The Veterans Assistance Commission of Vermilion County will be getting some new leaders. Bill Pickett has the story…
Members of the Commission’s Board of Directors voted tonight (Thursday, December 18, 2025) to terminate Superintendent E. Marti Carroll. The dismissal came after some board members expressed concerns about the fact that over $550-thousand dollars was available to help veterans (as of December 9th) but only about $65,000 has been spent on services for veterans over the past two years. And one board member argued the Veterans Assistance Commission “is the best kept secret in the county.”
The Veterans Assistance Commission Board is also getting a new chairman.
Mickensy Ellis-White has taken the position on an interim basis and hopes to improve the Commission’s image…
{AUDIO: “I don’t think anybody feels really good about what’s been going on, or what has been happening. So, we’re looking forward to increasing public trust and transparency in moving forward in a more positive direction. More accountability, and really being mission focused on the veteran.”}
Ellis-White was asked what veterans should do if they need assistance before next month’s meeting on January 8th….
{AUDIO: “For the interim, we are going to be looking for a new superintendent to appoint. And so, I would encourage them to call the office or the county, and we will try to accommodate them the best way forward.”}
Ellis-White has been one of the board members concerned about the large cash balance of funds that should have been helping veterans…
{AUDIO: “I absolutely have been concerned about that. I think that transparency and… looking for ways to include veterans in programs if they’re asking for help, and reaching out for things that they need should be the primary focus. Not looking to exclude them from these services. So that’s what I think we’ll do moving forward.”}
Some Commission members also expressed concern over a $50-thousand-dollar expense for legal fees. Superintendent Carroll entered into the agreement with an out-of-town lawyer without board approval when she became concerned the county might cut funding for the program. Commission member Matt Long says the Commission will depend on the Vermilion County State’s Attorney for future legal advice.
