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Hello {First Name},
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This is the day the world turned upside down. It is ironic that it falls so closely behind Memorial Day when we remember all those who fell on D-Day as well as all the other days of war,
The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest invasion force in human history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France.
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Flag Day, also called National Flag Day, in the United States, a day honoring the national flag, observed on June 14. The holiday commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag.
Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day. But it wasn't until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.
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To the US Army -
Happy 248th Birthday
Join the celebration of the U.S. Army Birthday on June 14 as we remember its creation in 1775. The army originally consisted of volunteer soldiers with roots to the Continental Army — and was formed to fight the Revolutionary War. Today, as the largest branch of the U.S. military, the proud men and women of the U.S. Army continue to provide peace and security for all of us.
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The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2023 will be held on the following dates
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 -
Island Lake
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Thanks and prayers to all our
Women Veterans
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- WE REALLY ARE MOVING!! The new offices are located at 1790 Nations Drive (second entrance to Nations Drive just north of Grand Avenue, off of Dilley Rd). Look for more specific moving information in our next newsletter
- 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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Glenview Naval Air Station was the primary training base for pilots during World War II. Once trained on the ground, the pilots would fly to two barges converted to "air Craft Carriers" - the USS Wolverine and later the USS Sable - for take-off and landing training before being sent to the real carriers.
George H. W. Bush trained there along with 15,000 other pilots.
Photos thanks to Nate Kinard, USN Ret.
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Women Veterans of McHenry Lake Counties
CONTINUING TO SERVE!
William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 recently has endeavored to raise awareness of women veterans in the region. This special publication has been created to support and recognize the women who have served, continue to serve and who otherwise give back to our communities every day.
Read the full text
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HOORAY!
House Bill 1635 has passed both houses and is now sitting on Governor Pritzker's desk! This bill approves the transfer of 4.7 acres from the Lake County Forest Preserve District back to the National Cemetery Administration to become part of the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery.
The added space will be used only for cremated remains, and will include both ground level burial and columbarium units. It will provide sufficient space to address veteran burial needs until the 2080's.
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Legion Post 1247 Vernon Hills Honors Military Banner Program Enters Second Year
Vernon Hills is home to over 500 veterans, in addition to persons currently serving our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. To recognize those who have served and/or are currently serving, the Village Board created the Vernon Hills Honors Military Banner Program. This program was done in partnership with the American Legion Vernon Post 1247. In 2022 the first 11 were announced and for the most part the Honorees came from the ranks of Post 1247. Subsequently in 2023 an additional 10 individuals have been recognized. This program has also recognized former residents who have since passed, such as Seaman Jim Heier, who served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and later in life as a Village Trustee. Others honored include current residents and some former residents who have had an impact on the community and also served honorably in the many eras since; along with those currently serving.
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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.
Click here for more information - as we get closer to the fair.
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Traveling Korean War Memorial
- Sponsored by American Legion Post 36 Des Plaines
- Dates: June 23 to 25, 2023
- Time: All Day
- Location: Lake Park / Lake Opeka
- 2200 Lee Street
- Corner of Lee Street and Higgins and Touhy Avenues
- Des Plaines, IL
Volunteers are needed to help run this event. If you are interested, contact the Coordinator for volunteers - Ron White, to send him an E-Mail, click here.
If you have any questions contact the American Legion Post 36 in Des Plaines.
The Commander of Post 36 - Tom Strossner, to send him an E-Mail, click here.
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The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Awards a Scholarship to Northwestern NROTS Midshipman
Congratulations to Amaria White as the Recipient of the MOAA Scholarship for het exemplary academic accomplishments and her role as the NROTC unit's Executive Officer .
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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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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@veteransassistancecommission.com) with a subject line of "Veterans Business", or contact the VAC through the VAC website directly.
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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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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), GHV will transform North Chicago from a food desert into a flagship example of food independence. 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.
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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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VA Life Insurance
If you still need/want to carry some life insurance, the VA has several different options to satisfy different needs. Click on any of the items below to learn more about the coverage and eligibility requirements.
Options and eligibility
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How to Get a VA Certificate of Eligibility
If you couldn’t get in on the low interest rates of earlier this year, but you want to get a VA loan or a Native American Direct Loan to buy a house, interest rates are still about one percent below commercial rates. The first step is to get your COE. National Guard members and reservists are eligible for a VA home loan if they have completed at least six years of honorable service, are mobilized for active duty service for a period of at least 90 days, or are discharged because of a service-connected disability. See the reservist details here.
In any case, the first step is getting your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). It confirms for your lender that you qualify for the VA or NAD home loan benefit. Learn how to apply for your COE online.
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If you have an illness or injury that you believe was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, you can file a claim for disability benefits 180 to 90 days before you leave the military. This may help speed up the claim decision process so you can get your benefits sooner. Find out how to file a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program—and what to do if you have less than 90 days left on active duty.
The VAC also assists in filing BDD Claims.
You can use the BDD program if you meet all of these requirements.
All of these must be true:
- You’re a service member on full-time active duty (including a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Coast Guard), and
- You have a known separation date, and
- Your separation date is in the next 180 to 90 days, and
- You’re available to go to VA exams for 45 days from the date you submitted your claim, and
- You can provide a copy of your service treatment records for your current period of service when you file your claim.
Learn more here.
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VA is Here for You During Times of Emotional Distress
Feeling distress is a normal response to negative events, especially events that feel personal. Veterans and those who care about them are encouraged to learn more about available mental health and healing resources.
Call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at 988.
Every VA facility has mental health specialists. Find one near you.
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Call 211 for Social Services
in Lake County
Anyone in Lake County who needs help finding health and human service support can call 211 and get quickly connected to available resources. Lake County 211, provided by United Way of Lake County, is a free, confidential information and referral helpline that will enable Lake County residents to get the help they need 24 hours a day, regardless of the language they speak or where they live.
The 211 network also answers dozens of crisis hotlines, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Know Someone Who Can Use Veteran Benefit Assistance?
If you have a veteran parent or know someone who might be eligible for some kind of benefits for their service, we encourage you to mention the VAC to them. We can assist with many different issues:
- Aid and Attendance Assistance
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Survivor spousal benefits
- Burial arrangements
- Upgrading disability status
- Job skill preparation
- Referrals for services we cannot support.
If you or another veteran you know needs help, give us a call at 847-377-3344.
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Your Coin Helps Vets In Need Through the VAC Not For Profit
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Coins are $5.00 and you can pick one up when you come into the office, or you can send a check (make the check out to "Lake County VAC - Not-for-Profit - and mail to the address below) and we'll mail it to you. Mail check to:
Veterans Assistance Commission
501 North Route 21, Suite 106
Gurnee, IL 60031
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If you're wondering what the VAC and other veterans organizations are doing. | | |
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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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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. | |
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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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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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Golf Event
American Legion Post 867 (Mundelein)
On Tuesday, June 13th, the Legion Post 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 Anastasia, Waukegan - June 24 2022 10:00
Lunch - Mission BBQ, Gurnee - July 22, 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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After 35 years, General Green retired from the Army to fulfill his dream of bird hunting in his spare time. He got a new hunting dog and named it “Sarge.” The dog was incred-ible at pointing, flushing, and retrieving. General Green’s friends were so jealous that they offered huge amounts of cash to buy Sarge. But the general always refused, proudly saying that Sarge was the best bird dog he’d ever owned and that he couldn’t part with him for any price.
A year later, one of General Green’s friends visited and was surprised to find that he was breaking in a new dog. Fearing the worst, the friend asked, “What happened to good old Sarge?” The General looked sad. “I had to shoot him. My wife kept calling him Colonel, and pretty soon all the dog would do is sit on his ass and bark.”
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Contents From Our Previous Issue
To read the May 2023 Newsletter, go to our prior edition.
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t Helps to Stay In Touch With the
James A. Lovell FHCC
To stay in touch with the James A. Lovell FHCC,
subscribe to the “Launch”, the Lovell Newsletter.
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What to Expect at Your C&P Exam
VA compensation and pension (C&P) exams, which are sometimes also called claim exams, are an important part of your claims process. C&P exams help VA rate your disability, which affects how much disability compensation you’ll receive. Watch our YouTube playlist to learn what to expect during your exam.
A personal lesson learned from my recent exam - the C&P results may have a significant impact on your disability compensation so be prepared to challenge the results with doctor's statements and get the support of the VAC for professional skills at contesting the C&P results.
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Quick Links
Lake County VAC
EBenefits
USA Jobs
Lake County Job Center
Navy Exchange
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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
VA has expanded the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to hazardous substances. This update helps generations of Veterans, and their survivors receive the care and benefits they've earned and deserve. If you have a presumptive condition, you don’t need to prove that your service caused it. You only need to meet the service requirements for the presumption.
- Family Caregiver Benefits
Caregivers play an important role in supporting the health and wellness of Veterans. That is why VA provides benefits to support family caregivers through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for the PCAFC.
- Explore VA Memorial and Burial Benefits
VA provides compassionate, professional memorial and burial services to ease families through the loss of their loved ones. Benefits can include burial in a VA national cemetery, the opening and closing of the gravesite, grave liner, inscribed headstones or markers, a burial flag, and perpetual care of the gravesite. Learn more about VA burial benefits and if you qualify.
VA News - 5/3/23 -
Health care decisions can be overwhelming, and women Veterans might ask themselves “Where do I start?” Check out these tips on staying informed about VA health care as a woman Veteran.
VA News - 5/10/23 -
Not much to report
VA News - 5/17/23 -
Not much to report
VA News - 5/24/23 -
A Veteran overcomes challenges and finds a path, purpose and a way to serve again after military service.
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Insights from MOAA
(Military Officers Association of America)
MOAA 5/4/23
Troubles arise when people don’t do their due diligence ... not taking care of things that are easy to take care of.
MOAA 5/11/23
A 2022 law changed how tax credits apply to electric vehicles, home upgrades, and other energy-related items.
MOAA 5/18/23
Learn more about the company and the big discounts exclusive to PREMIUM and LIFE members.
Expect significant disruptions in pay and benefits if negotiations fail. Here's what you should know.
Mark Older Americans Month by asking your lawmakers to join our work to tackle this growing need.
MOAA has answers to your questions about this rare Survivor Benefit Program offering, which will wrap up at year's end.
MOAA 5/24/23
Bipartisan, bicameral legislation designed to ease the burdens faced by new surviving spouses of military retirees was reintroduced and rebranded this month, giving members of the 118th Congress a chance to protect grief-stricken family members from unwelcome financial surprises.
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Here're some sample articles I found recently:
You think your resume is full of the most important information ever. After looking at thousands of resumes, I can tell you there are only five types of information in your resume -- and you don't need two of them. Find out which things are moving you forward and which are moving you back with the "Five Things Strategy."
- Cost Hikes Coming for Tricare Pharmacy Users
- Millions of Veterans Aren’t Using This Benefit: Are You One of Them?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- With a VA loan, you don't need a down payment.
- You will pay less closing costs out of pocket.
- A VA loan has lower interest rates.
- There are no prepayment penalties with a VA loan.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- While you can’t plan for emergencies, you can save for them.
- Put money away now while your housing costs are low to prepare for greater expenses after service.
- Create a habit to contribute regularly to savings.
- Diversify where you put your money to get the benefits of long-term and liquid savings
+ + + + + + +
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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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