Lynch Foundation raises $20,000 for vets

Posted September 01, 2016 11:00 pm

Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County submission

Golfers assemble recently at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills for the annual Swinging With the Vets fundraiser. courtesy of Jon Petrillo

Lynch Foundation raises $20,000 for veterans at annual golf outing

The Al Lynch Medal of Honor Foundation raised approximately $20,000 at its second annual Swinging With the Vets golf outing Aug. 26 at the White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills.

Lynch, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, started the foundation to assist indigent veterans and their families. The foundation has no administrative cost and is now affiliated with Operation Support Our Troops, a 501C3 not for profit.

Lynch served four Illinois Attorney Generals as chief of the Veterans Rights Bureau and now serves the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County as assistant superintendent as a volunteer. He wrote the state of Illinois handbook on veterans' benefits.

In the past year, his foundation has assisted veterans with mortgages, transportation, utilities and health care.

According to Michael Peck, superintendent of the VAC of Lake County, dental care is the top health care need for veterans as the VA only provides for veterans who are 100 percent disabled or a former POW.

"We have actually gotten veterans employment by taking care of their dental needs. They are then able to do a good job interview by improved appearance and confidence," he said.

The collaboration between the VAC and the Lynch Foundation is a first toward providing veterans with one stop for all their assistance needs.

Eleven American Legion and five VFW posts, the Marine Corps League, Lovell Federal Health Care Center, Lake County sheriff's office, and the Department of Homeland Security participated. The golf outing drew 122 golfers and more than 170 for the evening dinner.

Steve Hawkins, Abbott aviation manager, was honored by the Department of Defense with its Patriot Award for his support of Guard and Reserve employees who fly for Abbott. The pilots who were activated and deployed had their jobs and benefits protected by Abbott.

Lt. Col Jerome Cole, a member of the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Wisconsin Air Guard, nominated Hawkins for the award and stated his support went beyond the requirement of law, and that he maintained an atmosphere of positive support that made it easier for him to continue serving in the Air Guard.

The VAC recognized state Sen. Melinda Bush for her support of Senate Bill 3401, which added the VAC to the Veterans Treatment Court Act.

Marine Air Control Group 48 Color Guard prepares for the recent Swinging With the Vets fundraiser at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. courtesy of Jon Petrillo

A young Marine from the Air Command Group 48 Color Guard with retired Marine Stan Villarreal, who served in Vietnam, at the recent Swinging With the Vets fundraiser at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. courtesy of Jon Petrillo

Abbott Labs Aviation Section Manager Steve Hawkins receives the Department of Defense Patriot Award from Michael Peck, superintendent of Veterans Assistance Commission Lake County, before the Marine Air Control Group 48 Color Guard. At left is VAC President Nick Konz. courtesy of Mike Peck

The winning team at the Al Lynch Swinging With the Vets golf outing, representing Homeland Security (Customs and Border Protection, O'Hare IAP): Chris Alicea, Kevin Stellar, Marco Jones and Waldo Garza. In all, 122 golfers competed in the event, which raised more than $17,000 for the Al Lynch Medal of Honor Foundation. courtesy of Mike Peck

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