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To promote the welfare of honorably discharged Veterans of military service and their families through maximizing all possible benefits through effective and dynamic advocacy and by serving as a central service office for all Veterans residing in the county of Lake.

 

Our History

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County was founded in 1926, as a response to the Veterans looking for a place to turn for assistance with a myriad of needs. Established pursuant to 330 ILCS 45, the Military Veterans Assistance Act requires the VAC to serve as the central service office, providing the just, necessary, and needed services for all Veterans and their families in the County of Lake.

Since 1926, the VAC has continued to act as the premier Veterans Service Organization in Illinois by serving Veterans from all eras and conflicts to include the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Looking forward

2017 was a crucial turning point for the VAC and for the Veterans of Lake County, Illinois. The appointment of a new superintendent provided the organization with a fresh vision and a new direction. In 2019, a new generation of Veterans joined the team to serve as Veteran Service Officers. In keeping with this newfound direction, the VAC has implemented sweeping changes to the old claims processes and modernized the way that Veteran Service Organizations operate.

Although our eyes are set towards the horizon and the challenges that the future may bring, it is our duty to remember the struggles overcome by our Veteran predecessors and to ensure that Veterans returning from war are never left behind again.

 
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Presently, the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) consists of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Executive Assistant, Senior Veteran Service Officers, Veteran Service Officers in Charge, Veteran Service Officers, and Administrative Assistants. General oversight of monies expended by the Commission is conducted by the Superintendent. Specific oversight of the Commission is conducted by the Executive Board of the Commission, elected from the delegates, alternates, and various members of Veteran Service Organizations.

Executive Board

The VAC Executive Board consists of nine local veteran leaders that are elected as officers to serve for a specified period of time. Each board member holds a specific responsibility such as President, Secretary, Chaplain, and Sergeant at Arms. Together, the meet monthly and provide oversight for the short- and long-term operations of the VAC and its staff.

Veteran Delegates

The membership of the Commission is composed of delegates from various local Veteran Service Organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion (AML), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Veterans (AMVETS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and many others. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis to discuss the efforts of their Veteran Service Organizations, legislative advocacy, representation of veterans, budget, and staffing considerations.

Not-For-Profit Fund

The Commission oversees an NFP fund that is used to provide assistance to veterans such as helping veterans with adaptive vehicles, specific home repairs, and partnering with other veteran non-for profits to assist veterans throughout the community. Funding for the NFP comes from a variety of sources, to include generous donations from local organizations, businesses and private individuals. Every dollar donated makes a difference in someone’s life.