Veterans Assistance Commission of Washington County

06/27/2026

Come out and see us at the Irvington Homecoming! We have our tent all set up and ready to meet everyone!

06/15/2026

Our email got hacked! If you received an email from [email protected], erase it. I am working with the IT department to get it cleared up. Thank you!

06/05/2026

FRAUD ALERT! Recently, we were notified that many veterans have been receiving text messages that appear to have come from the VA. An example of one of these texts is below:

“VA Benefits & Services: Your VA profile is missing your home address, mailing address, or both. Update it now so you don't miss important benefits information: va.gov/profile”

• Never click links in unexpected text messages claiming to be from the VA.
• Verify directly: If you suspect your profile may actually need an update, navigate to VA.gov directly or contact VA at (800) 827-1000 – do not use the link in the text!
• Contact VA: If you have been the target of a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, contact VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000.

While the VA does occasionally send text messages for appointment reminders or claim updates, they will never demand that a veteran click a link in a text to supply personal or address information.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause as a community and as a nation to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or a date on the calendar—it is a sacred reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice made by those who answered the call to serve, placing duty, honor, and country above themselves. Because of their courage, dedication, and selflessness, we continue to live in freedom.

As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors, may we take a moment to reflect on the lives of those who wore our nation’s uniform and never made it home. Their legacy lives on in every freedom we enjoy, every flag that waves proudly, and every generation that benefits from the sacrifices they made.

As President James A. Garfield once said:
“For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

And in that same spirit, let us remember:
“Let us not mourn that such men died, but rejoice that such men lived.”

Today, we honor them not only in remembrance, but in gratitude. May we strive to live lives worthy of the sacrifices they made.

From all of us at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Washington County, we remember, we honor, and we will never forget.

🇺🇸

02/04/2026

Veterans, check this out!

Veterans, before filing taxes, understand your benefits. VA disability compensation and pension payments, health care, and education assistance are tax-exempt. Verify your specific benefits and consult a trusted tax advisor to ensure accurate reporting. Protect your financial future.

Stay informed and be aware tax support and resources are available by visiting news.va.gov/138085/tax-season-guidance-for-veterans/. To learn about the types of scams targeting Veterans’ benefits, visit Fraud Prevention at https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/fraud-prevention.asp.

Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.

01/25/2026

Due to the cold and drifting roads, the VACWC will not be in the office tomorrow, January 26th. The phones are still operating and sent to my cell phone, so call if you need assistance.

12/30/2025

Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase Alert! VA Compensation & Pension recipients (yes DIC recipients too!) will see a 2.8% increase in their next deposit. See the new compensation rate tables here:
VA Comp: https://www.va.gov/disa.../compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
DIC: https://www.va.gov/.../dependency.../survivor-rates/

12/19/2025

Attention Washington County!

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Washington County is seeking local history and Veteran information connected to a remarkable World War II story at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hoyleton.

The story, as it has been passed down, tells of a balcony once located on the south wall of the church. After a considerable number of the congregation left to serve in WWII—each returning safely home—the congregation removed the original balcony, constructed a new one on the east side, and installed a new top-of-the-line organ as an act of thanksgiving and praise for their safe return.

We are asking for help collecting details about this history.
Specifically, we are hoping to learn more about:

• The number of those who served in WWII from Trinity
• Names of the Veterans
• Any records, letters, programs, or church documents
• Photographs of the original balcony or organ
• Stories shared by families or long-time members

The VACWC hopes to share this incredible local history with our community and honor the Veterans connected to it through an article.

If you have information—no matter how small—please message us here, email at [email protected], or call 618-327-4800 ex178 at the VACWC office.

Help us preserve and honor this powerful chapter in Hoyleton’s history. If you have a similar story that needs to be told, let us know! We would love to get it out there!

12/16/2025

Want to hunt or fish, but have no where to go?

I have personally been on some upland game hunts through this group. The people are absolutely top-notch, the hunts are amazing, and the camaraderie is awesome. Check them out.

The Fallen Outdoors is proud to serve Illinois veterans by providing opportunities to connect, heal, and build camaraderie through hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures.

Each year, Team Illinois hosts over 140 trips, giving an average of 450–475 veterans the chance to experience the outdoors, find community, and create lasting memories.

From deer and turkey hunts to fishing trips and special events, every outing is designed to give back to those who have given so much for our country.

Learn more about how The Fallen Outdoors supports veterans and get involved today:

Building Bonds, Creating Memories, Changing Lives.

12/16/2025

🇺🇸 Veteran Spotlight #1 🇺🇸

Please join us in honoring Andrew S. Pierjok of Richview, a World War II Veteran whose service, leadership, and dedication exemplify the very best of our community. This is the account of his amazing story as told by a family member.

Andrew Stanley Pierjok was born February 23, 1916, in Ashley, Illinois. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during World War II.

Andrew trained artillery crews at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, and later served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. After marrying his longtime sweetheart, Minnie Kroeger, in 1942, he joined the 363rd Special Forces Engineers Battalion and was promoted to First Sergeant.

The 363rd operated across Europe and the Middle East, completing missions critical to Allied success—including dredging ports, building airfields, hospitals, and providing clean water for troops. One of their most remarkable missions included constructing special platforms so President Franklin D. Roosevelt could address troops in the field.

After nearly five and a half years of service, Andrew returned home, eventually farming near Richview using the GI Bill. He and Minnie raised two sons, Gary and Roger.

A devoted husband, father, farmer, and Soldier, Andrew S. Pierjok exemplified the values of the Greatest Generation. He passed away in 1986 and rests beside Minnie in Radom, Illinois.

🇺🇸 We honor and remember his service. 🇺🇸