Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County

The VACCC is on the move this week! 🇺🇸

Our Outreach Team will be across Cook County throughout the week connecting directly with Veterans, service members, and their families through VetConnect events, office hours, and community outreach opportunities.

Whether you need assistance with VA claims and benefits, emergency financial services, housing support, education benefits, or simply want to learn more about available resources, we are here to help. Stop by, ask questions, and connect with our team in person.

📍 Check out this week’s full outreach schedule below and come see us when we are in your area!

As always, thank you to our community partners, local offices, and Veteran organizations for helping us continue serving those who served. ☕🤝

🚨 VACCC Service Announcement 🚨

Please be advised that our 1100 S. Hamilton office location will be closed this week from Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5 due to staff training.

During this time, Emergency Financial Services (EFS) and VSO services at this location will be unavailable.

📍 For urgent VSO assistance, please contact:
69 W. Washington St., Suite 1420
Chicago, IL 60602
📞 312-603-3865

All regular operations, including EFS services, will resume on Monday, June 8.

We appreciate your understanding as we continue to improve our services to better serve our Veterans.

Last Friday, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County had the opportunity to attend a great Coffee & Conversation event with members of the Cicero Post. ☕🇺🇸

We appreciated the chance to sit down directly with local Veterans, discuss the challenges they are facing, and talk through the many services and resources available through our office and community partners. From VA claims and benefits assistance to emergency financial support, housing navigation, outreach services, and referrals, our goal is always to ensure Veterans know they are not alone and that support is available.

Thank you again to the members of the Cicero Post for welcoming us and for the continued work you do in supporting the Veteran community. We look forward to continuing the conversation and finding new ways to serve those who served.

🇺🇸 VACCC is bringing a Claims Clinic directly to the community! 🇺🇸

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County, in partnership with American Legion Cicero Post 96, invites Veterans and their families to attend our upcoming Claims Clinic today and receive one-on-one assistance from accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs).

📋 Our team can help with:
✔️ VA Disability Claims
✔️ VA Appeals
✔️ VA Pensions
✔️ VA Education Benefits
✔️ Intent to File submissions
✔️ Reviewing ratings and benefit eligibility

Whether you are filing a new claim, appealing a previous decision, or simply looking to better understand the benefits you earned through service, our staff is here to help guide you through the process.

📅 Saturday, May 30th, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 American Legion Cicero Post 96
5820 W 35th St, Cicero, IL 60804

📞 Questions? Contact us at 312.433.6010
📧 [email protected]

You served — now let us help you claim what you’ve earned. 🇺🇸

Vet Corner Daily Dose Spotlight – May 29 🇺🇸

On this day in 2004, the National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., nearly six decades after the guns of World War II fell silent. Thousands of Veterans gathered on the National Mall—many of them in their final years—to witness a nation finally dedicate a permanent tribute to their service and sacrifice.

They were ordinary Americans who answered an extraordinary call. They crossed oceans, stormed beaches, flew through hostile skies, endured unimaginable hardship, and returned home to build the nation they fought to defend.

More than 16 million Americans served during World War II. More than 400,000 never came home. The freedoms we enjoy today were purchased through their courage, perseverance, and sacrifice.

As we reflect on this anniversary, let us remember that the memorial is more than stone and bronze. It stands as a promise that the service of the Greatest Generation will never be forgotten, and that future generations will continue to honor those who answered the call when the world needed them most.

"The price of freedom is visible in every name, every star, and every story carried by those who served."

We remember. We honor. We carry their legacy forward.

🇺🇸 VACCC Outreach Schedule – June 2026 🇺🇸

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is continuing our outreach efforts across the county to ensure Veterans and their families have direct access to the services, benefits, and support they have earned through their service.

📍 This week, join us for our Coffee and Conversation event in Cicero on May 29th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.

📅 Next week, our team will also be conducting outreach and office hours throughout Chicago, including:
• Alderman VetConnect events
• Jesse Brown VA Office Hours
• Auburn Gresham Clinic Office Hours
• Community outreach and claims assistance opportunities

Our staff can assist with:
✅ Emergency Financial Services (EFS)
✅ Rent/Mortgage & Utility Assistance
✅ VA Disability Claims & Appeals
✅ VA Pension Assistance
✅ Survivor Benefits
✅ GI Bill & Education Benefits
✅ Transportation Assistance
✅ Resource Navigation & Referrals

If you or a Veteran you know needs assistance, we encourage you to stop by one of our outreach locations or contact our office directly at 312.433.6010.

Together, we continue serving those who served. 🇺🇸

🏅🇺🇸 VACCC Partner Highlight: Valor Games Midwest 2026 🇺🇸🏅

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to highlight the upcoming Valor Games Midwest, an incredible adaptive sports competition and rehabilitation-focused program designed specifically for Veterans living with physical, visual, and invisible disabilities.

Hosted through the Chicago Park District and community partners, the Valor Games Midwest provides Veterans with the opportunity to build confidence, improve wellness, strengthen camaraderie, and challenge themselves through adaptive athletic competition and training. 💪🇺🇸

📅 Event Dates:
August 18–20, 2026

📝 Registration Period:
May 18 – July 2, 2026

🏹🚴‍♂️ Activities Include:
• Indoor Rowing
• Biathlon
• Shotput
• Discus
• Archery
• Cycling
• Boccia
• Powerlifting

The Valor Games Midwest serves as a three-day introductory Paralympic sport competition experience that empowers Veterans through recreation, teamwork, adaptive sports, and community connection.

⚠️ Registration is now open.

For additional information and registration opportunities, Veterans are encouraged to review the flyer and connect with the program organizers directly.

VACCC is proud to continue supporting and promoting programs that improve the health, wellness, recovery, and quality of life of Veterans throughout Cook County and beyond. Thank you to the Chicago Park District and Valor Games Midwest for their continued commitment to those who served. 🇺🇸

🚣🇺🇸 VACCC Partner Highlight: Veterans Learn to Row Intensive Clinic 🇺🇸🚣

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to highlight another outstanding wellness and recreation opportunity for Veterans through the Chicago Park District and Recovery on Water (ROW)!

Veterans are invited to participate in the Learn to Row Intensive Clinic, a low-impact, full-body fitness and team-building experience designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of rowing both on land and on the water. Participants will learn rowing form, power application, bladework, sequencing, and teamwork while building camaraderie alongside fellow Veterans. 💪🌊

📅 Clinic Dates:
• June 25
• July 9
• July 23
• July 30

🌧️ Rain Dates:
• September 10
• September 24

⏰ Time:
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location:
Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571
2828 S Eleanor St.
Chicago, IL 60608

📞 To Register or Learn More:

Aimee Watters
📧 [email protected]
📞 (312) 881-0499

Ricardo Lara
📧 [email protected]
📞 (312) 805-7570

Programs like these help promote physical wellness, teamwork, confidence, and connection within the Veteran community while offering new opportunities to stay active and engaged. Thank you to Recovery on Water and the Chicago Park District for continuing to support Veterans through meaningful recreational programming! 🇺🇸

🛶🇺🇸 VACCC Partner Highlight: Veterans Kayaking – River Education Day 🇺🇸🛶

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is excited to highlight another outstanding outdoor recreation opportunity for Veterans through the Chicago Park District and Shedd Aquarium staff!

Veterans are invited to participate in a guided kayaking and river education experience along Bubbly Creek, where participants will not only enjoy time on the water, but also learn about the history of the creek, local wildlife, and ongoing environmental preservation efforts helping restore and protect the area. 🌿🌊

📅 Date:
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

⏰ Time:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Location:
Eleanor Boathouse at Park 571
2828 S. Eleanor St.
Chicago, IL 60608

⚠️ Registration is required and spots are limited.

📞 To register or for additional information:
Ricardo Lara – (312) 805-7570
📧 [email protected]

Aimee Watters – (312) 881-0499
📧 [email protected]

Programs like these provide Veterans with opportunities for wellness, recreation, camaraderie, and community connection while encouraging outdoor engagement and environmental education. Thank you to the Chicago Park District and Shedd Aquarium staff for supporting our Veteran community through unique and meaningful experiences! 🇺🇸

🏹🇺🇸 VACCC Partner Highlight: Veterans Archery Clinics & Challenge 🇺🇸🏹

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County is proud to highlight an outstanding recreational and wellness opportunity for Veterans being offered through the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago Park District, and North Side Archery Club!

Veterans are invited to participate in instructional archery clinics this summer at the Lincoln Park Archery Range, where participants can learn and develop archery skills in a welcoming and supportive environment alongside fellow Veterans. Participants who attend at least one clinic will also qualify to participate in the Veterans Archery Challenge later this season! 🎯

📍 Location:
Lincoln Park Archery Range
2 W. Belmont Harbor Dr.
Chicago, IL 60657

📅 Clinic Dates (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
• June 12
• June 26
• July 17
• July 31

🏆 Veterans Archery Challenge:
📅 August 7 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

🌧️ Rain Date:
📅 September 18 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📌 Proof of service is required to register (DD214, Military ID, Veteran designation on driver’s license, etc.)

📞 For questions or registration assistance:
Ricardo Lara
312-805-7570
[email protected]

Programs like these provide more than recreation — they help foster camaraderie, confidence, wellness, and community engagement among Veterans throughout Cook County. Thank you to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago Park District, North Side Archery Club, and Valor Games Midwest for supporting those who served! 🇺🇸