Thanks to all who help out the vets
As we approach Memorial Day, I would be remiss as the superintendent for the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County if I did not recognize the many efforts being conducted on behalf of veterans by veterans in Lake County.
During this past year the veterans have contributed over 16,000 hours of volunteer time to North Chicago VAMC and to their local community.
Congratulations to Rick Coombe of Winthrop Harbor as he completes his year as the Illinois Department Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rick had a successful year at the state level as well as Rich Henry, the 5th VFW District Commander for Lake County and Jean Keehn, the American Legion 10th District Commander. The benefactor of their efforts has been the veterans at North Chicago VAMC.
I need to thank the many member posts of the Veterans Assistance Commission for their efforts in bringing the Virtual Vet Program to our office.
Johnnie Allen continues to serve the veterans by representing our office two days a week at North Chicago VAMC and I thank Director Pat Sullivan and his staff for making his efforts possible at the Medical Center.
The VAC joined CLC for a ceremony Friday to honor the 19 service members from Lake County who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wayne Maczko and his fellow committee members have done a superb job in preparing the ceremony and the start of work on their veterans memorial.
On the legislative front, I need to thank state Sen. Susan Garrett for her efforts in passing legislation to make technical changes to the Returning Warrior Homestead Exemption Act. The changes were brought to our attention by the staff of the Lake County Assessment Office. This was an excellent example of state and county officials working together for the benefit of our veterans.
Two other officials are U.S. Representatives Melissa Bean and Mark Kirk. Together they are sponsoring an amendment to HR 5658, the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. Their amendment will waive out-of-pocket expenses for military retirees who would use North Chicago VAMC.
An issue that is not resolved is funding for staff at our state-managed veterans homes. We have empty beds at Manteno and LaSalle due to shortage of staff. At the same time, we have a waiting list for both facilities. Please join me in urging our legislature and the governor to fully fund these facilities. These facilities will be the final home for many of our greatest generation, they have earned and deserve the best we can give them.
I want to thank my staff: Johnnie Allen, my mentor who has served the veterans of Lake County for the past 16 years as superintendent; Mary Ann Kornau-Bandurski and Sherry Kruse who recently completed the USERRA Training Program to assist Guard and Reserve Members with their re-employment rights and the delegates to the VAC who are the ultimate volunteers.
Michael P. Peck Superintendent,
VAC of Lake County