Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County

Monthly VACWC Meeting
2025-04-09 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-07-09 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | 555 North Court, 555 North Court, Rockford, IL, 61103, United States
The VACWC holds monthly Commissioner Meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30. A listing of dates can be found here.
An agenda for each regular meeting must be posted at the principal office of the public body and at the location where the meeting is to be held at least 48 hours in advance of the holding of the meeting. A public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains must also post on its website the agenda of any regular meetings. Any agenda posted on the website must remain posted until the regular meeting is concluded.
Agendas are available at https://vacwc.org/about/commission-meeting-minutes/

Zoom Information

Senator Duckworth Mobile Office Hours at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County
2025-06-04 11:00 - 14:00 | 555 North Court, 555 North Court, Rockford, IL, 61103, United States

Blackhawk Disabled American Veterans Chapter #29 Meeting
2025-04-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States
We meet in the ground floor conference room. Use the accessible entrance off the parking lot (Wyman street side of the building)

Top of Illinois Veterans Stand Down Fundraiser
2025-08-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Timber Point Golf Course, 5750 Woodstock Rd, Poplar Grove,, IL, 61065, United States

Piston And Props | Airplanes | Cars | Entertainment
2025-07-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Southern WI Janesville Airport, 1716 W. Airport Road, Janesville, 53546, United States
Join us Veterans Night

Celebrating veterans with a night of recognition, awareness, community, and connection.

Friday, July 18th
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Admission is FREE on Friday for Veterans

Support by: VFW post 1621, VFW Riders Post 1621, Marine Corps League Det 623, and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 45-9

A portion of Friday’s proceeds supports County Veterans Emergency Fund.

Join us for Family Day

A full day of fun for all ages—explore aircraft displays, enjoy airplane rides, check out the car show, grab a bite to eat, and dance along to live music. With kid-friendly activities throughout the day, it’s a celebration the whole family will love!

Saturday, July 19th
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket Pricing Information

The Wall That Heals - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica & Mobile Education Center
2025-07-17 08:00 - 2025-07-20 14:00 | 38 Depot St, 38 Depot St, Antioch, IL, 60002, United States
The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C.
Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals is erected in a chevron-shape and visitors can do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall. The replica is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and its 140 numbered panels are supported by an aluminum frame. Machine engraving of the more than 58,000 names along with modern LED lighting provide readability of The Wall day and night.
As on The Wall, the names on The Wall That Heals are listed by day of casualty. Beginning at the center/apex, the names start on the East Wall (right-hand side) working their way out to the end of that wing, picking up again at the far end of the West Wall (left-hand side) and working their way back in to the center/apex, joining the beginning and end of the conflict at the center.

Finance Committee Meeting - VACWC
2025-06-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States
Fiscal Year 2026 Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County Finance Committee Meeting.

Veteran and Family Art Exhibition
2025-05-30 17:00 - 21:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States
Please sign up using the QR code on the flyer or by contacting Theresa Criss-Amos smpd1005@yahoo.com or 815-601-7779

Dealer School Hiring Event - Hard Rock Rockford
2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E State St, Rockford, IL, 61107, United States

3rd Annual Who Gives a Ruck About Veteran Suicide 5K Walk
2025-05-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Peak Sports Club, 4401 Peak Dr, Loves Park, IL, 61111, United States
Greetings –

It’s time for the 3rd Annual Who Gives a Ruck About Veteran Suicide 5K Walk. This year the event will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and aims to bring awareness to Veteran suicide and the community mental health services that are available to Veterans. We are again encouraging participants to carry a 20 lb. backpack (ruck) to symbolize the roughly 20 Veterans who succumb to suicide every day. Last year we had over 100 participants and raised almost $8000 from generous sponsors.

This year, all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit local organizations/agencies that serve the Veterans throughout our community in various ways, so we’re setting a goal of $16,000!

I am reaching out to ask you to support our efforts by sponsoring the event. I’ve included a flyer that details the different levels of sponsorship so please let me know if you are able to help.

Also please help us spread the word about the event with your friends and colleagues by sharing our Facebook page – Who Gives a Ruck? about Veteran Suicide. And if you’d like to participate in the ruck march, please visit www.runsignup.com to register for the walk.
I appreciate your consideration, and thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Best regards,

Janine Idstein
Who Gives a Ruck Chairperson
jmidstein2@gmail.com

Women's Health Teletown Hall
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | IL
Women’s Health at Madison VA will hold a Telephone Town Hall meeting for Veterans, their families, and community stakeholders.

When:

Wed. May 14, 2025, 12:00 pm CDT – 1:00 pm CDT

Where:
This is an online event.

Cost:
Free

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You must register by noon the day before to receive a call.
We will be calling women Veterans, caregivers and family members to hold a live, interactive town hall meeting over the phone to give updates on the Madison VA Hospital & Clinics with a live Q and A session.

Other VA events
Browse the VA Madison health care events calendar
Browse the VA outreach events calendar

Veteran Employment and Resource Event
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E State St, Rockford, IL, 61107, United States
Join us for the 2025 Veteran Employment & Resource Event, hosted by the Veterans Assistance Commission of Winnebago County (VACWC) and Hard Rock Casino Rockford! This exciting event connects job seekers, employers, and service providers, offering a unique opportunity to explore job openings, career resources, and community services—all in one place. Whether you’re looking for your next career move or seeking to connect with local talent, this event is the perfect platform.
For more information and event details, please visit the official event page here: 2025 Veteran Employment & Resource Event.
Employers and Service Providers To secure your spot and participate in the event, please complete the registration form on the event page by April 30, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your opportunities and connect with the community!

Shepherd's Pie For Davina
2025-05-04 17:00 - 19:00 | American Legion Post #1207, 1011 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL, 61108, United States
Benefit Dinner for Davina ,one of our Bartenders, who recently lost her house to a fire.

Meat Raffle To Help Support Our Veterans
2025-05-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Town Hall Lounge Loves Park, 5624 N 2nd St, Loves Park, IL, 61111, United States

50th Anniversary Tribute: Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
2025-05-03 13:00 - 17:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States
The community is invited to a special 50th-anniversary event honoring the experiences and sacrifices of Vietnam War Veterans. Hosted at Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum in Rockford, IL, this event is in partnership with the Harlem Documentary Project to commemorate 50 years since the Vietnam War ended. The program will feature powerful video presentations created by Harlem High School students, showcasing compelling interviews with distinguished Vietnam Veterans. Following each presentation, student and veteran discussions will provide deeper insights into their stories of service and sacrifice. Major General John L. Borling, USAF, Retired, will deliver closing remarks.
📅 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)📍 Location: Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum, 211 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61101🎟 Free Event – Donations Appreciated
The community is encouraged to attend this meaningful tribute to the heroes who served in the Vietnam War.

Shredded Chicken BBQ Sandwich
2025-05-03 12:00 - 14:30 | American Legion Post #1207, 1011 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL, 61108, United States

Hire A Vet Hiring Event
2025-04-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States

National Montford Point Marine Association - 11th Anniversary Banquet
2025-04-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 211 North Main St., Rockford, IL, 61101, United States
National Montford Point Marine Association Beloit, Wisconsin – Rockford, Illinois Chapter 41
Proudly Presents the 11th Anniversary Banquet
📍 Venue: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61101📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025⏳ Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Social Hour)
🎤 Key Speaker: Alvin L. Blake – USAF Retired Chief Master Sergeant
💵 Donation: $50 per person🪑 Table of 8: $400
🎟 For Tickets, Contact:

Curly Thompson: (815) 988-2735
Calvin Johnson, Sr.: (608) 346-1541
George Blake: (815) 963-7564
Stephen Serwatka: (630) 290-9311
Willie Evans: (815) 904-5381

Join us as we celebrate and honor the legacy of the Montford Point Marines. We look forward to your presence at this special occasion! 🇺🇸
