Employment
- Can the VA Meet Escalating Demand for Long-Term Care?
- Seniors Lost Nearly $1 Billion to Scams in 2020, New Fraud Report Shows
- Surviving Spouse Corner: Financial Considerations for Spouses, Survivors
MOAA 7/15/21
- 5 Ways to Steer Clear of Common Interview Pitfalls
- Transitioning to Medicare-TRICARE For Life With Younger Family Members
MOAA 7/29/21
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.
- Part 4 - Afghanistan: Resources available for PTSD
- 2021 Federal Benefits Handbook & VA Welcome Kit help Veterans get started with benefits
- Part 3 - Afghanistan Veterans: How spouses and caregivers can support those with PTSD
- USPS is hiring nationwide, Veterans and families get preference
“I’ve got Vietnam Veterans who are still coming here, not because we failed to resolve any issue in their life, but because they found a home in the community,” said Joe Lasky, director of the Las Vegas Vet Center. “They found friendships and a way to come talk and deal with issues that may have started in Vietnam, but now affect their current health. Because Vet Centers are readjustment counseling, that’s defined by every Veteran who comes in here.”
VA will begin processing disability claims Aug. 2 for asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis on a presumptive basis based on presumed particulate matter exposures during military service in Southwest Asia and certain other areas – if these conditions manifested within 10 years of a qualifying period of military service.
This is the first in a four-part series about Afghanistan Veterans and how they can get help through VA.
“Our purpose for being there was to prevent further attacks on the homeland,” said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López. “We wanted to make sure that we denied Al Qaeda, specifically, of sanctuary, training ground and places where they could plan terrorism attacks. If you look at the past 20 years, that is exactly what we did."
Nearly every COVID-19 death in the Veteran community and U.S. as a whole is entirely preventable through getting a vaccine, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said July 31 at the DAV National Convention in Tampa.
August VA Benefits
- Education and Training Benefits Update
Did you know that your Veterans Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits no longer affect the limit on your GI Bill benefits? This means that using VR&E benefits for a full 48 months won’t stop you from also being able to use your GI Bill benefits, which pay for 36 months of college, the standard length of a four-year degree. Learn more about your VA education and training benefits!
- Yellow Ribbon School Aid
If you’re a current or prospective student Veteran, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for out-of-state college tuition, graduate school, and various training programs that GI Bill benefits don’t cover
- Access to VA Home Loans Expands
VA home loan eligibility requirements have been updated so older Vietnam Veterans and additional National Guard members
(From assorted issues)
Troops and veterans in some cases are being “grossly” overcharged for VA home loans, and federal regulators need to suspend or ban alleged bad actors and strengthen their oversight over lenders, according to a new report from the office of Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif.
The report alleges that NewDay USA and The Federal Savings Bank “continue to aggressively market cash-out refinancings with fees and interest rates that could cost borrowers tens of thousands of dollars more over the life of the loan compared to other lenders.”
- 6 Items That Are No Longer Needed on Your Resume
- Are You Due Money from VA? More Than $300M Could Be Owed in GI Bill Refunds
In a notice recently sent to schools, the Department of Veterans Affairs is looking for more than 115,000 veterans who may be owed refunds of up to $2,700 for their GI Bill contributions. That means more than $300 million belonging to veterans could currently be unclaimed.
Military retirees and disabled veterans could see their monthly checks jump by hundreds of dollars each month in 2022, the largest increase since 1983.
The annual inflation-based Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, soon will be determined by the government, and all the figures point to an increase of at least 6%, and maybe more, beginning in 2022.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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 .
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.
If you need a complete set of your military records
If you need a set of your military records for any reason, you can obtain them by faxing or mailing a request to the National Personnel Records Center. While they will accept a letter (if you get all the right information into it) it is best to use the standard form SF-180 to request it. You can download that form at Standard Form 180
Mail the completed form to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
OR
Fax the form to 314-801-9195
If you need the records in emergency circumstances, contact our office (847-377-3344) and we can help you expedite the process.
James A. Lovell FHCC. Located in Building 133
Room 1-D-115-116
Hours:Tuesday and
Thursday 8:00am- 4:00pm
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
Deerfield (call to confirm this location is still open) - 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
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.
Have a good week,
Veterans Assistance Commission, Lake County
Veterans Assistance Commission | 501 N. Route 21, Suite 106, Gurnee, IL 60031
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