Community made vets event special

On Oct. 19, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County was able to serve 277 veterans at our annual stand-down. Each veteran was provided winter clothing and a sack lunch. Hair cuts were provided for those in need and interviews were scheduled with representatives from the state employment service, financial counseling and housing assistance from VA representatives.

The program was made possible by the generous time and effort of the Veterans Organizations in Lake County, Vernon Hills Police Department, Salvation Army, Seniors of Hawthorn Lakes, Learning Resources, and the Park at Vernon Hills. A special thanks to Coach Steve Wood of Grayslake North High School and Coach Nick Goshe of Grayslake Central who conducted coat drive on the night of their game.

Dr. Gerald Dismer of the Lake County Health Department provided dental exams for veterans requesting an exam. Veterans who are receiving assistance from the VAC and needed dental work were scheduled for an appointment to develop a dental plan. The VAC is in its third year of a dental grant made possible by the Veterans Scratch Off Lottery and the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County.

Lake County has over 400 veterans currently receiving public aid and the stand-down is a way for the VAC to reach out to these veterans and inform the veteran and his family of the assistance available to them.

Every day is Veterans Day at the VAC, but the special effort of Deputy Chief Jon Petrillo and Sergeant Todd Williams of Vernon Hills made this year's stand-down special. It is unfortunate that the number of veterans in need continues to grow but with the support of the Lake County community, we were able to provide some help to these heroes. Thank you.

Michael P. Peck, Superintendent

VAC of Lake County