Happy Birthday

U. S. Marine Corps

November 10, 1775

Stop a Vet and Say "Thank You"

Vets - Wear your cover or a shirt and welcome those who want to say "Thank You!"

November 11, 2023

Veteran Memorials

Around Lake County -

Lindenhurst

Thanks and prayers to all our

Iraqi Warriors

Dates for Veterans Assistance Commission Meetings in 2023

The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2023 will be held on the following dates

November 15, 2023

At the Gurnee American Legion Post 771

(749 Milwaukee Ave).

Meetings begin at 10:30 am. Visitors are welcome.



You can also use the link below to log into the meeting: https://meet.goto.com/754472005

OR dial in using your phone.

in United States, call: +1 (312) 757-3121

and use Access Code: 754-472-005

An effort to aid veterans who were honorably discharged with mental crisis assistance, the Compact Act went into effect on January 17, 2023 and looks to help veterans who need mental health assistance in times of crisis.

The Compact Act allows veterans to get no-cost mental health treatment at both Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA facilities. The goal of the Compact Act is to prevent veteran suicide by offering no-cost care.

Who will Benefit?

All veterans who have been honorably discharged are eligible for mental health treatment under the Compact Act. This includes those who are not currently enrolled in the VA.

The Compact Act also applies to discharged members that suffered physical assault of sexual nature and sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces. Former members of the armed forces who were in active duty for more than 100 day and were discharged for any reason other than dishonorable also qualify for the Compact Act.

Click here to read more

A Walk back in Time

Old Warriors Finally Get Burial Plaques and Recognition

Assorted Benefits Documents

There's a plethora of documents describing veteran benefits both at the federal level and for veterans within the State of Illinois (and probably other states, but we don't see them here). We have assembled several below.

Click to see a PDF with details and an electronic link to the actual documents.

TVC will be holding a FREE naturalization clinic for non-citizen veterans nationwide on

NOVEMBER 9, 2023.

This clinic is virtual and by appointment only.

Please share with any non-citizen veterans you come across who have served in the U.S. Military.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FLYER



Click here for the TVC website

A new telephone guide from James A. Lovell FHCC

Military.com | By Jacey Eckhart

You need more power. When you are getting ready to find your first civilian job, you need more than the otherworldly skills you have already mastered in the military. You could use some power from artificial intelligence (AI) to make things a whole lot easier. AI weaponizes your post-military job hunt in some most remarkable ways.

As the transition master coach for Military.com's Veteran Employment Project, I like to think of all of you in military transition like Jedi masters, blasting out into the unknown. (Stay with me here.)

Jedis never seem to go out into the vast unknown without their R2-D2, C-3PO or R5-D4. They need that droid to navigate, translate and open doors. For them, having their own droid is perfectly normal. Like owning a blender.

That is how AI should be when it comes to your post-military job hunt -- an advanced, skilled, somewhat limited helper. While there are pros and cons to using AI on the job hunt, and I have some reservations about how much it can help when writing a resume for the defense industry, these tools can help you an amazing amount -- especially when you kinda hate spelling and grammar.

You don't have to be particularly tech savvy to use these tools. They do not take a lot of time to learn. And even in the early stages of adoption, they boost your results and lower your angst. Click to see five ways AI droids can help veterans get a job.

Click to read the entire article.

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

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.
• Family problems - In Lake County, contact 211 for referral to proper resource.

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 for Lake and McHenry County locations and times, or click on the link below for all the counties.

-- Mobile Food Pantry and CLC Pop-up Pantry

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.

To get a subscription, – click here. 

Here is a directory of the resources at James A. Lovell FHCC. To access the electronic directory, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Herre 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.

VA Benefits - October 2023

• This Benefits Bulletin provides links for vets of all to understand veteran benefits they might be eligible for.

Other Benefit topics:

• Be Aware of PACT Act Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of new opportunities to commit fraud. There has been an increase in scams since introducing the new law last year. Be on the lookout for PACT Act-related phishing emails and calls targeting Veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf.

VA will never charge you to apply for the benefits you may be entitled to. If you think you’re entitled to benefits, please review the following preventive measures to help guard against fraud and scams.

VA News - 9/27/23 -

• Exploring the Use of Psychedelics to Treat Veterans with PTSD

In the new podcast series, New Horizons in Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA under secretary for Health, leads a candid discussion on psychedelic-assisted therapies for Veterans experiencing a number of mental health conditions.

VA News –10/4/23 –

• Help Design the Global War on Terrorism Memorial 

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation announced a first-of-its-kind public input campaign titled, “Help Design History.” The campaign invites the public to share design insight for the memorial, which will be built on a designated site on the National Mall.

• Community Care: Who is Eligible and How You Can Access It

As an eligible Veteran receiving VA health care, you can access private providers, if your VA facility doesn’t offer a specific service or if you can’t get an appointment in a timely manner.

VA News –10/11/23 –

• Veterans, Shield Your Benefits from Scammers!

Combat payment redirection fraud and protect your hard-earned benefits. Scammers are targeting your personal information, rerouting payments and jeopardizing your security. Check out these cybersecurity tips to secure your accounts and report suspicious activity. 

• Three Tips for Federal Job Applications

The application process for federal jobs can feel like a job all its own. However, there are three “P”s that you can follow to better manage your expectations.

VA News –10/18/23 –

• Download the 2023 Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide

The 2023 Veterans Day Teachers Guide is now available for download. Educators can use this tool to plan lessons and activities around Veterans Day.

• You’re a Target for Phishing Attacks – Don’t Take the Bait!

Phishing and smishing occur when scammers use deceptive emails and text messages to trick you into providing your personal information. Visit VA’s Cybersecurity Spot for more information about how to protect yourself and safeguard the benefits you’ve earned.

• How to Highlight Your Military Experience During Interviews

Veterans and transitioning military personnel have a wealth of knowledge that is valuable to employers. To stand out, consider talking about these five skills during your next job interview.

VA News - 10/25/23 -

• Learn the History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 every year. Learn the origins of the day and the historical significance of the date.

Insights from MOAA

(Military Officers Association of America)

MOAA – 10/5/23

• Mind the Gap: Should You Take a Break After Leaving Service or Between Jobs?

Think about these factors if you're considering some time off.

• Act Fast to Meet a New Deadline for Survivor Benefit Plan Enrollment

Open season still lasts until Jan. 1, but you'll have to begin the enrollment process earlier than expected to get a cost estimate.

• Act Fast to Meet a New Deadline for Survivor Benefit Plan Enrollment

Open season still lasts until Jan. 1, but you'll have to begin the enrollment process earlier than expected to get a cost estimate.

• Surviving Spouse Corner: Is a 55-and-Older Community Right for You?

If you're thinking about moving into a retirement community, here are some considerations.

MOAA – 10/12/23

• Social Security 101: Understanding Spousal Benefits and Survivor Benefits

A recent MOAA webinar on this sometimes-confusing program tackled several topics of member interest.

• VA: Beware of Scams Connected to Disability Benefits Questionnaires

These important forms may be gateways to fraud.

• Planning a Move? These Areas Saw the Biggest Boosts in 65-and-Over Residents

Some typical retirement destinations didn't make the list. Find out which locations did.

MOAA – 10/18/23

• Understand Your Long Term Care Insurance Options

This updated MOAA resource includes a new deadline for Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) enrollees.

MOAA – 10/25/23

• Vietnam Unchronicled: Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Check out the latest untold stories in MOAA's ongoing series.

• New DoD Suicide Prevention Policy Misses the Mark

Congress must act to ensure quality of life concerns are addressed. Here's how you can help MOAA's advocacy efforts.

• 5 Key Differences Between Federal and Private Sector Resumes

Applying for a government position? You'll want to tailor your materials to your audience. Here's how.

• 5 Steps for a Happier Retirement

Developing a plan can help ensure your golden years meet your expectations. Here's how to prepare.

If you are still working and thinking about changing jobs, check out the

Veteran Jobs @ at military.com

Here're some sample articles I found recently:

 

• 1 in 3 PACT Act Claims Have Received a 0% Disability Rating, Prompting a VA Review
• More Burial and Funeral Costs Can Now Be Covered by Veterans Benefits
• How to Find Your Old Military Buddies After You Get Out
• Best Pet Insurance Companies and Plans of October 2023 *
• A Key Survivor Benefit Plan Deadline Was Moved Up. Here’s What You Need to Know
• Military Benefits Open Enrollment: Your Complete Guide
• 2023 Veterans Day Free Meals and Restaurant Deals and Discounts
• Veterans Burial Allowance: What the VA Will Pay

+ + + + + + +

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.

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.