It was back in 2020 that a Veterans Assistance Commission was created in Vermilion County to help guide Veterans to resources for things they need; from help with food, housing, and utilities; to legal assistance and much more. The organization was to receive funding from the county tax levy, while a board for the organization was to be made up of representatives from all Veterans organization within the county; such as American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans chapters.
But passions were high during a Vermilion County Veterans Assistance Commission Board meeting on October 22nd; in their office location at 123 N. Hazel Street. One controversial point of late has been the commission having hundreds of thousands in their bank account, but a very small percentage of that having been spent on helping Veterans over the past few years. In response to that, Chairman of the Board Todd Castleberry announced a couple months back that the commission would not be taking any levy money during the next budget, with plans to hire an office assistant to help commission superintendent Marti Carroll.
Other recent issues bringing response from county officials and the public have been; one, Carroll being voted a raise by the board; and two, that the board is now using commission money to pay for their own attorney. County Board member Lon Henderson, who had stated he was at the 22nd meeting as a concerned citizen, told CIMG that hiring their own attorney was simply not needed. As a county entity, Henderson says, they should be represented by State’s Attorney Jaqueline Lacy. Castleberry told CIMG he disagrees with that, saying the commission is not directly regulated by the county; but under the guidance of the Military Veterans Assistance Act.
Right now, Veterans wanting to meet with commission superintendent Marti Carroll can call 217-554-7956 to make an appointment. Castleberry says they plan to post an office assistant position opening soon. He says Carroll is very busy working alone right now, including at attempts to provide requested information.
AUDIO: She’s also doing intake and Veterans services; and then on top of that she’s trying to fill the roll of FOIA officer. It’s a time consuming process. We’re not denying anybody any information. We’re going to be transparent. It’s just taking time.
Lon Henderson says; if help is needed that badly, the office assistant position should have been posted long ago.
AUDIO: It’s very interesting that there’s been a concern that we need somebody, when it has been budgeted for the last three years. They actually did have a person that was employed for a few months, who left for whatever reason. So, they should have reposted immediately. It’s awful hard to hire someone if people don’t know that there’s a position available.
Henderson also mentioned that having the Veterans Assistance Commission Office at a more visible location; such as the Vermilion County Cannon Building, the Health Department, or perhaps VA Illiana Health Care; would be a big help. He added that not having to call ahead for an appointment would also help, as there are certainly some Veterans out there without phones.
USMC Veteran and State Rep Brandun Schweizer commented the following to CIMG: As a Veteran, I care deeply about making sure local Veterans get the help they’ve earned. The Veterans Assistance Commission has an important role in that mission, connecting those who served with the benefits and support they need. Like many others, I’ve followed the recent discussions, and understand there are concerns about how funds and services are being managed. I believe this is an opportunity to build confidence through better communication, transparency, and outreach. When Veterans know where to turn, and can trust the process, everyone wins; the Veterans, their families, and our entire community.
The next Vermilion County Veterans Assistance Commission Board meeting is set for Thursday, November 13th; 5:30 PM at the 123 N. Hazel Street location.
