Veterans can get assistance at Grundy County VA event

The Hines Veterans Affairs Medical Center outreach team and the Grundy County Veterans Assistance Commission will have an outreach event in Channahon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at the Channahon Village Hall, 24555 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon.

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

The Grundy County VAC, along with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Edward Hines Medical Center, can help answer questions about VA health care, the PACT Act, Camp Lejeune water and many other veterans’ benefits and programs, according to a news release from the VA. Representatives can also discuss many other federal, state and local veterans’ benefits and services.

Veterans also 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, according to the release.

If a veteran enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, they must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty, according to the release.

Bring a copy of a DD214 and an ID if to discuss benefits or to file a claim for benefits and services. The Grundy County VAC can assist with getting a DD214.

“Educating our communities veterans about what they are eligible for and how to apply for benefits and services is a part of our mission.” Grundy County VAC superintendent Ken Buck said in the release. “Having the staff from Hines VA Hospital available to come to Grundy County to work alongside us is one way we are able to connect and assist our veterans.”

For information, contact the VAC at vac@grundycountyil.gov or 815-941-3152.