Hello Allan,

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Veteran Memorials -

Fort Sheridan

Prayers to all our

Woman Warrior Families

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

 

June18, 2025

September 10, 2025

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

The VAC office at James A. Lovell FHCC is now reopened.

Building 135, Room 106-107

Flag Etiquette and the US Flag Code

Military.com

Updated August 14, 2024 | Published November 02, 2011

The U.S. Flag Code is not legally enforceable, but adherence to it is considered a sign of patriotism and respect. The code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the U.S. flag, and also gives specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.

By following these guidelines, individuals and organizations show respect for the American flag and the values it represents.

When should the American flag be displayed?

• Answer: The U.S. flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset. It can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during darkness.

How should the U.S. flag be displayed when hung vertically or horizontally on a wall?

• Answer: When hung vertically, the union (blue field with stars) should be at the top and to the U.S. flag's own right (the observer's left). When hung horizontally, the union should be at the top and to the observer’s left.

How should the U.S. flag be raised and lowered?

• Answer: The U.S. flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

What is the proper way to display the U.S. flag on a vehicle?

• Answer: The U.S. flag should be fixed firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.

Can the U.S. flag be used as drapery or a covering?

• Answer: No, the U.S. flag should not be used as drapery or covering. It should not be used as bedding or draped over a vehicle.

More Questions and Answers About Showing Respect for the U.S. Flag

The James A Lovell FHCC Main Parking Garage Will Be Closed

Patients,

The main parking garage (Bldg. 195) at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center’s main hospital in North Chicago is still closed for repairs. The entire garage is now scheduled to reopen Saturday, June 21, barring construction and weather delays.

Valet parking will be available at the ‘Blue Canopy’ entrance to Bldg. 133CA. 

The patient parking garage (Bldg. 195) is shown at the corner of Buckley Road and Green Bay Road. The south parking garage (Bldg. 196) is shown near Lot H. You can also refer to the photos below.

Follow on messages will be sent when parking garage floors are reopened. 

VA Private Medical Care Referrals Will No Longer Require Additional Doctor Review

Military.com | By Patricia Kime

Published May 19, 2025 at 2:57pm ET

The Department of Veterans Affairs has changed its process for veterans to get medical care from non-VA providers, removing a requirement that a referral to community care be reviewed by another VA doctor.

The VA announced Monday that it is enacting a provision of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that will help ease veterans' access to medical services from private providers. The law, signed in December by then-President Joe Biden, prohibits VA administrators from overriding a VA doctor's referral for a patient to get outside care.

"Now, we're making it even easier for veterans to get their health care when and where it's most convenient for them," VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement Monday. "We are putting veterans first at the department, and that means placing a premium on customer service and convenience. This important change will help us do just that."

The VA Choice Act of 2014, passed in the wake of a scandal over medical appointment wait times at VA medical centers nationwide, gave veterans broader access to medical care at non-VA facilities if they faced long waits for care at a VA hospital or clinic.

The Mission Act, signed by President Donald Trump in 2019, expanded the benefit to include veterans who face more than a 30-minute drive for primary care or an hour or more for specialty care, or those who can't get an appointment within 20 days for primary care and 28 days for specialty care.

Under the Mission Act, eligible veterans could consult with their VA physicians to receive referrals to community care. The VA required these referrals to be reviewed internally by an administrative staff member.

During congressional debate over the Elizabeth Dole Act, Republicans said the review process intentionally hampered access to community care, while Democrats argued that it was proper government oversight and that removing it was part of an overall effort to privatize VA health care.

According to the law, the ban on the administrative review will remain in place for two years, after which the VA must report on its effects to Congress.

Read More.

Trump's VA Strands Thousands of Veterans by

Ending A Key Mortgage Program

Source: NPR

May 1, 20255:00 AM ET

By Chris Arnold, Quil Lawrence

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as of Thursday, has ended a new mortgage-rescue program that so far has helped about 20,000 veterans avoid foreclosure and keep their homes.

The move leaves millions of military veterans with far worse options than most other American homeowners if they run into trouble paying their home loans. And it comes at a time when nearly 90,000 VA loans are seriously past due, with 33,000 of those already in the foreclosure process, according to the data and analytics firm ICE.

At issue is the VA Servicing Purchase program, or VASP. It was put in place during the Biden administration after missteps by the VA left homeowners with no affordable way to catch up on their VA-backed home loans if they fell behind. VASP rolls the homeowners' missed payments into a new, low-interest rate loan that the VA then owns outright. With today's higher mortgage rates of around 7%, it is often the only affordable option for homeowners with VA loans.

But Republicans in Congress have been critical of the VA Servicing Purchase program, saying it puts too much taxpayer money at risk. In a statement this week to NPR, the VA said, "[As of May 1,] the program, which was unilaterally created by the Biden Administration and lacks congressional authority, will stop accepting new enrollees."

Learn More

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

What is a VA service-connected rating and how do I establish one?

 Allan Lacson, HMCM, USN, (Retired)

A service-connected rating is an official ruling by VA that your illness or condition is directly related to your active-duty service. There is no time-of-service requirement for filing for service connection, but the veteran must have been discharged or separated under conditions other than dishonorable. 

A service connection compensation can either be direct, aggravation, presumptive, or secondary. Service connection may be granted for a disability which began in military service or was caused by some event or experience in service. For service connection to be granted, there must be evidence that the claimed condition:

·      Began during or was caused by military service;

·      Pre-existed military service and was permanently aggravated beyond its normal course while you were on active duty;

·      Is a chronic condition that was diagnosed to a compensable degree within the specified period of time following separation from active military service;

·      Resulted from a service-connected disability or was aggravated thereby. 

There must be evidence of a current, chronic disability. Acute and transitory conditions that have occurred, resolved, and have no current chronic residuals are not subject to service connected disability or compensation.

I am service-connected and I want to file for increase?

Filing for an increase in service connection does not protect the veteran from a reduction in that benefit. It is best to reach out to us by emailing us at veterans@lakecountyil.gov or by calling us at 847-377-3344 for guidance and assistance. There is no protection of the service connection, or the specific rating based solely on the age of the claimant.

Impact of Rudisill Supreme Court Decision on Veterans’ Education Benefits - Education and Training

A Safety Plan Can Help Veterans Facing A Crisis!

Download Safety Plan App

May 6, 2025

Matthew Miller, Ph.D., MPH Executive Director, VA Suicide Prevention, Office of Suicide Prevention

The VA’s Safety Plan app was developed to help Veterans create their own unique Safety Plan.

Having a plan can make a big difference in how your day goes. It doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes it’s as simple as “get up, take a shower, grab some breakfast.” Having structure in your day can provide direction and help you know what to expect.

For Veterans who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, having a safety plan is critical for addressing a crisis. That’s why VA worked with Veterans and health care providers to create an app to help you easily build your own safety plan with a mental health provider and easily access it at any time.

The app guides you through the process step by step, making it easier to create a plan that works for you. For extra encouragement, you can tap a sun icon to read hopeful messages from other Veterans who’ve faced similar experiences. These messages serve as powerful reminders that even though you may be facing life challenges, you don’t have to face them alone.

What can I expect when I download the app?

GET THE APP

VAC Supports Grand Dominion in Memorial Day Flag Retirement

Grand Dominion is an over 55 community in Mundelein, Illinois including approximately 150 veterans. Attending the ceremony this year were (left to right):



Nick Konz, President of the VAC

Allan Ayers, Resident & VAC Trustee

Major General Mukoyama

CWO2 Eliseo Lopez, MOWW

CWO5 Al Saller, AUSA

Col Mike Peck, Resident & Illinois American Legion

Should You Research the Interviewer Before the Interview?

Or Is that Creepy?

Military.com | By Jacey Eckhart

Published May 22, 2025 at 9:20 am

I don’t see military veterans look shocked and appalled all that often. As the transition master coach for Military.com’s Veteran Employment Project, I can tell you most of our users don’t shock all that easily. That is, until I told them they were supposed to research the interviewer on LinkedIn before the interview.

Cue the shock. The disdain. The contempt. “That just seems creepy,” a transitioning service member told me recently. “What kind of person reads up on where the interviewer went to college and what their job titles used to be? What kind of job seeker does that?”

The employed kind, that’s who.

Read more

ESGR ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

ESGR is a volunteer-led and volunteer-centric Department of Defense program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense of Manpower and Reserve Affairs. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Volunteers, together with Headquarters ESGR staff and a small cadre of support staff for each State Committee, work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve.

VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED

If you would like to become an ESGR volunteer as an Unpaid Department of Defense employee, contact:

Michael Hough – Illinois Volunteer Coordinator

Michael.f.hough.ctr@army.mil

(217) 720-5261

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.

Digital Navigator Program

Get a free laptop - if you qualify for the Digital Navigator Program!



What is a Digital Navigator?

Digital Navigators assist community members with internet usage and resources including:

• Basic Digital Skills Training: Digital Navigators offer hands-on training in using computers, smartphones, and the internet. They help individuals gain confidence and proficiency in navigating digital devices and online platforms.
• Access to Online Resources: Digital Navigators assist in accessing online resources for education, employment, healthcare, and government services. They help individuals navigate websites, fill out online forms, and connect with valuable resources.
• Internet Safety and Security: Digital Navigators educate individuals about internet safety practices, including how to protect personal information, recognize online scams, and stay safe while browsing the web.
• Navigating Government Services: Digital Navigators help individuals access and navigate government services and online portals. They assist with tasks such as applying for benefits, paying bills online, and accessing important documents and information.
• Support for Special Populations: Digital Navigators provide targeted support for special populations, including seniors, low-income families, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities. They tailor their assistance to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by each group.

Click to learn more or to contact a Digital Navigator.

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.

Digital Navigator

To determine whether you qualify, and to learn more about the upcoming programs, click here.

On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. Since its dedication,

The Wall That Heals has been displayed at nearly 800 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions.

Bringing The Wall home to commu-nities throughout our country allows the souls enshrined on the Memorial to exist once more among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings.

The traveling exhibit provides thousands of veterans who have been unable to cope with the prospect of facing The Wall to find the strength and courage to do so within their own communities, thus allowing the healing process to begin.

The main components of The Wall That Heals are The Wall replica and the mobile Education Center. See the schedule for the Antioch Wall below.  

Click here to become a sponsor for The Wall That Heals

The In Memory Program for the Wall

Since the Vietnam War ended, thousands of Vietnam veterans have suffered due to Agent Orange exposure, PTSD and other illnesses as a result of their service. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) believes all those who served in Vietnam should be honored and remembered for their service. The In Memory program enables the families and friends of those who came home and later died the opportunity to have them be forever memorialized. ​​​​​​​

The plaque on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site in Washington, D.C. that honors these veterans was dedicated in 2004 and reads:  In Memory of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their sacrifice. 

In Memory was created in 1993 by the group – Friends of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. VVMF began managing the program and hosting the ceremony in 1999. More than 6,500 veterans have been added to the In Memory Honor Roll since the program began. To see all the honorees, please visit the In Memory Honor Roll.

Click here to learn more and to submit a veteran name to the Honor Roll.

Click here for registration form

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

Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Monthly Newsletter – The Launch –

Hot Tips from the VA Weekly Newsletters

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

Pension Payments for Eligible Survivors

VA’s Survivors Pension program offers monthly payments to qualified surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of wartime Veterans who meet certain income and net worth limits set by Congress. If you're a surviving spouse or child of a deceased wartime Veteran, find out if you're eligible and how to apply.

Request a Higher-Level Review for Your Appeal

Disagree with VA's decision on your claim? Veterans can request a higher-level review (HLR) This allows a Veteran or their representative to speak directly with a higher-level reviewer assigned to complete the decision review. Learn how to sign up for an HLR informal conference.

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

• The 2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available!

Have you applied for VA care, benefits and services? Unsure what else you may be eligible for? Don’t miss out on what you’ve earned—check out this handy reference guide to learn more. The handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA programs, including phone numbers and websites for easy reference. Download today. 

• Personalized Career Planning and Guidance Program (PCPG)

The Personalized Career Planning and Guidance Program is a benefit designed to support the unique needs and goals of Service members, Veterans, and eligible dependents. This program offers education and career guidance, planning, and resources that empower individuals to reach their educational or career goals. Learn more about this program and if you or your family could benefit. 

VA News - 4/30/2025 - -

• Resources for Veteran Families with Special Needs

Check out this list of resources available for those caring for someone with special needs—whether a child, sibling or other loved one.

VA News - 5/14/2025 -

• Launch a High-flying Career in Drone Technology

Transform your military experience into cutting-edge drone expertise. Vets to Drones has free programs to equip Veterans with the tools to thrive in the dynamic and emerging drone industry.

VA News - 5/28/2025 -

• Find Money Resources, Boost Your Financial Literacy

Find trustworthy financial tools on FINVET, a one-stop website that promotes mental health by helping Veterans learn about and manage their finances. Veterans can get help to:  

·      Meet essential needs   

·      Save or earn more money   

·      Lower bills and debt   

·      Protect assets 

• Coping With Work Challenges

It can be challenging when things aren’t going well at work and these problems and issues can affect many parts of your life. So, it’s important to find effective ways to cope with job and employment concerns.

• Insights from the MOAA

(Military Officers Association of America)

MOAA – 5/1/25

• What the Proposed $1 Trillion Defense Budget Means for Servicemembers, Families, and Retirees

The high-profile bill would fund a return to a full military housing allowance among other quality-of-life priorities, but many details remain uncertain.

• Is the Reserve Component Fit Enough to Fight?

A new report found two-thirds of Guard and Reserve members are overweight

MOAA – 5/7/25

• A Privatized Commissary System Would Put Your Service-Earned Benefit at Risk 

Military families spanning generations rely on these savings. 

MOAA – 5/22/25

• Survey Says: This State Was Named 'Best for Military Retirees' for the Second-Straight Year

The WalletHub ranking also had a repeat performance in last place. 

Stars & Stripes -

4/30/25



• Aging veteran population places more demand on state veterans homes

The national network of more than 150 state veterans homes would benefit from greater oversight from the Department of Veterans Affairs and annual VA inspections, a government watchdog agency said Tuesday.

• Senators urge support for grants program that addresses the ‘scourge’ of veteran suicide

Funding suicide prevention efforts at local agencies that are close to where veterans live was prioritized by senators as they considered reauthorizing — and possibly expanding — a $174 million grant initiative that pays for community-based outreach services, mental health screenings and emergency clinical services.

• For some Americans, the end of the Vietnam War after Saigon fell 50 years ago is still deeply felt

Millions of U.S. troops fought in Vietnam. For some Americans, the war that effectively ended with the fall of Saigon 50 years ago Wednesday on April 30, 1975, continues to shape their lives.

5/28/25

• Veterans recoil at plan to end Afghans’ deportation protection

The administration says conditions in Afghanistan have markedly improved under Taliban rule. Those who fought in the war say that’s ‘laughable.’

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

Recent edition of Veteran Job Insider

Here are links to other recent Military.com articles of interest:

• The Legal Documents Every Military Household Needs
• Got Fired? 4 Tips on How to Address it During Your Job Search

Lawmakers and attorneys general from across the country. But nobody has been able to stop them. 

• Army National Guard Clearing Yearslong Backlog of Enlistment Bonus Payouts
• For-Profit Colleges Would Be Freed to Scam Veterans Again Under GOP Bill, Advocates Say
• 'This Is Going to Be a Challenge': Service Officials Detail Fallout from Civilian Resignations Pushed by Trump
• Civilian Jobs that Sound So Wrong But Could Be So Right for Veterans
• 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine If You're a Manager or a Leaderr
• ’Managing Up': What It Is and How to Make It Work in the Corporate World
• 6 Qualities Veterans Have That Prepare Them for the Corporate World

+++++++++

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.