The Grundy County VAC continues to reach out to veterans

The Grundy County Veterans Assistance Commission has worked with various veterans’ organizations and other community partners for years to engage and educate veterans of all generations regarding veterans benefits. That work continues in collaboration with the Edward Hines Outreach Coordinator and the Community Foundation of Grundy County in Gardner during the August outreach event.

The Hines Outreach Team and the Grundy County VAC with the support of the Community Foundation of Grundy County will be available to answer questions and provide information about a variety of veteran’s benefits on Monday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Foundation South Resource Center, 229 Liberty St., Gardner

This event is free and open to all area veterans, no registration is required.

If a veteran is interested in enrollment in the VA Health Care System, bring a copy of their DD214 and a government issued photo ID. One may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they served in the active military, naval, or air service and didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.

Those who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which you were called to active duty. There are other conditions under which you might be eligible, attending these outreach events will allow you to discuss your situation with the enrollment coordinator directly.

The Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of veterans, their families, and caregivers. Located 12 miles west of downtown Chicago and at six outpatient clinics across the region, Hines VA offers primary, extended and specialty care to Veteran patients in the Chicago area. The hospital treats more than 44,000 veterans from World War II through the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The Grundy County VAC strives each day to assist veterans with a variety of benefits that are available to them from federal, state and local sources. The outreach events in Grundy County help provide additional opportunities for veterans to learn about their benefits.” said Ken Buck, superintendent of the Grundy County VAC.