Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County

Vet Corner – Daily Dose 🇺🇸
June 5, 1944 – The Night Before D-Day

Today we remember the thousands of American and Allied service members who, on the evening of June 5, 1944, began the journey toward Normandy, France. After days of uncertainty due to poor weather, General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the order that would launch Operation Overlord - the largest amphibious invasion in history.

Many of those troops spent this night aboard ships, aircraft, and landing craft knowing they were heading into one of the most dangerous operations of World War II. Their courage and sacrifice helped liberate Europe and change the course of history. When they finally returned home as Veterans, they became known as the Greatest Generation - the one which ushered in a new age of American prosperity and global peace.

As we approach the anniversary of D-Day, take a moment to remember the Veterans who answered the call when the world needed them most.

🇺🇸🪖⚓✈️

🇺🇸 VACCC Weekly Outreach Schedule – June 1–5, 2026 🇺🇸

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is on the move this week! Our team will be providing outreach, benefits assistance, and resource navigation at locations across Cook County to connect Veterans, service members, and their families with the services they've earned.

📍 This Week's Outreach Locations:
✅ June 1 – Alderman Knudsen's VetConnect (12 PM – 4 PM)
✅ June 2 – Alderman Villegas VetConnect (12 PM – 4 PM)
✅ June 3 – Alderman Silverstein VetConnect (11 AM – 3 PM) & Alderman Gardiner VetConnect (12 PM – 4 PM)
✅ June 4 – Auburn Gresham Clinic Office Hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) & Jesse Brown VA Medical Center Office Hours (10 AM – 2 PM)
✅ June 5 – Alderman Lopez VetConnect (12 PM – 4 PM)

🎯 Need assistance? We can help with:
• VA Disability Compensation Claims
• VA Pension & Survivor Benefits
• Post-9/11 GI Bill & Illinois Veteran Education Benefits
• Emergency Financial Assistance (Eligibility Applies)
• Utility, Rent/Mortgage, Food, Hygiene, and Transportation Assistance
• Referrals to community and VA resources

📲 Can't make it to an event? Scan the QR code on the flyer or contact our office directly.

📞 312-433-6010
📧 [email protected]

No appointment is needed for outreach events—stop by, ask questions, and learn about the benefits and services available to you.

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🇺🇸 Vet Corner – Daily Dose: Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) 🇺🇸

Did you know that many Veterans can receive VA healthcare services closer to home through a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)?

CBOCs are VA-operated clinics designed to provide routine healthcare services without requiring Veterans to travel to a major VA Medical Center. Services may include primary care, mental health services, preventive care, laboratory services, telehealth support, and care coordination.

How do I use a CBOC?
✅ First, enroll in VA Health Care by applying online at VA.gov, calling 1-877-222-VETS (8387), or visiting your local VA facility.
✅ Once enrolled, the VA will help assign you to a primary care team and identify the clinic most convenient for your location.
✅ Many Veterans can receive the majority of their routine healthcare needs directly through their local CBOC.

For Veterans in Cook County, CBOCs can provide a convenient alternative to traveling to larger facilities such as Jesse Brown VA Medical Center or Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.

Need help enrolling in VA Health Care or understanding your eligibility? The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County can help.

📞 VACCC: (312) 433-6010

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📍 VACCC Outreach Schedule – June 1–5, 2026

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is on the move this week! 🇺🇸

Whether you're looking for help with VA benefits, emergency financial assistance, education benefits, housing resources, or simply want to connect with a Veteran Service Officer, our team will be out in communities across Cook County ready to assist.

🗓️ This Week's Outreach Locations:
✅ June 1 – Alderman Knudsen's VetConnect
✅ June 2 – Alderman Villegas VetConnect
✅ June 3 – Alderman Silverstein & Alderman Gardiner VetConnect
✅ June 4 – Auburn Gresham Clinic Office Hours & Jesse Brown VA Office Hours
✅ June 5 – Alderman Lopez VetConnect

Our staff can assist with:
🔹 VA Disability Compensation Claims
🔹 VA Pension & Survivor Benefits
🔹 Illinois Veterans Benefits
🔹 Emergency Financial Assistance (Eligibility Requirements Apply)
🔹 Housing & Community Resource Referrals
🔹 General Veteran Advocacy & Support

If you know a Veteran, service member, or family member who could benefit from our services, please share this information and encourage them to stop by.

📞 Questions? Contact us at 312-433-6010

Together, we're working to ensure every Veteran in Cook County has access to the benefits, services, and support they've earned.

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🇺🇸 Vet Corner – Daily Dose | June 3, 1784 🇺🇸

Today we recognize an important milestone in American military history.

On June 3, 1784, following the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the Confederation Congress formally organized what would become the modern United States Army by authorizing the creation of the First American Regiment. While the Continental Army had carried the colonies to victory during the Revolution, this action established a permanent military force for the newly independent nation and laid the groundwork for the Army we know today.

For more than 240 years, Soldiers have answered the call to serve through times of peace and conflict, defending the nation at home and abroad. As America's oldest military branch, the U.S. Army's legacy is built upon generations of service members whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment have helped shape our country's history.

Today, we honor all Army Veterans, past and present, whose service continues this proud tradition.

"This We'll Defend."

🇺🇸🎖️

📍🪖 VACCC Weekly Outreach Schedule – June 1st–5th, 2026 🪖📍

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is back out in the community this week connecting with Veterans, servicemembers, and their families across Chicago and Cook County. 🇺🇸

Our outreach teams will be stationed at multiple VetConnects, office hours, and community partner locations throughout the week to provide direct assistance and answer questions regarding available benefits and services.

This week we are assisting Veterans with:

✅ Emergency Financial Assistance
✅ VA Claims & Benefits Support
✅ Pension & Survivor Benefits
✅ Utility / Rent / Mortgage Assistance
✅ Food & Hygiene Support
✅ Bus Cards (CTA/PACE)
✅ Education Benefits Guidance
✅ Referrals to partner organizations and resources

If you or a Veteran you know needs support, stop by one of our outreach locations listed below or scan the QR code on the flyer to get connected with our office.

📞 312-433-6010
📧 [email protected]

Thank you to all of our community and municipal partners helping us bring services directly into the neighborhoods we serve. 🤝🇺🇸

📣🤝 VACCC Partner Highlight – Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) 🤝📣

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to highlight upcoming career opportunities through our partners at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)! 🇺🇸

IDHS is currently hosting multiple hiring and informational events throughout Illinois for individuals seeking meaningful careers in mental health services, healthcare support, administration, security, and more.

📍 Upcoming Opportunities Include:

🧠 Alton Mental Health Center Career Fair
📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Alton, IL

💻 Chester Mental Health Center Virtual Information Session
📅 June 12, 2026
⏰ Noon
📍 Virtual Event

🤝 Murray Developmental Center Career Fair
📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – Noon
📍 Centralia, IL

These events feature opportunities in:
✔️ Nursing
✔️ Mental Health Services
✔️ Social Work
✔️ Security & Administration
✔️ Clinical Support
✔️ Facility Operations
✔️ Behavioral Health Careers

IDHS also offers strong benefits packages including:
✅ State Pension
✅ Health/Dental/Vision Coverage
✅ Paid Leave & Holidays
✅ Professional Development Opportunities
✅ Family-Friendly Work Environments

If you are a Veteran, transitioning service member, family member, or community member looking for a career that makes a difference, these opportunities may be worth exploring.

📧 For more information: [email protected]

The VACCC is proud to continue supporting partnerships that connect Veterans and communities with meaningful employment opportunities throughout Illinois. 🇺🇸

📣🤝 VACCC Partner Highlight – Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) 🤝📣

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to continue highlighting employment opportunities available through our partners at the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)! 🇺🇸

IDHS is actively hiring across Illinois for a wide variety of career fields and is encouraging applicants from all backgrounds — including bilingual candidates — to apply.

💼 Opportunities currently available include positions in:
✔️ Mental Health Services
✔️ Social Work
✔️ Nursing & Healthcare
✔️ Administration & Finance
✔️ Psychology Services
✔️ Community Outreach
✔️ Legal & Program Operations
✔️ Facility & Support Services

🌎 IDHS is also promoting bilingual hiring opportunities to better serve Illinois’ diverse communities.

Employees may receive benefits including:
✅ State Pension
✅ Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
✅ Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
✅ Professional Development Opportunities
✅ Shift Differentials
✅ Flexible Spending Accounts
✅ Family & Community-Focused Work Environment

📍 Positions are available throughout Illinois, including Chicago and surrounding regions.

📧 For more information or to apply: [email protected]
🌐 Apply online at: dhs.state.il.us/jobs

The VACCC is proud to support partnerships that help connect Veterans, military families, and community members with stable and meaningful employment opportunities throughout the State of Illinois. 🇺🇸

📍🇺🇸 VACCC Weekly Outreach Schedule – June 1–5, 2026 🇺🇸📍

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to continue bringing services directly into communities across Cook County this week! Whether you need assistance with VA claims, Emergency Financial Services, referrals, or simply want to learn more about available Veteran resources — we’re here to help. 🤝

This week, VACCC staff will be supporting Veterans and their families at multiple VetConnects, outreach sites, and VA office hours throughout the county.

📅 This Week’s Outreach Stops Include:
▪️ Alderman Knudsen’s VetConnect
▪️ Alderman Villegas VetConnect
▪️ Alderman Silverstein VetConnect
▪️ Alderman Gardiner VetConnect
▪️ Auburn Gresham Clinic Office Hours
▪️ Jesse Brown VA Office Hours
▪️ Alderman Lopez VetConnect

💼 Services Available May Include:
✔️ Emergency Financial Services (EFS)
✔️ Rent/Mortgage Assistance Referrals
✔️ Utility Assistance
✔️ Food & Hygiene Assistance
✔️ VA Disability Claims Support
✔️ Pension & Survivor Benefits Assistance
✔️ Education Benefits Guidance
✔️ General Veteran Resource Navigation

📍 Track where we are throughout the week and stop by if you or a Veteran you know needs assistance.

📞 Office: 312-433-6010
📧 [email protected]

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Important Update Regarding the VACCC MST Clinic
At this time, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be temporarily discontinuing our MST Clinic services until further notice.

Due to current staffing shortages and ongoing internal restructuring, we want to ensure that every Veteran and partner organization receives the highest quality support, care, and attention possible. Rather than risk providing a level of service that does not meet the standards our Veterans deserve, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily pause the clinic while we work to address staffing and operational needs.

We understand this may be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued trust of both our community partners and the Veterans we serve. Please know this decision was not made lightly, and our commitment to supporting survivors of Military Sexual Trauma and the broader Veteran community remains unchanged.

We hope to resume these services once we are properly staffed and prepared to provide the level of care and coordination that our Veterans deserve. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.

Thank you again for your patience and continued support. 🇺🇸