Greetings!

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Veteran Memorials -

Highland Park

Prayers to all our

Korean War Families



The VAC Commissioners meetings for 2024-25 will be held on the following dates:

 

November 19, 2025

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

Where Can Goldstar Families Find Support?

After recently participating in a Goldstar Family river cruise hosted by the Army National Guard Survivor Outreach Services on the Veteran Owned Chicago Fireboat a light went on for me. Where can Goldstar families get support from others who understand? As it turns out, each branch of the service offers a contact point to begin looking for the support a family might need. From Military One Source, A Department of Defence website, the links for each branch are shown below.

• Survivor Outreach Services, the Army’s official long-term support program for surviving families of deceased service members, helps continue the survivor’s connection with the Army by providing comprehensive services that include assistance with housing, education and finances.
• Long Term Assistance Program is the Marine Corps’ resource for survivors that connects family members to grief and peer support experts, provides information on benefits and entitlements and offers any kind of assistance that is needed.
• Navy Gold Star Program is the Navy’s support network that provides survivors with information on resources available to them.
• Air Force Families Forever offers support for survivors who are grieving the death of a service member. Among its services is an online community through Family Support Network exclusively dedicated to friends and family of deceased Air Force members.

Some of these links point to a more comprehensive website - Taps.org - which provides a wealth of information and resources.

Do Veterans Benefits Expire?


Military.com | By Jim Absher

Updated September 19, 2025

Veterans often count on benefits like health care, the GI Bill and disability support to ease their transition into civilian life. But what many don’t realize is that some of these hard-earned benefits come with an expiration date.


While the Department of Veterans Affairs may grant extensions in certain cases — such as when health or disability issues get in the way — it won’t excuse a missed deadline simply because you didn’t know it existed. 

And missing out can mean losing vital access to care, education, and financial support.

Read more

Ask a VSO - This feature is written by the VSO's at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County

Mental Health: Requesting In-Person C&P Exams and Available Resources

John Meade, VSO

I always advise my Veterans that if they are filing for any mental health conditions to request an in-person examination rather than a virtual appointment. The contracted companies usually want to schedule virtual appointments because it is easier for them. However, I think that the in-person examination is more personal and yields better results. If you are not the best with computers tell the scheduling company that you are not computer savvy and are uncomfortable with a virtual appointment. It may be more of a commitment and effort to attend in person, but I believe it is worth it in the end. It greatly helps if you are already seeking treatment and have obtained a diagnosis! There is a lot less stigma these days and plenty of support available to assist veterans with mental health conditions.

Mental Health Support Available to Veterans:

• The Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center has a comprehensive behavioral health program and is a regional center of excellence for Veteran-focused mental health care. The behavioral health department offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including telehealth appointments. They provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues impacting emotional well-being. You can reach their mental health care department at 224-610-3744.
  
• Veterans Path to Hope is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families on their journey to healing and resilience. They provide free counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of men, women, adolescents, and children within the veteran community. They have experienced and compassionate counselors available to lend a listening ear, offer guidance, and provide a safe space for individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges. They understand the importance of mental health and well-being, and they are committed to ensuring that every veteran and their loved ones have access to the support they deserve. You can reach them at 815-321-4673 (HOPE).
  
• The Rush Road Home Program is dedicated to the mental health and wellness of veterans, service members, members of the National Guard, reservists and families at no cost and regardless of discharge status. Call them at 312-942-8387 (VETS) or fill out the Get Care form.

Don’t suffer in silence, help is out there!

Ask Lacey: Are Ads for 'Veteran Credit Forgiveness' Legit?

Military.com | By Lacey Langford

Published August 06, 2025

The Red Flags of Veteran Credit Forgiveness Programs

Bottom line up-front: No official, government-backed credit card debt forgiveness program exists just for veterans. That alone should make you pause when you see ads claiming otherwise.

Many of the companies behind these ads are debt settlement or debt consolidation firms marketing to veterans. Some are legitimate but charge high fees and use aggressive marketing that can make it sound like they're offering special government programs for veterans. Others are straight-up scams designed to take your money.

Click here for a few red flags to watch out for

VA awards $84M in grants to fight Veteran homelessness


VA News
September 23, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced $84 million in grants to 176 organizations across the country to help Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.


$42 million in grants will cover legal services and another $42 million in grants will go toward case management services to improve housing retention by Veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless or who were previously homeless and are transitioning to permanent housing.

Legal services grants will be distributed through VA’s Legal Services for Homeless Veterans and Veterans At-Risk for Homelessness Grants program and provide Veterans with:

Assistance with landlord-tenant disputes to prevent eviction.

• Help with court proceedings for child support, custody, or estate planning.
• Help with obtaining benefits like state and federal compensation.
• Defending Veterans in criminal cases, such as outstanding warrants, fines, and driver’s license revocation.

View the list of legal services grant awardees.

Case management grants will be distributed through VA’s Grant and Per Diem program and will fund approximately 100 case manager positions that provide essential services, such as:

• Assistance with housing search and placement.
• Home visits to monitor housing stability and assess the need for services and other support.
• Assistance with access to educational activities that support personal empowerment and independence.
  

View the list of case management grant awardees.

“No one who served our nation in uniform should go without shelter,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These grants will provide crucial support and services to help thousands of Veterans on their journey back to self-sufficiency.”

Read More

Field of Honor



The Lake County Honor Flight is honored to be one of two veteran organizations benefiting from this year’s Field of Honor, presented by the Village of Deerfield, alongside our friends at Midwest Veterans Closet.

This powerful tribute takes place November 7–11, 2025, at Jewett Park in Deerfield, IL. Join us in honoring our nation’s heroes, supporting local veterans, and consider dedicating a flag in tribute. 

To dedicate a flag to your honored veteran, Support here.

Fisher House Is Now Open for Business

Fisher House is a temporary lodging facility for families of hospitalized veterans and military personnel.

Feel free to "borrow" these pictures to spread the word about Fisher House, located at 3001 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064.

Click here for details on Lodging Criteria

The one big challenge for Fisher Houses is that they need to fund their own consumable supplies. Here is a list of the Lovell Fisher House need as they get underway.

If you have any questions or would like to coordinate a donation drop-off, please contact Kimberly Skorupa, Fisher House Manager, at (224) 610-7400 or kimberly.skorupa@va.gov

VA is Here for You During Times of Emotional Distress

Call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at  988



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.

Your suicide crisis doesn’t have to define your future

Originally published in Military.com, June 12, 2024 by Matthew Miller, Executive Director of VA Suicide Prevention, Office of Suicide Prevention

Most suicidal crises are brief. Be prepared before a crisis happens. Being prepared can save your life!

Not every Veteran will face a crisis. And not every Veteran who faces a crisis will have thoughts of suicide. But if you or a Veteran you care about is going through a tough time, you can be ready in case a crisis happens. The first major step is to ensure that weapons and ammunition are locked safely and in separate locations.

There are people who want to help and resources ready to support you.

Every VA facility has mental health specialists. Find one near you.

• Community-based Vet Centers are available to you. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• Maketheconnection.net offers stories of hope and healing for Veterans experiencing challenging life events.
• Have a question for VA? 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is available 24/7.

If you are in need of food support, click here.

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.

Your Coin Helps Vets In Need Through the VAC Not For Profit

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

Hawkston Hall II

1790 Nations Drive, Suite 221

Gurnee, IL 60031

If you're wondering what the VAC and other veterans organizations are doing.

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 all county locations and times, or click on the link below for all the counties.

Mobile Food Pantry and CLC Pop-up Pantry

Click here for October schedule

VA Resource Navigator:

Quick Guide to All Your VA Benefits

Easily find VA resources and program information, including web links, phone numbers, and QR codes with VA's Resource Navigator.

Hot Tips from the VA Weekly Newsletters

This Benefits Bulletin provides links for vets to understand benefits they might be eligible for.

Contact the VAC to understand any of these VA Benefits - 847-377-3344

VA News - 9/3/2025

• GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment Benefits
  Headed back to school or considering going back soon? Learn everything you need to know about GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits.
  
• Still Using DS Logon? Switch by September 30
  After September 30, 2025, Veterans will have two secure options to sign in to VA.gov and VA mobile apps ― a Login.gov account or ID.me account. If you’re still using a DS Logon username and password, we want to make sure you’re prepared when this option is discontinued by the end of this month.

VA News - 9/10/2025


• Financial Benefits for Qualified Spouses of Veterans
  Watch the latest episode of the SITREP to learn about benefits like Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Survivors Pension and Caregivers Support Program.
  
• Protect Against VA Education Benefits Fraud
  Like any valuable asset, VA's education benefits can be susceptible to fraud. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

VA News - 9/17/2025

• Preserving Your Military History
  Watch the latest episode of the SITREP to learn how to replace lost or missing military medals, awards & decorations. 
  
• Free Service Connects Veterans with Other Local Veterans
  Together We Served has launched a new free service called "Veteran Buddy Link" to assist Veterans seeking friendship and support.

VA News - 9/24/2025

• Backlog of Vets waiting for VA benefits down 45%
  When President Trump took office in January, the backlog of Veterans waiting more than 125 days for a decision on their VA disability benefits claim stood at more than 264,000. That number is now down 45%.
  
• Exclusive Discounts for Veterans
  Check out hundreds of discounts and deals available to Veterans, service members and retirees.  

1Insights from the MOAA

(Military Officers Association of America)

MOAA – 9/9/25


• VA ‘Overpayment’ Scams: What You Need to Know
  Unsolicited notices requiring fast action are earmarks of fraud. Learn how to keep your money and personal data safe.
  

MOAA – 9/15/25

• Online Account Changes Are Coming for VA, TRICARE Users. Are You Ready?
  The end of the DS Logon portal could mean you’ll need a new account to access online resources.

MOAA – 9/16/25

• Report Will Target Cancer Rates in Aircrews, But Toxic-Exposure Work Is Far From Finished
  A recent commentary from DAV and MOAA looked at the way forward.

MOAA – 9/23/25


• Pentagon Takes Another Step Toward Commissary Privatization
  Such a fundamental shift could put this important benefit at risk.
  
• VA, Veterans Groups Partner for Progress on Mental Health
  Programs designed to reach veterans in crisis have expanded and are taking advantage of cutting-edge technology.

Stars & Stripes -

9/19/25 -

• Lawmakers advance bills for veterans to expand access to free gravestones and deploy AI to process claims
  The sweeping set of bills aims to streamline delivery of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs through automation, improve oversight of veterans’ job training and make the VA supply chain more efficient via a cloud-based inventory system. 

9/20/25 -

• ‘Live on in this new exhibit’: 3 veterans tell their stories as National Naval Aviation Museum debuts tribute to Vietnam War POWs
  Vietnam veterans John “Jack” Ensch, Everett Alvarez and Michael “Mike” McGrath had a common bond as prisoners at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” but each had his own experiences.

9/21/25 -

• Last surviving Army ranger from D-Day receives Congressional medal
  Retired Army Maj. Gen. John C. Raaen, Jr., the last surviving Army Ranger who served on D-Day in France, received a Congressional Gold Medal.

9/22/25 -

• Veterans benefits and burials would continue in government shutdown, but other services could be affected
  The VA wants to reassure veterans and their families that core services and benefits would be protected. 

Have you ever seen the magazine Military.com?

If you are still working and thinking about changing jobs, check out https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs

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.

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.

Here 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.

Click here to register for your records in the new FHCC Electronic Records System

 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

Saint Louis, MO 63138.

OR

Fax the form to 314-801-9195

If you need the records in emergency circumstances, contact our office 

Where is an IDVA Office?

 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

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.