Lockport – The Lockport Township Government will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Reception on November 9, at 10:00 am, for the new Veteran’s Service Office (VSO) located at 1463 S Farrell Rd in the Lockport Township Government Office Building,

The public is encouraged to come to see the new office and meet the new Veteran’s Service Officer, Anthony Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez serves as subject matter expert on federal, state and local benefits and programs available for the area’s veteran community.  The hours of operation for the new office are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except on State holidays. These services are completely free of charge.  Presently, appointments can be scheduled only via email: Anthony.hernandez@illinois.gov.

The Veterans’ Service Office is part of a statewide network that assists Illinois veterans in navigating a network of resources and benefits available to them. Offices are staffed by professionals who provide accurate, up-to-date information, answer questions, and assist with preparing and filing of claims for federal, state and local benefits.  Assistance provided by VSOs includes:

  • Compensation Benefits and Document Assistance– Combat and service-related bonus payments and compensation, DD214 certificates.

    • Survivor and Burial Benefits – Graves registration, grave markers.

    • Educational Benefits – G.I. Bill, Troops to Teachers, Scholarships.

    • Employment Benefits – Employment preference, Jobs for Vets program.

    • Real Estate and Permits – Homestead and Disabled Veterans Standard Homestead exemptions, Adapted Housing exemptions, camping and admissions fees, hunting and fishing licenses.

    • Referral Assistance – Facilitating access to federal VA health care and counseling

services.
• Illinois Veterans Homes – Assist in applying for admission to one of four state-managed homes throughout Illinois.

Veterans wishing to contact Veteran’s Services on days the office is not open may use the “Stand Up and Be Counted” online tool at www.veterans.illinois.gov,  or call the toll-free number 1-800-437-9824.