American Legion Post 1941 Service Officer; Chuck Bosko 708-205-3541 chuckbosko@att.net
I. Veterans Crisis Line.
A. If you are experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, dial 988, press 1.
B. Or call Edward Hines VA at 708-202-8387, press 7 to reach the Veterans crisis line
II. Homeless Crisis
A. If you are experiencing a crisis involving being homeless or becoming homeless, call,
1. Edward Hines VA at 708-202-8387 and request homeless assistance
2. Beds Plus at 708-354-0858
3. Midwest Shelter Homeless Veterans 630-871-8387
III. Urgent assistance. If you are a experiencing financial issue regarding payment for utilities, rent or mortgage payment, transportation, reach out to the Cook County Veterans Assistance Commission at 312-433-6010 or email at vaccc@cookcountyil.gov.
IV. Legal Assistance
A. To report veteran scams, or veteran employment problems, or veteran housing issues, reach out to the Military & Veterans Rights Bureau at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Helpline 800-382-3000 or
Illinois.attorney general
B. AFLAN provides civil legal services across Illinois. It is a network of more than ten legal aid organizations and law school clinics. Ilaflan.org 855-452-3526
V. Benefits: Federal, State, County.
A. Federal
1. Health care. Vast array of health care programs. Visit va.gov/healthcare.
a. Most veterans may be eligible, but to qualify, veterans must complete VA form 10-10EZ and visit Edward Hines VA. Must include DD 214.
2. VA Benefits
a. Education. Several programs, best to call VA Education 888-442-4551 benefits, va.gov/gibill For the following, call Post Service Officer Chuck Bosko at above #
3. VA Burial Benefits
a. Eligibility- cem.va.gov
b. Predetermination form, VA form 10-1007 (available at va.gov/forms
4. Military records.
1. Best source: archives.gov/military. This is a website for all, well most government records. Easy to navigate. And probably quickest to request records.
2. Form SF 180. Google form and complete. Various addresses to mail completed form to depending on branch of service.
3. Regarding that 1973 Fire, click here.
4. Military separation upgrades. This concerns veterans who were discharged with conditions less than honorable. There are several approaches for individuals seeking to have a character of discharge corrected or upgraded. It is important to understand, this process is a military legal matter and not a civilian one. If an individual seeks legal guidance, it is best to find an attorney who served in the military as an attorney (JAG Officer) for that lawyer will understand the military legal system.
The major Veteran Organizations do provide this service as well with their attorneys in Washington. Google American legion, VFW, DAV. Etc.
VI. State of Illinois Benefits.
A. Department of Veterans Affairs Provides several resources;
1. Five Veteran Homes are located at Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, Quincy and Anna.
a. These homes are operated by the IDVA and provide assisted living, nursing care, and social activities.
b. Veteran qualifying criteria is available by clicking veterans.illinois.gov
2. The IDVA also provides VA accredited Veteran Service Officers throughout the State to assist veterans applying for Federal and State benefits to include VA Disability claims, VA Pension claims and related State benefits.
3. To learn more about the Illinois benefits, click veterans.illinois.gov or call 217-782-6641
American Legion Coulter Post 1941 has a Post Service Officer with fifteen years’ experience as a VA Accredited Veteran Service Officer-
Chuck Bosko. 708-205-354, chuckbosko@att.net.
